Making your Will

Information for your solicitor

We recommend that you seek professional advice when planning your estate matters. Here is the factual information you will need when including a gift to the University of Sheffield in your WIll.

Inheritance tax

The University pays no tax on gifts of money or property made in your lifetime or after your death, and a legacy gift to the University normally reduces tax payable on your estate, if it is over £325,000.

UK legislation on Inheritance Tax has changed. Any estate which leaves at least 10% of its taxable wealth to a charitable cause can take advantage of a reduced rate in Inheritance Tax, from its normal level of 40% down to 36%. Please speak to your solicitor or financial advisor to find out more.

Official contact

University Secretary

University address

The University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN​​​​

Exempt charity status

The University of Sheffield is an exempt charity (Charity number - X1089) and is exempt from Income Tax and Inheritance Tax.

Charitable status

Suggested wording

Here are some examples of suggested wording for your Will. These can be adapted according to you particular needs and wishes. We recommend that your Will wording is checked by a solicitor or relevant qualified person.

Residuary bequest

This is when you leave a share of your estate to the University, after allowing for expenses, pecuniary and specific bequests. The advantage of a residuary bequest is that it helps to maintain the value of your gift into the future.

“I give to the University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN (reference X1089) all [or a percentage share] of my residuary estate free from all taxes and duties to be applied to the general purposes (or other preferred area) of the said University. I declare that the receipt of the University Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being of the University shall be good and sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

Pecuniary bequest

This is a fixed amount gift, which can be index-linked to rise with inflation to reduce the need for you to change the amount periodically.

“I give to the University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN (reference X 1089) the sum of £………………………………. (in words and figures) free from all taxes and duties to be applied to the general purposes [or your preferred area] of the said University. I declare that the receipt of the University Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being of the University shall be good and sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

Reversionary bequest

This enables you to pass your estate (or asset) to an initial beneficiary to have the benefit and enjoyment during their lifetime. After the time, the estate (or asset) can be passed to the University absolutely.

Wording for reversionary bequests to support the University will need to be discussed with your solicitor.

Get in touch

We are always happy to discuss your Will wording with you. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with the University's Philanthropy Manager for Legacies and Individual Giving, David Meadows.

Telephone: +44 (0) 114 222 1073

Email: d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk

Changing your current Will

To make an amendment to an existing Will, you will need to complete a Codicil form. Please discuss adding a Codicil to your Will with your solicitor.

Free Wills Network

The University is a member of The National Free Wills Network which enables us to offer a limited number of supporters a free Will. You can use the service to write or amend a simple or mirror Will, free of charge.

Request your Free Wills pack

How the Free Wills Network works:

1. Contact us and request a free pack
2. The Free Wills Network will send you a pack in the post with a list of your local participating solicitors
3. Make an appointment with your chosen solicitor
4. Work with your solicitor to complete your Will

Giving through your pension on death

You can nominate the University of Sheffield as a beneficiary of your pension on death. This is applicable if you are currently withdrawing income from a personal pension fund or you have life assurance provided by your employer’s pension scheme. This is an extremely tax-efficient way of supporting the University with a gift that is completely free of Inheritance Tax. Please contact us for more information.

Testamentary bequests from the USA

If you are interested in making a bequest to the University from the USA, please visit our Giving in the USA page to read more about a bequest from the USA.