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Leaving a Charitable Gift in Your Will โ€” Irish Guide

By Hugh Phelan Solicitor ยท 2026-04-29 ยท WillsCharitable GivingEstate Planning

Hugh Phelan Solicitor & Notary Public โ€” Douglas, Cork

Wills ยท Probate ยท Enduring Power of Attorney ยท Notarisation & Apostille

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Many people in Cork want to leave something to a cause they care about. A charitable bequest in your will is one of the most meaningful legacies you can leave โ€” and in Ireland, it can also be tax-efficient.

Types of Charitable Bequest

TypeHow It Works
Specific bequestLeave a specific sum (e.g. โ‚ฌ10,000) to a named charity
Residuary bequestLeave a percentage of your residuary estate to charity
Remainder bequestCharity receives what's left after other gifts are made
Conditional bequestGift on fulfillment of a condition (e.g. if a beneficiary predeceases)

CAT (Inheritance Tax) & Charitable Bequests

Gifts to qualifying charities are exempt from Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT). This means a charitable bequest is tax-efficient for the estate โ€” the full amount reaches the charity without any inheritance tax deduction.

Getting the Charitable Bequest Right

A charitable bequest must clearly identify the charity โ€” use the full official name, registration number, and address. Hugh Phelan Solicitor ensures charitable bequests in Cork wills are correctly worded and enforceable.

Popular Cork charities for bequests: Cork University Hospital (CUH) charity, Cork Simon Community, Marymount University Hospital & Hospice, Cork Animal Care Society, Irish Cancer Society Cork, and many others. Always confirm the correct registered name with Hugh Phelan Solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I leave money to a charity in my Irish will?

A charitable bequest in your will must identify the charity by its full official name and registration number. Hugh Phelan Solicitor ensures it is correctly worded and legally enforceable.

Is a charitable bequest subject to inheritance tax in Ireland?

No. Gifts to qualifying charities are exempt from Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) in Ireland โ€” the full amount passes to the charity.

Can I leave a percentage of my estate to charity in my Irish will?

Yes. A residuary bequest leaves a percentage of what remains after all other gifts are paid. This is a flexible way to make a charitable bequest.

Hugh Phelan Solicitor & Notary Public โ€” Douglas, Cork

Wills ยท Probate ยท Enduring Power of Attorney ยท Notarisation & Apostille

๐Ÿ“ž 021-489-7134 Book Appointment โ†’