Ensuring your favourite charities get the maximum cash is not as simple as chucking coins in a bucket.

Donate the right way and you can boost what they receive by over 50 per cent.

As many people know, the best way to give is using 'Gift Aid'. This allows charities to claim back the UK tax paid on money donated, so if a UK taxpayer gives £1, the charity gets £1.28 which is almost the basic rate tax back.

The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted they are reclaiming three pence per £1 donated more than the actual tax.

This happens because in 2008 when income tax was cut the government said charities could keep the higher amount until 5 April 2011. And that means the amount charities get from basic rate tax is about to drop, so if you are planning to donate, then do it asap and your recipient will receive more.