Charitable donation and social media post

Can we make a tax deductible donation to charity in return for client posting on social media?

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We are a software solutions company, and would like to make a donation to a particular charity when any potential client posts about us having provided them with a potential solution using our software.   We won't be receiving any payment from the clients at this initial stage, although we would hope that it would lead to a sale. 

Would this be classed as a charitable donation and therefore be tax deductible?   Or does the fact that we expect the client to post about us before we make the donation affect this?

Thanks

Replies (10)

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By JDBENJAMIN
13th Jan 2020 17:33

Ask your accountant.

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Replying to JDBENJAMIN:
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By katieq
13th Jan 2020 17:44

Hmm - don’t want to be charged £500

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Replying to katieq:
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By Accountant A
13th Jan 2020 17:51

katieq wrote:

Hmm - don’t want to be charged £500

Do you regard all necessary business expenses in the same way? Why do you think you should be getting professional advice for free?

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Replying to Accountant A:
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By katieq
13th Jan 2020 18:48

No of course not but I’ve always found this forum to be an excellent first port of call for things that may have a simple answer. Sorry.

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Replying to katieq:
ALISK
By atleastisoundknowledgable...
14th Jan 2020 07:53

katieq wrote:

Hmm - don’t want to be charged £500

Change accountant

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Replying to katieq:
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By Mr_awol
15th Jan 2020 09:55

katieq wrote:

Hmm - don’t want to be charged £500

I'll give you the necessary advice for free if you donate £500 to charity.

It's a win-win

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By WhichTyler
13th Jan 2020 17:33

Are you expecting to make a contractual relationship with each potential client regarding the post, or is this more general ("for every post this month with the hashtag this #whatalovelysolution we will give £5 to Battersea Dogs Home")?

It might be tainted if there is a relationship between you or the client and the charity

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Replying to WhichTyler:
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By katieq
13th Jan 2020 17:46

It’s more likely to be the latter. We see it as a good way to raise our profile and help the Australian bush fire crisis, but I want to understand the implications (if there are any) first.

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Replying to katieq:
Lone Wolf
By Lone_Wolf
14th Jan 2020 09:02

katieq wrote:

It’s more likely to be the latter. We see it as a good way to raise our profile and help the Australian bush fire crisis, but I want to understand the implications (if there are any) first.


Nothing warms the heart more than seeing someone look to benefit out of the misfortune of others.

"Yes, of course I'll help those poor people whose lives have been destroyed, but you have to do something for me first."

Truly touching. And to top it off, you except to get free advice on how you treat it. You truly are a special kind of person, aren't you. :)

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Replying to Lone_Wolf:
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By paulwakefield1
14th Jan 2020 18:09

Unnecessarily harsh. You have absolutely no idea what else the OP/their business may or may not have done for the bush fire crisis besides this suggestion.

Many businesses give a portion of sale proceeds to charity. Do you object to that as well?

Plus there is a long and noble history of enlightened self interest.

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