Yes, philanthropy can be a good way to save on taxes in the UK. The government encourages charitable giving by offering tax relief on donations to registered charities. This means that individuals and companies can reduce their tax bill by making donations to charity.

There are several ways in which philanthropy can be used to save on taxes in the UK:

Gift Aid: Under the Gift Aid scheme, individuals can make donations to charity and the charity can claim back the basic rate of tax on the donation. This means that for every £1 donated, the charity can claim an additional 25p from the government. Higher rate taxpayers can also claim back the additional tax relief on their self-assessment tax return.

Donating shares or property: Donating shares or property to charity can be a tax-efficient way to give. Capital gains tax is not payable on the disposal of assets donated to charity, and donors can also claim income tax relief on the value of the donation.

Leaving a legacy: Individuals can leave a charitable bequest in their will, which can reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable on their estate. Charitable legacies are exempt from inheritance tax and can also reduce the overall value of the estate, which can result in a lower tax bill.

In summary, philanthropy can be a tax-efficient way to give to charity in the UK. By taking advantage of tax relief schemes, individuals and companies can reduce their tax bill while supporting causes they care about. It is important to seek professional advice before making any charitable donations to ensure that the donation is structured in the most tax-efficient way possible.