Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone who has donated to charity this year

has issued some timely advice to anyone who has donated to charity this year.

In a video on his YouTube channel, he explained how some people can actually make money by giving.

He said: "If you donate to charity say yes to Gift Aid, because that way the charity gets more - and you may get more too.

"I'm doing this video because every year charities across the UK miss out on hundreds of millions of pounds in unclaimed Gift Aid which you could do and it doesn't cost you a penny.

He continued: "The simple rule is when you donate - if you're a - that's crucial. Just say yes indeed to Gift Aid. It is that simple.

"But let me explain why and why you may be due some money in some circumstances.

"Now, the reason this works is because when most people are paid, 20 percent tax is usually taken off.

"When you're paid, the tax office comes along and takes 20 percent of it away. So, if you earn 25 quid, you take home 20 of it only."

"But Gift Aid means when you donate that 20 to charity, the charity gets your money - and the tax that you pay back - which works out as a gain of 25 percent on top. It doesn't cost you anything, but on each £2 it gets a five or more."So say yes to , and the 20 becomes £25. And there's more."If you're a higher 40 percent rate taxpayer - therefore for every £100 you earn you take home £60 - and the tax office gets £40. If you donate to charity, the charity still gets the 25 percent boost - so the charity is getting more."And you can claim the remainder of the tax that you paid back, which you could then donate to you! Generally, do this using your self-assessment form."