Are Donations GST Free?
When you give to charity, your first thought probably isn’t about tax. But questions like “Do donations have GST?” or “Are donations GST-free?” come up often — especially when tax time rolls around.
The short answer? In most cases, donations made to registered charities like Oxfam Australia are not subject to GST.
But there are a few exceptions, and it’s worth knowing how donations and GST works. This guide will walk you through the key rules in plain English, so you can give with confidence.
Are donations GST-free in Australia?
Yes, genuine donations made to a registered charity are generally GST-free. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), a donation is not subject to GST if:
- It’s a gift, given voluntarily and without receiving anything in return
- It’s made to a charity or organisation that is registered for GST
- The donor doesn’t expect a material benefit (like goods, services, or the chance to win a prize)
Quick self-check: If you didn’t get anything in return, and the organisation is a registered charity like Oxfam Australia, your donation is likely GST-free.
However, there are exceptions. We’ll explain more in the next section. Want to double-check an organisation’s tax status? Use the ABN Lookup. Or for more on tax-deductible gifts, read our guide to the tax benefits of donating.
When is GST added to donations?
Some payments feel like donations but don’t qualify as GST-free. That’s because the ATO sees them as payments for goods or services – not gifts.
You may need to pay GST (and the charity may need to collect it) if:
- You received something in return, like a ticket to a fundraising dinner or event
- You bought items at a charity auction or market stall
- You entered a raffle or competition
- You paid for merchandise or services offered by the charity
These transactions might still support a great cause, but because you’re receiving a tangible benefit, they’re considered taxable supplies under GST rules.
There’s a simple rule of thumb: if your payment was more like a purchase than a gift, it’s not GST-free.
Still not sure about donations and GST? That’s okay. You can always check with the organisation or visit the ATO’s GST and fundraising page.
How to make sure your donation is GST-free
If you want to make a GST-free donation, there are four main things to keep in mind.
Give freely, without receiving anything in return
This is the big one. A genuine donation is made voluntarily, with no material benefit in return. It’s not a trade – it’s a gift.
Check the charity’s status
Make sure the organisation is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). You can do this quickly using the ABN Lookup. (Good to know: Oxfam Australia is a registered DGR.)
Ask for a receipt
While not required for GST purposes, a receipt confirms that your donation meets the criteria for being GST-free and tax-deductible. It’s good practice for you and for the organisation.
Be clear about what your donation supports
Many donors want to help with humanitarian emergencies, like those in Gaza, South Sudan or Myanmar. Making a direct, unrestricted gift through a charity’s donation page is often the clearest way to ensure your donation is GST-free.
Ready to give? Here’s what to remember
Understanding GST and donations doesn’t need to be complicated. Most genuine donations to registered charities like Oxfam Australia are GST-free — because they’re voluntary gifts, not payments for goods or services.
So if you’re donating $2 or more, not receiving anything in return, and you’ve got a receipt from a DGR-registered charity, then you’re all set.
More importantly? You’re helping create a more just and equal world. From humanitarian crises in South Sudan and Gaza to long-term support for Rohingya refugees, your donation can make a real difference today.
Donate now or explore our current appeals.
Do you still have tax questions? Find out whether your donations are tax-deductible with our tax deductions calculator.
Why give to Oxfam Australia?
If you’re considering donating, we’d love you to consider Oxfam.
We’re a registered charity with DGR status, so donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. But more importantly, your gift helps tackle the inequalities that fuel poverty.
From supporting women-led farming programs in rural communities to providing emergency aid in the wake of floods and conflict, your donation goes where it’s needed most. It helps people build safer lives, fairer futures and stronger communities.
We also hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. Our latest annual report shows exactly how we use your donations.
Together, we can build a more just and equal world, one donation at a time. And if you give before 30 June, your donation could still count toward this year’s tax return. Donate now or explore our current appeals.
FAQ: Tax benefits of donating
Are donations 100% tax deductible in Australia?
They can be if they meet all the ATO’s requirements. There’s no fixed percentage cap on donations, but the deduction only applies to the value of genuine gifts to DGR-registered charities. Just keep in mind: tax deductions reduce your taxable income, not the tax you owe directly.
Can I still claim my donation if I lost the receipt?
Yes, you can usually still enjoy a tax break for donations even if you’ve lost the receipt. If you have another form of evidence, like a bank statement or PayPal confirmation, the ATO may still accept it. But it’s best to keep official receipts where you can.
How much can I claim without receipts?
The ATO stipulates that you can claim a tax deduction of up to $10 for small cash donations (each of $2 or more) made to bucket collections conducted by a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) for natural disaster relief without needing a receipt. For any other donations or for amounts exceeding $10, you must have a receipt or other acceptable evidence to support your claim.
Do donations increase tax loss?
Donations reduce your taxable income. If you’ve had a low-earning year and already have more deductions than income, adding donations could increase your overall tax loss. This won’t result in a refund, but it could reduce tax payable in future years if you carry the loss forward.
How does workplace giving work?
If your employer offers workplace giving, your donations are deducted from your pre-tax income, so the tax benefit is immediate. You won’t need to claim anything extra at tax time.
Can I claim donations made in someone else’s name?
No. You can only claim donations you made yourself from your own income. If the donation was made using a joint account, the person who claims it must have contributed the money.
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