South Sudan: Refugee Asia* washing her hand at an Oxfam supported WASH facility at their shelter at the transit center in Renk. Photo: Peter Caton/Oxfam
Are donations GST-free?
When you give to charity, your first thought probably isn’t about tax. But questions like, “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 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.
For more on tax-deductible gifts, read our guide to the tax benefits of donating or view our tax deductible donations calculator.