Gifts and fundraising - frequently asked questions

What information should be included on receipts for gifts?

Although deductible gift recipients (DGRs) are not required by tax law to issue receipts for tax deductible gifts, the issuing of receipts does help donors with the preparation of their tax returns and in case their claims are checked by the Tax Office.

If a DGR issues a receipt for a gift, it must include the following information:

• the name of the fund, authority or institution to which the gift has been made
• the DGR's Australian business number (ABN) if it has one - not all DGRs have an ABN
• that the receipt is for a gift.

DGRs have the option to provide additional information for donors, including:

• the amount of money donated
• a description of the gift if it was property
• the date of the gift.

Where donors are not issued with receipts, other statements and records can be used to help in the preparation of their tax return.

Sections within Claiming deductions for gifts

• Who can claim a deduction?
• How much can be claimed?
• Can donors apportion gift claims?
• Is the cost of attending a fundraising dinner (or similar function) a tax deductible gift?
• If the ticket price of a fundraising dinner exceeds the cost of the dinner, can donors claim a tax deduction?
• If the ticket price of a fundraising dinner is split into a dinner component and a 'gift' component, can donors claim a tax deduction for the 'gift' component?
• Are testamentary gifts deductible?
• Can a volunteer claim a tax deduction for donations of services, money or property to a non-profit organisation?
• What information should be included on receipts for gifts?