You can claim a deduction for a gift of shares to an approved organisation if:
- the shares were held in a company that was listed on an approved Australian stock exchange on the day the gift was made
- you acquired the shares at least 12 months before making the gift ('acquired' includes purchased, inherited, won or received as a gift or a bonus)
- the parcel of shares had a market value of $5,000 or less on the day you made the gift
- the parcel of shares was valued at $2 or more.
You cannot claim a deduction for shares that are suspended from trading (other than a mere trading halt).
Gifts of shares held in different companies are separate gifts even if given at the same time.
A deduction is also available to you where you contribute the shares in return for a right permitting you or another individual to attend or participate in a particular fund-raising event in Australia. The gift must satisfy the rules for contributions to fund-raising events (see the previous page):
- the market value of the shares on the day they are contributed must be more than $150 but less than or equal to $5,000
- the market value of the right to attend or participate in the fund-raising event must not exceed 20% of the value of the shares or $150, whichever is less.
Be aware that capital gains tax applies when you make a gift of shares.