To make sure you can claim your contribution at tax time, here’s what the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requires and how to stay organised before the new year begins.
Why Good Records Matter
The ATO requires proof for all tax-deductible gifts and contributions. Without proper documentation, you may miss out on valuable deductions or face delays when lodging your tax return.
Keeping clear, accurate records now means a smoother, stress-free tax season later.
What Counts as Acceptable Evidence?
To claim a tax-deductible donation, you’ll need one of the following:
- A receipt from the charity or organisation
- A signed letter from the eligible organisation confirming your donation
- A receipt showing any minor benefit you received (e.g., a charity dinner ticket)
If you attended an event or received a token benefit, the receipt must show the value of the benefit so the deductible amount can be calculated correctly.
What Should Be on a Valid Donation Receipt?
For your record to be accepted by the ATO, it should include:
- The name of the fund, authority, or institution
- The DGR’s ABN (Deductible Gift Recipient), unless they are exempt
- A statement confirming the payment was a gift
Not all charities are DGR-endorsed, so keep an eye out for this when donating.
No Receipt? You Can Still Claim
If you can’t locate your donation receipt, don’t panic—other forms of evidence are acceptable. You may still claim using:
- Bank statements showing the transaction
- Written confirmation from the charity or organisation
Most reputable charities are happy to resend donation confirmations upon request.
Workplace Giving: What You Need
If you made donations through your employer, you can use:
- Your income statement or payment summary
- A receipt from a third-party provider
- A written statement from your employer confirming the deduction
Workplace giving is often the easiest way to keep donation records tidy.
Go Digital With Your Record-Keeping
Digital copies are perfectly acceptable as long as they’re clear and readable.
If you want to stay organised year-round, try:
📱 ATO myDeductions app
This free tool lets you save receipts, track donations, and store records securely in one place.
Pro Tip
Start the new year on the right foot by organising your donation records now. Clear documentation means more confidence at tax time and ensures you get every deduction you’re entitled to.
Giving feels good. Claiming it correctly feels even better!
