Private ruling: Deductibility of fundraising expenses
Date of advice: 13 June 2016
Published: July 2016
Ruling period: Year ending 30 June 2016 | Year ending 30 June 2017 | Year ending 30 June 2018 | Year ending 30 June 2019
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2015

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to claim a deduction for expenses incurred to raise money for a charity? | A1: No.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You participate in a fundraiser event for a deductible gift recipient (DGR). You purchased and fitted out a vehicle which is used for the sole purpose of raising funds for the DGR. You have incurred costs in preparing the vehicle and running costs during the event.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Division 30

Reasons for decision: Summary: Section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) provides that non-testamentary gifts (to the value of $2 or more) made to a DGR that can be deductible include: • money • property (including trading stock) purchased during the 12 months before the gift was made • property valued by the Commissioner at more than $5,000 • an item of trading stock disposed of outside the ordinary course of business You can claim a deduction for contributions to approved organisations that relate to fund-raising events where you received a minor benefit for your contribution, provide that: • the contribution meets certain conditions, and • the benefit you received does not exceed a specified limit. To be deductible, your contribution must meet all of the following requirements: • the contribution must be made to a DGR for either • a right to attend or participate in a fundraising event in Australia • the purchase of goods or services as a successful bidder at an auction that is, or is at, a fundraising event in Australia • the contribution must be more than $150 (and can include certain property contributions) • the GST-inclusive value of the right or the goods or services (the benefit) must not be more than $150 or 20% of the value of the contribution, whichever is less • the contribution must meet any gift conditions relating to the DGR as though it was a gift • the contribution must be made by an individual. In your case, you did not gift money directly to DGR instead you paid the expenses to prepare and operate a vehicle used in a fundraising event. These expenses are not part of a contribution to the DGR for the right to participate in the event. You do not satisfy the conditions of section 30-15 of the ITAA 1997 as you did not donate money or property to the DGR. Therefore, you are not entitled to a deduction for expenses paid to purchase, outfit and operate your vehicle as part of the event.