Understanding tax deductible donations

What is a tax deductible donation?

In Australia, tax-deductible donations are contributions to Australian Taxation Office (ATO)-approved deductible gift recipients (DGRs) that can be claimed on your tax return, potentially reducing your taxable income and the amount of tax you owe.

Is donating to a university tax deductible?

Yes, in Australia, public universities are endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient. This includes the University of Melbourne. Donors can check our DGR status at the Australian government’s ABN Look-up website. University of Melbourne ABN: 84 002 705 224.

How do tax donations work and how do I claim my tax deduction?

If you give $2 or more to the University, you can claim a deduction and reduce your taxable income. When you lodge your individual Australian tax return, there will be a section where you can enter deductions, including charitable donations like giving to the University of Melbourne.

Generally, you would claim the deduction for the gift in the financial year in which you gave the gift. More information on claiming your deduction at a later date is available on the ATO website.

Once a donor has made a monetary donation to the University, we send a receipt for the gift. It is important that donors keep donation receipts safe to ensure they can support their claimed tax deduction.

• For online donations, donors will receive an email receipt immediately following the payment approval.
• For recurring monthly gifts, donors will receive one receipt at the end of the financial year.  In Australia, the financial year starts on 1 July and ends on the next 30 June. The donation receipt has our name, our ABN, the date the donation was made and the donation amount listed.
• For donations made by mail, a receipt will be posted by mail to the donors’ address within 1-3 business days of the University receiving the gift.

Are non-cash gifts also considered taxable donations?

It is also possible to donate non-cash gifts to the University. Some examples include art, shares, securities, equipment, library books or archival materials. Different tax deductibility rules apply depending on the type and value. A registered tax agent can provide further guidance.

You can call us on +61 3 9035 4054 or email gift-processing@unimelb.edu.au to discuss giving a non-cash gift to the University.

What about giving from overseas?

The University welcomes gifts from overseas. To understand how tax deductible donations from UK, USA, Canada, or Hong Kong SAR work, please visit our overseas giving page. You can also call us on +61 3 9035 4054 or email gift-processing@unimelb.edu.au to discuss your situation.

Why should I give my taxable donation to the University this financial year?

The University stands apart from many other charitable organisations as it drives innovation and provides support across an abundance of impactful areas.

By giving to research at Australia’s number 1 university, you could help uncover more sustainable agricultural practices to improve global food security, or help develop revolutionary, life-saving cancer therapies. And donors who give to the Narrm Scholarship Program can help young students facing disadvantage thrive at the University through wrap-around support.

Donors to the University of Melbourne can also have confidence that their donation will be well-managed and impactful. The University, founded in 1853, has a long-standing tradition of philanthropic support, prioritising effective fund management, strong governance oversight, and excellent donor stewardship to ensure that gifts have a meaningful impact in areas donors are passionate about.