Do you need a receipt to claim your donation?

Making a tax deductible donation allows you to both provide valuable support for the amazing work done by organisations like The Fred Hollows Foundation and optimise your tax position. 

However, one question we get a lot is whether you need a receipt to claim a tax deduction on your donation.

The short answer is that in most cases yes, you do need a receipt for tax deductible donations in Australia. Fortunately, all supporters of The Fred Hollows Foundation receive a tax receipt automatically.

Please note that this article provides information in general. For personalised tax advice, always consult a registered tax agent or financial adviser as tax laws can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Discover how your support of The Foundation can help restore sight around the world.

Is a Donation Receipt Required to Claim a Tax Deduction?

In Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific regulations and rules around not just what is and is not tax deductible, but what sort of evidence you need to demonstrate when making a claim.

Typically, you need written evidence in the form of a receipt or, in some cases, at least a signed letter from an eligible charity confirming the amount you have donated as part of your support.

The Fred Hollows Foundation will automatically issue you a receipt upon receiving your gift, but technically not all DGRs are required to.

What is a DGR?

Put simply, DGR stands for Deductible Gift Recipient. It refers to an organisation or fund endorsed by the ATO to receive tax-deductible donations.

What is Required for a Donation Receipt to be Valid?

For your donation receipt to be valid and acceptable as proof of a charitable gift or support, it should contain the following information at a minimum:

• The name of the organisation (i.e., The Fred Hollows Foundation)
• The organisation's ABN
• The date the gift or donation was made
• The amount given
• A statement that the gift is tax-deductible (for DGR organisations)

Here at The Fred Hollows Foundation, we understand the ATO requirements and ensure our receipts issued meet all of these requirements.

Do you need a Printed Receipt of your Donation?

No, you do not.

Most gifts from supporters of The Foundation are done online through our website. Receipts are then automatically emailed to the contact address provided. The digital file is sufficient for the ATO’s requirements.

If you were issued a printed or physical donation receipt, you can make an electronic copy of the receipt that is a “true and clear reproduction of the original”. You are then not required to keep the original paper receipt.

Please remember to safely file the digital copy before getting rid of the physical receipt!

How Do I Get a Receipt for My Donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation?

For most supporters who gift online, a tax-ready receipt is sent automatically to the email address you provided at the time. 

If you provide your support over the phone, in the post or even in person, your receipt may be mailed to your provided address, or still emailed - depending on your chosen contact preferences.

What should you do if you have not received a receipt for your donation?

Check your spam folder

If you haven't received your receipt from The Foundation, the first step is to check your email spam or junk folder.

It is not uncommon for automated receipts to be flagged incorrectly as spam or junk by your email platform.

Contact The Fred Hollows Foundation

If your receipt is not in your junk folder or if you have misplaced your original receipt and require a copy, make sure to reach out to The Foundation’s donation and supporter services line.

We will be able to provide you with a copy of your receipt. Just call 1800 352 352 or email [email protected].

Are you able to claim a tax deduction without a receipt?

The ATO outlines alternative methods for still making a tax deductible claim on charitable donations without a receipt.

In some cases, a bank statement may be sufficient as demonstrable written proof. We recommend seeking custom, independent tax advice from a registered agent in such circumstances.

Can I Claim a Tax Deduction for a Regular Giving or Monthly Donation?

Yes, absolutely you can. 

If you are one of our ongoing supporters and participate in a regular giving (monthly) arrangement, each individual payment is tax-deductible. 

At the end of the financial year, we will issue you a consolidated annual tax receipt that summarises all payments made during that year. 

This way you only have the one comprehensive receipt to file and include for the ATO, making it simple to complete your tax return and making sure you don’t miss out on the tax deductibility of your generous monthly contributions.

What If I Made a Cash Donation and Don't Have a Receipt?

Unfortunately, cash gifts without a receipt or acceptable written evidence cannot be claimed as a tax deduction in Australia. 

That is why, if you regularly give cash, for example at a community event or workplace fundraiser, we recommend considering switching to an online or direct debit arrangement. That way every gift is provided with a receipt automatically.

At The Foundation, our intuitive and easy-to-navigate donation portal makes online gifting easier. And if you need a hand, our team is here to help provide support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Needing a Receipt to Claim Your Donations

Do I need a receipt to donate to The Fred Hollows Foundation? 

No, you do not need a receipt to donate. The purpose of a receipt is to provide evidence of your support so you can claim a tax deduction.

What if I lost my donation receipt? 

Don’t worry! We can provide you with a copy. Just contact The Fred Hollows Foundation's team; we keep records of all gifts and can reissue receipts.

Can I get a receipt for a gift I made in a previous financial year? 

Yes, you can. The Fred Hollows Foundation can reissue receipts for past gifts. Just let us know the approximate date and amount (if you remember) of your gift.

Is there an easy way to record my donation and gift receipts?

You can use the ATO app as an easy and effective record-keeping tool. It helps you keep track of your receipts throughout the year, including the ones issued by The Foundation.

Download the myDeductions app today to explore how it works.

Is a bank statement enough to claim a tax deduction instead of a receipt? 

It is generally not recommended to provide a bank statement alone. However, according to ATO’s website, there may be cases where it is acceptable. A formal receipt is always preferable especially as it confirms the organisation's DGR status.

What if I received something in return for my donation e.g., like a raffle ticket or merchandise? 

If you received a material benefit in exchange for your payment, only the portion above the market value of that benefit is tax-deductible. Raffle tickets, gala dinner tickets and merchandise purchases are not tax deductible.

If you are unsure, check your receipt from The Fred Hollows Foundation; it will note this on your receipt if/where applicable.

How much of my donation actually goes to programs?

Gifts to The Foundation support our mission of preventing avoidable blindness. In fact, 75% of donated funds go directly to eye health programs and advocacy. The remaining funds support the operations that make those programs and invaluable work possible.

How does The Fred Hollows Foundation use my donation? 

Your support helps The Foundation fund eye surgeries, provide eyecare equipment, train local eye health workers, and advocate for sustainable health systems. The Foundation has been working to end avoidable blindness across more than 25 countries for decades and every gift we receive supports this amazing cause.

Are you ready to help us end avoidable blindness? Make a tax deductible donation today!