DGRs to be registered as charities

Federal treasury is seeking submissions on the draft bill Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures 4 for a later sitting) Bill 2020: Requiring all DGRs to be registered charities.

It requires non-government item-1 deductible-gift recipients to register as charities.

The reform will strengthen the transparency and oversight of DGRs and help to ensure tax concessions are appropriately targeted.

Deductible gift recipient reform – strengthening governance and integrity and reducing complexity is an element of the government’s 2017-18 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook measure.

The move is being implemented through an amendment to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

DGR status allows an entity to receive gifts of $2 and more that donors are able to claim as income-tax deductions. The arrangement is intended to encourage philanthropy and provide support for the not-for-profit sector.

The draft bill, explanatory memorandum and FAQs can be downloaded here. 

Submissions are sought by 4 December and are to be sent to dgr@treasury.gov.au.