Tax Concession & DGR Lawyers for NFPs & Charities
- Expert legal advice on charity tax concessions & DGR status.
- Guidance on income tax, GST, and FBT exemptions.
- Strategic support for securing and maintaining DGR endorsement.
- Protecting your NFP’s financial benefits and compliance.
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Our Services
Our NFP Tax Concession & DGR Endorsement Services
LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants offers a complete suite of legal services to help your charity or NFP navigate Australia’s complex tax laws. Our experienced DGR lawyers provide practical advice to help you secure and maintain all available tax concessions, maximising your financial benefits and ensuring compliance.
1
Tax Concession Eligibility and Advice
We provide a thorough assessment to determine your organisation’s eligibility for a range of tax concessions, including income tax exemption, GST concessions, and FBT rebates. Our team provides clear, strategic advice on all available benefits.
2
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Endorsement
We manage the entire process of applying for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the ATO. Our lawyers help you navigate the 53 DGR categories, meet all preliminary requirements, and prepare a strong application to secure this vital fundraising endorsement.
3
Public Fund and Gift Fund Structuring
If required for your DGR category, our team provides legal advice on establishing and operating a public fund or a gift fund. We ensure these structures are set up correctly and have appropriate clauses in your governing documents to meet ATO requirements.
4
Ongoing Compliance and ATO Reviews
We provide ongoing legal support to help your NFP maintain its tax concessions and DGR status. Our services include assisting with compliance reviews and advising on the tax implications of asset transfers or changes to your organisation’s activities.
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Our clients trust LawBridge to provide clear, reliable & practical legal support.
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Our Tailored Approach to NFP Tax & DGR Matters
Our approach is centred on delivering practical legal solutions that empower your not-for-profit to navigate complex tax laws, secure all available concessions, and maintain compliance so you can focus on your mission.
Understanding Your Organisation's Purpose
We begin by gaining a thorough understanding of your NFP’s charitable purpose, activities, and structure. This foundational step allows us to accurately assess your eligibility for various tax concessions and identify the most suitable Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) category for your organisation.
Developing a Strategic Endorsement Pathway
Our approach focuses on creating a clear, practical pathway to secure your tax endorsements. We consider the specific ACNC and ATO requirements for your chosen DGR category and develop a robust application strategy that is both effective and aligned with your long-term goals.
Implementation and Compliance Support
We assist with the hands-on implementation of your application, from preparing submissions to establishing required gift funds. Our ongoing support helps your organisation maintain its endorsed status and manage compliance reviews, safeguarding your financial benefits.
Why Choose LawBridge as Your DGR Lawyers
Choosing the right legal partner is essential for navigating the complex tax landscape for not-for-profits. LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants provides expert, tailored support to help charities and NFPs secure and maintain DGR status and other vital tax concessions.
Experienced DGR and Tax Concession Lawyers
Our team brings extensive legal expertise to the unique tax challenges of the not-for-profit sector. We provide strategic advice on eligibility for income tax, GST, and FBT concessions, and guide you through the complexities of DGR endorsement.
Deep Understanding of ATO & ACNC Requirements
LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants offers deep insight into the ATO and ACNC regulatory landscape. We stay current on the requirements for all 53 DGR categories, ensuring our legal advice is practical, up-to-date, and aligned with your compliance obligations.
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Team
Meet Our Dedicated NFP & Charity Law Team
The LawBridge team includes dedicated not-for-profit lawyers focused on providing exceptional legal support to charities and not-for-profit organisations. We understand the unique operational environment and legal complexities faced by the NFP sector.
Adam Jacobs
Partner & Co-Founder
Ramia Abdo Sultan
Partner & Co-Founder
Mohamad Kammoun
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Comprehensive Not-for-Profit & Charity Law Services
LawBridge offers a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to the specific needs of the not-for-profit (NFP) and charity sector.
NFP Governance & ACNC Compliance
Strengthen governance and meet ACNC requirements with legal advice on board duties, reporting, and regulatory obligations.
NFP Employment & Workplace
Navigate employment law confidently with guidance on hiring, contracts, workplace policies, disputes, and regulatory compliance.
Government Funding Agreements for NFPs
Understand and manage government funding contracts with legal support for obligations, compliance, and risk mitigation.
NFP Tax Concessions & DGR
Clear guidance on securing tax concessions and DGR status, with support for eligibility, applications, and compliance.
Charity Fundraising, Donations & Sponsors
Ensure your fundraising activities meet legal standards with advice on compliance, donor agreements, and fundraising regulations.
NFP & Charity Set-Up
Start strong with legal guidance on structure, registration, charitable status, and long-term compliance planning.
Charity Disputes & ACNC Investigations
Resolve internal and external disputes and respond to investigations with expert legal support tailored to charitable organisations.
NFP Mergers, Corporate Restructuring & Collaborations
Strategic legal advice for mergers, restructures, and partnerships that align with your mission and regulatory obligations.
NFP Intellectual Property
Protect your brand, content, and innovations with legal advice on trademarks, copyright, licensing, and IP strategy.
Property Lawyers for NFPs
Expert legal support for leasing, acquiring, and managing property assets aligned with your charitable objectives.
Charitable Trust & Foundations
Expert support for establishing and managing trusts and foundations, ensuring compliance, governance, and long-term charitable impact.
Social Enterprise for NFPs
Build sustainable impact with legal advice on hybrid models, income generation, governance, and regulatory compliance.
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Understanding Tax Concessions for Not-for-Profit Organisations
In Australia, registered charities and eligible not-for-profit organisations can access significant tax concessions. These benefits, such as income tax exemption, GST concessions, and FBT rebates, are granted by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and are crucial for maximising the funds available for your mission.
To be eligible, your organisation must meet specific criteria related to its purpose and structure, and be endorsed by the ATO. Our charity tax concession lawyers provide the essential legal advice to determine if your NFP is eligible for these valuable benefits.
What is Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status?
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status is a separate endorsement from the ATO that allows your organisation to receive tax-deductible donations. This is a powerful fundraising tool, as it provides a significant incentive for individuals and businesses to support your charitable cause.
Securing DGR status is a complex process. Your charity must fall into one of the 53 DGR categories and meet strict requirements, including having specific clauses in its constitution. We provide expert legal help for organisations applying for DGR status.
The Process of Applying for Tax Endorsements
Before applying for tax concessions or DGR status, your organisation must first be a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and have an ABN. The application is then made to the ATO, often passed on by the ACNC during initial registration.
The process requires detailed submissions and evidence that your not-for-profit meets all legal tests. As specialist DGR lawyers, we provide the legal support to manage this entire process, ensuring a compliant and robust application.
Maintaining Your NFP's Tax-Exempt Status
Once granted, your charity’s tax-exempt and DGR status must be maintained. This means your organisation must continue to operate for its charitable purpose, comply with its governing rules, and meet any ongoing reporting obligations to the ACNC and ATO.
Any changes to your activities or structure can affect your endorsements. We provide ongoing legal services and conduct compliance reviews to help you navigate these legal obligations, safeguarding your crucial tax benefits.
Insights
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Frequently Asked Questions About NFP Tax Concessions & DGR Status
LawBridge supports not-for-profits with clear tax concession guidance. Explore answers to common questions about DGR status, eligibility, and regulatory compliance.
What are tax concessions for a not-for-profit?
Tax concessions are benefits from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that reduce the tax an NFP has to pay. This can include exemptions from income tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
Is my not-for-profit automatically income tax exempt?
No. To be income tax exempt, a charity must be registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO. Other types of NFPs may be able to “self-assess” as exempt if they fall into specific categories like a sporting or community service organisation.
What is Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status?
DGR status is an ATO endorsement that allows your organisation to receive gifts and donations which the donor can claim as a tax deduction. It is a crucial tool for fundraising and is separate from general income tax exemption.
How does my organisation get DGR status?
To get DGR status, your organisation must first be a registered charity, have an ABN, and fit into one of the 53 DGR categories defined in tax law. You must then submit a formal application for endorsement to the ATO.
Does being a registered charity guarantee DGR status?
No. While being a registered charity is a prerequisite for most DGR categories, it does not guarantee endorsement. You must still prove to the ATO that your organisation’s purpose and activities fit within a specific DGR category.
What is a "public fund" in the context of DGR?
For some DGR categories, the ATO requires the organisation to maintain a separate public fund to receive tax-deductible gifts. This fund must have its own bank account and be managed by a responsible committee.
Do we need a special clause in our constitution for DGR?
Yes. Your organisation’s governing documents (like its constitution) must contain specific clauses regarding how funds are handled upon winding up or if DGR endorsement is revoked. This is a strict ATO requirement.
Can we lose our tax concessions or DGR status?
Yes. If your organisation’s activities change and no longer align with its charitable purpose or the requirements for its endorsement, the ATO can review and revoke your tax concessions or DGR status.
What are the main types of tax concessions available?
The main concessions are income tax exemption, GST concessions (which can include being GST-free or having a higher registration threshold), and FBT rebates or exemptions (which reduce the tax on benefits provided to employees).
Why do we need a DGR lawyer?
The legal requirements for tax concessions and DGR status are complex and strict. A specialist DGR lawyer can assess your eligibility, guide you in choosing the correct DGR category, prepare a robust application, and ensure your constitution is compliant, maximising your chances of success.
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Practice Areas