House of Representatives

Tax Laws Amendment (Political Contributions and Gifts) Bill 2008

Explanatory Memorandum

Circulated By the Authority of the Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan Mp

General outline and financial impact

Political contributions and gifts

This Bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to remove tax deductibility for contributions and gifts to political parties, independent members and independent candidates. This Bill also amends the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 to ensure that the goods and services tax treatment of these entities is not affected by the income tax amendments.

Date of effect : This measure applies to contributions and gifts made on or after 1 July 2008 as announced in the 2008-09 Budget.

Proposal announced : The Government made an election commitment to remove tax deductibility for political donations in Labor's $ 3 Billion Savings Plan announced on 2 March 2007.

Financial impact : This measure will have these revenue implications:

2008 - 09 2009 - 10 2010 - 11 2011 - 12
- $10.1m $10.3m $11.0m

Compliance cost impact : Low.


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