Blog Layout

Crowdfunding: is it income?
Liz Gibbs • January 13, 2020

Crowdfunding has fast become the go to place for people in need of large amounts of money quickly, but is the money raised considered to be income and therefore taxable? Campaigns on various platforms range from the shameless (lavish weddings/honeymoons) to ground-breaking (new innovative products), and whether each campaign is taxable depends entirely on the circumstances of each case. Generally, if the campaign is related to running/furthering your business or is a profit-making plan, then any money received would be classed as income.

These days it feels like everything is being crowdfunded, you may have heard the ridiculous story of a man who wanted to raise US$10 for a potato salad and ended up with US$55,000 from complete strangers. Or perhaps you've heard stories of shameless couples who wanted to people to fund their lavish weddings or honeymoons? Crowdfunding has fast become the go to place for people in need of large amounts of money quickly, but is the money raised taxable?

If you're unfamiliar with crowdfunding, it is where individuals or businesses (ie the promoter) upload a description of the campaign (eg to fund a potato salad or a new invention) along with the amount they want to raise to a third-party internet platform (eg Kickstarter, GoFundMe, Indiegogo etc). Other netizens can then choose to support the campaign or cause through pledging money (ie contributors).

There are several types of crowdfunding and each may attract different tax consequences for the promoter of the campaign. A large number of campaigns are what can be described as donation-based. This is where a contributor to the campaign pledges an amount of money without receiving anything in return. If you're a contributor in this case, you will not able to deduct an amount contributed in a crowdfunding campaign as a "donation" in your tax return unless the cause you've donated to is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). An exception is if you carry on a business, and the cost of contributing to the campaign falls under business expenses such as sponsorship or marketing.

There are other campaigns which can be referred to as rewards-based in which the promoter provides a reward including goods, services or rights to contributors in return for their payment. An example of this may be differing levels of campaign-related merchandise that can be received depending on the amount pledged by the contributor. Usually, the acquisition of goods or services by the contributor is considered to be private in nature and not deductible.

As the promoter of a campaign (either donation-based or rewards-based), whether or not the money you receive is considered to be taxable depends on the circumstances.

In general, if the money received is to be used to further your business or is a profit-making plan, then it is considered to be income. Remember, the hurdle for something to be a profit-making plan is much lower than that of a business. Therefore, if you as a promoter launch a crowdfunded project with intention of making a profit, and then carry out the project in a business-like way, the money raised could very well be considered to be income.

The difference between whether or not the money is classified as income can be minor and will be determined by the facts in each case. For example, money received from crowdfunding the making of a movie may or may not be income for the promoter depending on factors such as: whether the promoter draws a personal salary from the crowdfunded income; whether the promoter will keep any of the funds raised; or whether the movie made will be widely distributed.

Want to find out more?

If you're thinking of starting a crowdfunding campaign or have already had success with one, we can help you deal with all the tax consequences, so you can concentrate on more important things, like making your business or project a success.

Email us at Robert Goodman Accountants at 
.  © Copyright 2020
 
Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
 
Brought to you by Robert Goodman Accountants. 
Office open
By Liz Gibbs March 10, 2025
With thanks to all Energex and Emergency services Crew, our electricity has been reconnected and our office is open from today 11 March. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and well following cyclone Alfred. These past few days have been challenging for many, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
By Liz Gibbs March 10, 2025
Due to a power outage affecting the entire Samford area, the RGA Practice will be operating remotely today, 10 March, until electricity is restored. Please be assured that our team remains available and can be reached at 07 3289 1700. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Cyclone Alfred
By Liz Gibbs March 5, 2025
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, we want to remind everyone to take necessary precautions and ensure their safety. We have received some important information that we believe is crucial to share with you to help you prepare for the severe weather conditions ahead.
Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regulation 2024
By Liz Gibbs February 26, 2025
In a significant move to combat workplace sexual harassment, Amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (as per the Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regulation 2024) will soon commence on 1 March 2025.
By Liz Gibbs February 25, 2025
The amount of money that can be transferred to a tax-free retirement account will increase to $2m on 1 July 2025.
What happens to your super when you die?
By Liz Gibbs February 25, 2025
The Government has announced its intention to introduce mandatory standards for large superannuation funds to, amongst other things, deliver timely and compassionate handling of death benefits. Do we have a problem with paying out super when a member dies?
By Liz Gibbs February 25, 2025
If credit card surcharges are banned in other countries, why not Australia? We look at the surcharge debate and the payment system complexity that has brought us to this point. In the United Kingdom, consumer credit and debit card surcharges have been banned since 2018. In Europe, all except American Express and Diners Club consumer surcharges are banned. And in Australia, there is a push to follow suit. But, is the issue as simple as it seems?
Babyboomer wealth
By Liz Gibbs February 25, 2025
“Succession planning, and the tax risks associated with it, is our number one focus in 2025. In recent years we’ve observed an increase in reorganisations that appear to be connected to succession planning.” ATO Private Wealth Deputy Commissioner Louise Clarke.
Penalty for False R&D claims
By Liz Gibbs February 25, 2025
A joint investigation involving the ATO found that, between 2014 and 2017, a Sydney business coach promoted unlawful tax schemes encouraging clients to lodge over-inflated, inaccurate or unsubstantiated research and development ('R&D') tax incentive claims
SMSF lodgement due dates
By Liz Gibbs February 25, 2025
All trustees of SMSFs with assets (including super contributions or any other investments) as at 30 June 2024 need to lodge an SMSF annual return ('SAR') for the 2023/24 financial year.
More Posts
Share by: