New research has shown most Australians are not claiming their generosity

New research shows Queenslanders are very generous but are missing one easy thing to save big come tax time.

Doreen and Trevor, who helped run evacuation centres during ex-Cyclone Alfred, have been volunteering together for 17 years at Red Cross Australia.

Most Australians donate hundreds of dollars to charity each year but just a fraction can be bothered to claim deductions come tax times.

A new study commissioned by Red Cross Australia found 85 per cent of Australians donate to charity each year with the average Queensland donation coming to $304.71, but less than a third of people are correctly claiming deductions each time.

Out of the 1000 Australians surveyed 35 per cent of people said they never include their donations as a deduction while a whopping 36 per cent of people either rarely or sometimes include them.

Any donation over two dollars to a deductible gift recipient charity can be used as a deduction to lower total taxable income.

Australian Red Cross Deputy CEO Penny Harrison said the results show how generous Queenslanders and Australians are but implored people to be more diligent on their tax returns.

“The average donation of $283.29 is significant, and makes a tangible difference to the work of Australian Red Cross,” Ms Harrison said.

“For example, donated funds can help run an emergency operation centre to co-ordinate Australian Red Cross volunteers in a disaster, ensure our volunteers receive the training they need, or provide older Australians with a high-quality meal, hand delivered by a volunteer who also provide a vital point of social connection.

“However we know that for most people, a donation of any amount requires a level of sacrifice, therefore we want to ensure people are aware of the benefit available if they

claim their generous donation at tax time,” she said.

Originally published as New research has shown most Australians are not claiming their generosity