There's no gift tax in Australia, but what you give away can still be taxed: capital gains tax on assets, stamp duty on property, and Centrelink's gifting rules.
Key facts
- Australia has no gift tax. Money given out of love, such as a cash birthday present or help from a relative, isn't income for the person who receives it (ATO).
- Gifts can be taxable if they're received as part of a business-like activity or for work as an employee or contractor.
- If you give away an asset such as shares or an investment property, capital gains tax works as if you sold it for its market value (the market value substitution rule).
- If you get a pension or allowance, gifts over $10,000 a financial year, or $30,000 over 5 years, are counted as your assets for 5 years.
- Transferring property as a gift still attracts stamp duty, worked out on the market value.
What happens when you give
| Gift | Tax | Centrelink (if you get a payment) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | No tax for you or the person receiving it | Counts above $10,000 a year / $30,000 over 5 years |
| Shares or crypto | You may pay CGT as if you sold at market value | Same gifting limits |
| Property | You may pay CGT at market value; the receiver pays stamp duty on the market value | Same gifting limits |
| Your home | Usually no CGT (main residence); stamp duty still applies | Same gifting limits |
CGT when you gift an asset
2026–27 resident rates, income tax after the low income tax offset plus the Medicare levy. Not included: capital losses, the main residence exemption and small business concessions.
Common questions
Is there a gift tax in Australia?
No. There's no gift tax, and money given out of love isn't taxable income for the person who receives it.
Can I give my children money tax-free?
Yes. A cash gift isn't taxed for you or them. If you get the Age Pension or another Centrelink payment, gifts over $10,000 a year (or $30,000 over 5 years) still count as your assets for 5 years.
Do I pay capital gains tax if I gift shares or property?
Yes, if it's gone up in value: you're treated as if you'd sold it at market value. Gifting an asset worth $200,000 that cost $120,000, held over 12 months, with $90,000 of other income, means about $12,800.00 of CGT in 2026–27.
Does the person who receives an asset pay tax?
Not when they receive it. Their cost base is generally the market value when they got it, so CGT applies when they later sell. For property, they pay stamp duty on the transfer.
Is stamp duty payable if I gift a house?
Yes. State duty applies to the transfer and is worked out on the market value, even if nothing is paid.
See also inheritance tax in Australia, the Centrelink gifting rules, the capital gains tax calculator and the stamp duty calculator.
Sources: ATO amounts you do not include as income and capital proceeds from disposing of assets. Checked 22 October 2026. General information, not tax advice.