With June 30 just a few days away, Australians are expected to donate millions in the coming days ahead of the End of Financial Year tax deadline.

Australian Tax Office statistics show that more than 4.5 million Australians donating and claiming more than $2.24 billion as tax-deductible donations in 2012. The figures also show that the average tax deductable donation made to organisations like CARE was $494.25.

CARE Australia’s Head of Marketing & Fundraising, Andrew Buchanan said the days before June 30 were a crucial time for aid organisations like CARE.

‘These last few days of the financial year are critically important for CARE to ensure we have the resources to continue our life-changing work. In the final week of June last year we raised over one million to help CARE build water pumps in poor communities and send children to school,’ said Mr Buchanan.

He said donating at tax time to organisations like CARE would not only change the lives of many of the world’s poorest people, but was also a smart personal finance decision.

‘Many Australians have a favourite charity they are proud to support. By donating before 30 June, Australians can get a return on their tax and make a genuine, life-changing difference to someone living in poverty,’ said Mr Buchanan.

A donation of $100 to CARE Australia can provide families with seeds and fertiliser so they can grow more food, but could cost someone earning between $37,001 and $80,000 just $67.50 after they receive $32.50 back in tax. A donation of $400 can help to install a freshwater borehole in a community, but might cost someone earning between $80,001 and $180,000 only $252 after they receive $148 of their donation back in tax. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

CARE also recently launched an online tax calculator (www.care.org.au/tax) to help people work out how much money they can expect to receive back for their donation to CARE after filing their tax return.

CARE Australia is an international humanitarian aid organisation fighting poverty, with a special focus on working with women and girls to bring lasting change to their communities. Visit www.care.org.au or call 1800 020 046 to donate.

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For more information, please contact CARE Australia Media Advisor Tom Perry