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StupidName(Initiate)Initiate
14 Apr 2026

Private ruling 1011478547799 

Why does it allow the AtO to apply GST to engagement vouchers I receive through the parents pathways program through workforce Australia.

These engagement vouchers are gift cards which get deducted from an individual support fund to help low income parents achieve their goals.

Clients are charged $55 from their individual fund for a $50 gift card.

why is GST applied to these cards?

thankyou

44 views
4 replies
44 views
4 replies

All replies

NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
16 Apr 2026

Hi @StupidName,


GST is applied because of how the GST law treats vouchers, not because of the Parents Pathways or Workforce Australia program itself.


Under the GST rules:

  • A face value voucher (such as a $50 gift card) isn’t subject to GST when supplied at or below its face value.
  • If a face value voucher is supplied for more than its face value, GST applies to the amount charged above the face value.

This is why, where $55 is charged for a $50 gift card, GST applies to the $5 difference.


We don’t decide whether GST should apply as a matter of policy – we apply the law as written. It’s also important to note that a private ruling only applies to the taxpayer who requested it. It explains our view of how the law applies to those specific facts.


If this isn’t your ruling and your arrangement differs (or if you want certainty about how the law applies to you), the next best step would be to is to apply for your own private ruling.

StupidName(Initiate)Initiate
24 Apr 2026

Nikki I am only given a $50 voucher not $55.

I am not buying this voucher from parents pathways or sarina russo my service provider.

I am asking why am I charged gst on my individual fund on a $50 engagement voucher I am given?

This voucher gets deducted from my fund, but when it does, they take an extra $5 for gst. Why?

Why does i pay gst from this indiv

I am not asking what the $5 extra is, I know that's gst.

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Why does the ATO apply GST to engagement vouchers I receive through the parents pathways program through workforce Australia? | ATO Community