Income tax: is the income earned by philatelic (stamp collecting) societies exempt from income tax?

No. The income derived by philatelic (stamp collecting) clubs and associations does not qualify for exemption from income tax.

Philatelic organisations are primarily involved in promoting the collection, display and study of postage stamps and postal marks and often also the study and documentation of postal history and postal methods.

Section 50-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) [1] and table subitems 9.1(b) to 9.1(d) in section 50-45 exempt from income tax the income of a society, association or club which is established for the encouragement of art, literature, or a game or sport, respectively, subject to the conditions in section 50-70. These provisions do not apply to a philatelic organisation for the following reasons.

Art is defined as: 'the production or expression of what is beautiful (especially visually), appealing, or of more than ordinary significance' ( Macquarie Dictionary ); an 'imitative or imaginative skill applied to design, as in paintings, architecture, etc.' ( Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary) ; and 'the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others' ( New Encyclopaedia Britannica) .

Philately can not be described as art because it does not involve the creation of objects of artistic value. The exhibition of stamps arranged for display is not considered to be art.

Philately can involve the researching and publishing of postal history, but this activity is not the predominant activity of philatelic societies. As to predominant activity tests see Royal Australasian College of Surgeons v. FC of T (1943) 68 CLR 436; (1943) 7 ATD 289 and later cases.

If the publishing of postal history amounts to the encouragement of literature, philatelic societies do not qualify for exemption on the basis that philately is literature because their main object is not the publishing of postal history.

Game is defined as: 'an amusement or pastime; a contest for amusement in the form of a trial of chance, skill or endurance, according to set rules' ( Macquarie Dictionary ); and '(form of) contest played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck' ( Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary ).

Sport is defined as: 'an activity pursued for exercise or pleasure, usually requiring some degree of physical prowess, as hunting, fishing, racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing etc.'( Macquarie Dictionary ); and 'pastime, game, outdoor pastime, e.g. hunting, fishing, racing, cricket, football' ( Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary ).

Philately does not fall within the definition of a sport because the necessary element of physical activity is missing.

Section 50-1 and table item 2.1 in section 50-10 exempt from income tax the income of a society, association or club established for community service purposes (except political or lobbying purposes), subject to the conditions in section 50-70. Taxation Determination TD 93/190 provides a guide to the range of organisations which qualify under this exemption. The Determination explains that the words 'community service purposes' extend to a range of altruistic purposes that are not otherwise charitable, such as promoting, providing or carrying out activities, facilities or projects for the benefit or welfare of the community or any members of the community who have a particular need by reason of youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty, or social or economic circumstances.

However philatelic associations do not possess the necessary altruistic purposes for the benefit of the community to enable them to qualify for exemption under section 50-10