A final warning from the ACNC to complete mandatory reporting has resulted in 1162 charities submitting their statements and saving their charity registrations.

Over 2400 charities received a formal notification in February that their ACNC charity registration would be revoked for failing to submit annual information statements for two years.

Almost half of the charities that received the notification responded by submitting their outstanding statements and updating their charity details, saving their ACNC registrations and charity tax concessions in the process.

ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe AM has welcomed the action of these charities.

“The public have a right to know how their donations are being spent. While it’s disappointing that these charities did not submit their statements until issued formal warnings, it is encouraging to see them heed the serious warnings and take appropriate action,” said Pascoe.

“By submitting outstanding statements and updating their records, these charities have avoided losing charity registration and their Commonwealth charity tax concessions.”

While Pascoe noted that the response to the notification was encouraging, she highlighted the significant number that had failed to respond and have had their ACNC registrations revoked.

“There were 1269 charities that failed to submit their outstanding statements despite being sent multiple reminders and warnings,” said Pascoe.

“We have revoked the registrations of these charities. As such, their profiles on the public charity register will clearly display their revoked status. The ATO has been notified to remove their Commonwealth charity tax concessions.

“The vast majority of registered charities submit their statements on time. This demonstrates a widespread commitment to accountability and transparency in the sector.”

Pascoe said that submitting an annual information statement sends an important signal to the public that a charity is well-governed, compliant and accountable.

“This helps increase trust and confidence in the charity sector and ensures the public, donors and grant-makers can make informed decisions,” said Pascoe.