These charities are being removed from the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Charity Register as they’ve not been in contact with the ACNC since its establishment on 3 December 2012, have not responded to multiple communications, and have not completed their 2013 Annual Information Statement (AIS). The ACNC was also not able to find evidence to suggest these charities are still operating, despite an exhaustive search.

If any of these charities are still operating they’re required to contact the ACNC by 14 October 2014 if they wish to maintain charity registration.

The revocations follow the removal of almost 4,000 charities from the ACNC Register since the ACNC’s inception. This figure also includes charities that have voluntarily revoked their registration.

ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe AM stressed the importance of an accurate, credible and up-to-date Charity Register that the public has trust and confidence in using.

“Revoking charities that we believe are no longer operating is necessary to maintaining and building the Charity Register – Australia’s first free, searchable, database of registered charities,” says Pascoe.

“To date the Charity Register has received over 450,000 views. Therefore it’s important that we continuously work to verify the information, so that donors, funders and members of the public have access to a reliable and up-to-date resource of active charities.”

“If there are any existing charities on the revocation list that wish to remain registered I encourage them to contact the ACNC immediately.”

“Charities that have their charity status revoked by the ACNC will no longer be able to access Commonwealth charity tax concessions. If any charity is revoked, but later found to be still operating, the ACNC will work with the charity to restore its charity status as soon as possible,” says Pascoe.

An additional 3,200 charities may be removed from the Charity Register over the coming months. Charities are advised to complete their 2013 AIS to ensure they maintain their charity status, and do not incur penalties.