The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has granted charity reporting extensions to assist charities affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

“This crisis is having a significant impact on charities and charity operations, including fundraising and delivery of services, and we want to support them in practical ways,” ACNC Commissioner Hon Dr Gary Johns said.

To reduce the administrative burden on charities in this uncertain time, the Commissioner has approved blanket extensions to charities whose 2019 Annual Information Statement (AIS) is due between 12 March and 30 August 2020.

These charities will now need to submit their AIS by 31 August 2020. This advice will be monitored as the COVID-19 crisis progresses.

Eligible charities will have their AIS due date updated on the ACNC Charity Register.

The ACNC and the ATO will host a free webinar for charities and not-for-profits on Monday 30 March at 12pm AEST about the Government stimulus measure that affects them, as well as issues that are affecting charity operations during the crisis.

The ATO will discuss the implications of the Government’s Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure, including what’s available to charities and NFPs and where to get advice. Charities can register on the ACNC website at www.acnc.gov.au/tools/webinars

Advice and service updates

“This situation is dynamic, so it is critical that charities can access the information they need quickly and easily. To aid this and reduce reliance on phone services, which we have had to reduce to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff, we are putting all current advice our website which we are updating regularly,” Dr Johns said.

All charities can stay up to date with the latest ACNC charity advice by visiting the COVID-19 page on the ACNC website.

This page will include the latest information on available ACNC services, including details about contact centre operations.