These organisations now have until 31 January 2015 to submit their 2014 Annual Information Statement (AIS).

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) will close its offices from midday 24 December 2014 until 2 January 2015. ACNC staff would therefore not be available to help those filing at the last minute.

ACNC Commissioner, Susan Pascoe AM, said the extension was to take account of the office closure over the Christmas – New Year period, and to help charities that needed some additional time to understand the requirements of the 2014 AIS.

“With the 2014 AIS, charities are required to provide their governing documents, and some financial information. This is only the second time charities have had to report to the ACNC so we understand that some charities need a little extra time to prepare,” says Pascoe.

“While we have extended the deadline to 31 January 2015, charities are still able to lodge online at any time.

“By doing so, charities will have an up-to-date entry on the ACNC Charity Register. This is particularly important as the ACNC is encouraging members of the public and donors to check the ACNC Charity Register, available at acnc.gov.au/findacharity, prior to donating this Christmas.”

Pascoe is reminding charities when they lodge on the Charity Portal, they will receive the AIS pre-populated with their 2013 data. This will streamline the filing, allowing charities to concentrate on other sections, including the financial information section.

If charities need some extra guidance and support to provide their financial information, they can visit acnc.gov.au/2014AIS or call 13 ACNC or email us at {encode=”advice@acnc.gov.au” title=”advice@acnc.gov.au”}

Pascoe warned charities that haven’t submitted the 2013 AIS that they face revocation of their charity status if they do not submit both the 2013 and 2014 statements.

“Charities that fail to submit successive Annual Information Statements will have their charity status revoked, jeopardising their access to Commonwealth charity tax concessions,” says Pascoe.

“I encourage all charities to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the ACNC Act.”

The ACNC is closed from midday on 24 December 2014, reopening at 9.00am on 2 January 2015.