ACNC revokes 503 double defaulter charities

503 NFPs have had their charity status revoked for failing to submit vital paper work for two years in a row.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has revoked the charity status of the 503 charities for failing to submit their Annual Information Statements.

These organisations will lose access to the Commonwealth tax concessions they were entitled to as registered charities.

ACNC Commissioner, Susan Pascoe, said that while 503 charities have had their registration revoked by the ACNC, 1,100 submitted their outstanding Annual Information Statement after receiving the notice of intention to revoke charity status.

“More than 1,700 charities were originally at risk of revocation,” Pascoe said.

“However, over 1,000 heeded our warning and lodged their outstanding statements – which is a fantastic outcome.

“This group will remain registered with the ACNC and will continue to enjoy Commonwealth charity tax concessions.”

Registered charities are required to submit an Annual Information Statement yearly in order to maintain their charity status.

“Charities that fail to submit statements for two or more years become what we refer to as ‘double defaulters’, which is grounds for revocation,” said Pascoe.

“In some instances, these charities may have ceased operating and simply have not notified us. We will continue to revoke the charity status of those organisations that fail to meet their obligations, as non-compliance can damage public trust and confidence in the entire sector.”

“The Charity Register is designed to support transparency, accountability, and provide the public and donors with accurate and up to date information about registered charities in Australia.

“The 500 charities that have been revoked will now have their Charity Register turned to red, and it will be marked ‘revoked’. I encourage members of the public to always check the Charity Register before giving, to ensure that they are giving to a legitimate registered charity.”