ACNC: Submit annual statements on time

Most charities have just one day remaining to submit their 2016 Annual Information Statement on time.

For registered charities who use a standard reporting period from 1 July to 30 June, the 2016 Annual Information Statement will be overdue after 31 January 2017.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has published a suite of free resources at acnc.gov.au/2016AIS to assist charities in completing their 2016 Annual Information Statement, including a checklist, videos and a step-by-step guide.

Commissioner Susan Pascoe said the ACNC is working hard to prevent late submissions of the 2016 Annual Information Statement, encouraging charities to recognise the numerous benefits to reporting.

“The Annual Information Statement is the key reporting requirement for the ACNC, and all charities are required to complete it,” Pascoe said.

“There are many benefits to completing your AIS on time.

“Your Annual Information Statement is a crucial part of your charity’s listing on the ACNC Charity Register, which is a publicly accessible record of your charity’s activities.”

Pascoe said The Charity Register is an important resource for donors and grant-makers looking for accurate and up-to-date information about your organisation.

The data charities submit to the ACNC also contributes to the Charity Passport, which allows other authorised Australian Government agencies to access the information already provided.

“The Charity Passport is a great initiative that reduces the reporting burden on registered charities,” Pascoe said.

“However, it requires charities to report their Annual Information Statements and annual financial reports accurately, and on time.”

In addition to these practical benefits, only those charities which maintain good governance standards and adhere to their ACNC obligations are eligible to display the newly released Registered Charity Tick.

“Over 5,500 registered charities have downloaded their Registered Charity Tick,” Pascoe said.

“The Tick is a simple, attractive way for charities to show the public that they are registered with and regulated by the ACNC.

“Charities need to ensure that they are meeting their obligations if they wish to download and use the Registered Charity Tick.”

Data from the Annual Information Statements of all registered charities is also used as the foundation for the ACNC’s annual Australian Charities Report, which assesses the income, assets, expenses and activities of the charity sector.