The new sessions will be held in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Wollongong, Albury, Ballarat, Box Hill and Broadmeadows, in late September to early October.

Almost 3,000 people registered for Ask ACNC in August and September. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Commissioner Susan Pascoe AM said she was very pleased with the turnout.

“We are thankful for charity employees and volunteers taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and learn about their charity’s obligations,” says Pascoe.

“Attendances and feedback from the Ask ACNC sessions we have held to date has been so positive we have added seven more.”

“Attendees told us that the sessions provided valuable information, enabling them to better understand their charity’s obligations. They also said it was good to meet ACNC leaders and staff in person.”

“The sessions have also been an excellent opportunity for representatives of the ACNC to meet with charities face to face and hear about the work they’re doing to help the Australian community.”

The upcoming Ask ACNC presentation will be held in each city from 10.00am to 11.00am and will cover:

• Charity reporting obligations, such as the 2013 and 2014 Annual Information Statements AIS
• Making the most of the ACNC Charity Register, and
• How to save time by using the Charity Portal.

ACNC staff will be on hand from 9:00am to midday to answer any questions from charities that do not wish to register for a session, or to assist them in completing their AIS.

“We are holding more sessions to help charities meet their obligations and to ensure they are listed on the ACNC Charity Register,” Ms Pascoe said.

“Of some 60,000 charities registered in Australia, over 43,000 have now submitted their 2013 AIS, which was due by 30 June 2014.

“Submitting the 2013 Annual Information Statement is a legal requirement and registered charities that fail to do so risk losing their Commonwealth charity tax concessions and incurring a financial penalty. If you work or volunteer for a charity that has not submitted its 2013 Annual Information Statement, come along to an Ask ACNC session and we will help you.”

Ask ACNC sessions and dates:

• Brisbane – 22 September
• Rockhampton – 23 September
• Toowoomba – 24 September
• Box Hill – 25 September
• Ballarat – 30 September
• Broadmeadows – 1 October
• Wollongong– 7 October
• Albury – 8 October.