Hundreds of Australian charities at risk of losing charity registration and tax concessions
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Hundereds of Australian charities are at risk of losing their registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) for twice failing to submit their Annual Information Statements.
The ACNC Commissioner, the Hon Dr Gary Johns, warned more than 300 charities risked losing access to generous Commonwealth charity tax concessions if they failed to report by Monday 16 November 2020.
“Each year registered charities are required to submit an Annual Information Statement to the ACNC,” Dr Johns said. “Failing to submit two Annual Information Statements is grounds for revocation of charity registration. These charities have not kept their reporting or their contact details up-to-date, both of which are requirements to maintain registration.”
The ACNC issued a public notice as the Commission has been unable to contact the charities directly. The charities listed have until 16 November to submit their overdue Annual Information Statements before their registration is revoked.
Dr Johns said that each year, the vast majority of Australia’s more than 58,000 charities meet their obligations and submit the Annual Information Statement.
He explained that the information charities provide to the ACNC in the Annual Information Statement helps builds the public’s trust and confidence in the sector.
“Not only is it a legislative requirement to submit an Annual Information Statement each year, it is also a way for registered charities to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability,” Dr Johns said.“Last financial year, we received more than 3.2 million searches on our Charity Register, where the public can verify charities. The register contains valuable information about charities that helps donors understand their operations.”
The ACNC has published a public notice and a list of the charities at risk of losing their registration at acnc.gov.au/doubledefaulters.
More information about charity reporting requirements, including the Annual Information Statement, is available at acnc.gov.au/reporting.
Registered charities at risk of having their registration revoked can be found at acnc.gov.au/doubledefaulters.
Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.
