Thousands of Charities Failing on ACNC Reporting
19 February 2015 at 10:48 am
More than 20 per cent of Australian charities have failed to meet their annual reporting obligations to the the national charity regulator with thousands of charities missing the January 31 deadline – and NSW being the worst state.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) says 7000 charities have failed to deliver their 2014 Annual Information Statements – 2000 of these charities are from New South Wales.
ACNC Commissioner, Susan Pascoe AM, said charities with overdue 2014 statements needed to take urgent action to avoid penalties.
“We will soon begin issuing warning letters to charities that have not submitted their 2014 Annual Information Statement,” Pascoe said.
In an exclusive interview with Pro Bono Australia News, Pascoe indicated that uncertainty around the future of the charity regulator may be responsible for some charities not lodging their AIS.
The Abbott Government has vowed to abolish the ACNC and former Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews was ready to take the issue to the Senate.
His replacement, Minister Scott Morrison, has since said that the issue is a low priority for his office, causing some in the sector to rejoice, but nonetheless maintaining a sense of uncertainty.
“Submitting a 2014 Annual Information Statement is a legislative requirement for charities registered with the ACNC and there are penalties for non-lodgement, including revocation of charity status,” Pascoe said.
The 2014 Annual Information Statement updates the national Charity Register.
“The Charity Register receives hundreds of thousands of views each year,” Pascoe said.
“The Charity Register allows members of the public, donors and grant-makers to find information about charities and the important work they do in the community. The information on the Charity Register increases transparency in the sector, and promotes public trust and confidence.”
“Charities that do not use a standard reporting period of 1 July to 30 June are reminded that they have six months from the end of their reporting period to submit their 2014 Annual Information Statement.
The ACNC said charities are advised to check their substituted accounting period is approved by viewing their charity’s entry on the Charity Register or by logging into the Charity Portal at charity.acnc.gov.au.
Charities can find further information about the 2014 Annual Information Statement at acnc.gov.au/2014AIS.
