Charities Invited to 'Ask the ACNC'

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) will hold 25 ‘Ask ACNC’ workshops around Australia between 11 August and 17 September 2014.

The free workshops are for people running charities of all types and sizes.

ACNC staff will be on hand to provide practical advice on:

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

The workshops, which are being held in both regional and metropolitan locations, are also an opportunity for people from charities in the area to meet and discuss common issues.

ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe AM encouraged those working or volunteering for charities to register for a workshop.

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

“Of the 60,000 charities registered in Australia, over 41,000 have now submitted their 2013 Annual Information Statement, 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. 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.”

Much of the information charities provide in the 2013 Annual Information Statement is published on the ACNC Charity Register.

“The Charity Register, available at acnc.gov.au/findacharity, is the first free, searchable, database of all registered charities in Australia. The Charity Register has been a popular resource since its launch in December 2012, having received well over 380,000 views.

“By submitting the Annual Information Statement charities are giving members of the public and donors an insight into the excellent work they do.”

Ask ACNC workshops will be held in each city from 10am to 11am. In addition, ACNC staff will be on hand from 8am to midday to answer any questions for those charities that do not wish to register for a workshop, or to assist them in completing their Annual Information Statement.

For more information or to register, visit acnc.gov.au/askacnc.

The ACNC is also calling on members of the public to help find over 3,700 missing charities. Despite multiple attempts, the ACNC has been unable to reach these charities, and they have not submitted their 2013 Annual Information Statement.

If the ACNC is unable to get in contact, these charities will be removed from the ACNC Charity Register, jeopardising their access to Commonwealth charity tax concessions. To view the full list of missing charities, visit acnc.gov.au/whereareyou.