ACNC Revokes Status of 503 Charities for Double Defaulting

The national charity regulator is calling on the public to always check the Charity Register before giving, to ensure that they are giving to a legitimate registered charity.

It comes after the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) revoked the status of more than 500 charities for failing to submit their Annual Information Statement for two years.

The ACNC announced on Friday that 503 organisations, listed on their website, will now lose access to the Commonwealth tax concessions they were entitled to as registered charities.

ACNC commissioner Susan Pascoe AM said submitting the statement each year was an important obligation for those registered and showed a commitment to transparency and accountability.

“In some instances, these charities may have ceased operating and simply have not notified us. We will continue to revoke the charity status of those organisations that fail to meet their obligations, as non-compliance can damage public trust and confidence in the entire sector,” Pascoe said.

“The Charity Register is designed to support transparency, accountability, and provide the public and donors with accurate and up to date information about registered charities in Australia.

“The Charity Register is becoming an increasingly used tool to help donors make informed giving decisions. Charity Register searches have increased each year since the ACNC was established in December 2012, totally over 1.6 million.

“The 500 charities that have been revoked will now have their Charity Register turned to red, and it will be marked ‘revoked’. I encourage members of the public to always check the Charity Register before giving, to ensure that they are giving to a legitimate registered charity.”

Registered charities are required to submit an Annual Information Statement in order to maintain their charity status under the ACNC Act.

Charities that fail to submit statements for two or more years are referred to a “double defaulters”, which is grounds for revocation.

But Pascoe stated that while 503 charities had their registration revoked, 1,100 submitted their outstanding Annual Information Statement last minute after receiving the notice of intention to revoke charity status.

“More than 1,700 charities were originally at risk of revocation,” Pascoe said.

“However, over 1,000 heeded our warning and lodged their outstanding statements – which is a fantastic outcome.

“This group will remain registered with the ACNC and will continue to enjoy Commonwealth charity tax concessions.”

Donors can access the Charity Register here.