Four hundred Victorian registered charities risk losing their charity status, including several within central Victoria.
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The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has urged registered charities to submit any outstanding Annual Information Statements by the end of their reporting period, which is often June 30.
A list of charities at risk of becoming what the national charity regulator refers to as “double defaulters” is published on its website.
“These charities have already failed to submit an Annual Information Statement for either 2013 or 2014,” Commissioner Susan Pascoe said.
She said failing to submit 2015 documents by the imminent deadline could put charities at risk of having their charity status revoked.
“Charities that have their status revoked by the ACNC will no longer be able to access Commonwealth charity tax concessions,” Ms Pascoe said.
“I encourage people to check the list and if they are associated with one of the charities, or know someone that is, please contact the ACNC immediately.”
The ACNC believes a number of the charities listed have wound up.
“However some are likely still operating,” Ms Pascoe said.
“Once a charity submits its Annual Information Statement, the Charity Register is updated, giving the community an insight into the important work the charity is doing for the community.”
A commission spokesman said the ACNC would work with charities to ensure reporting is up to date before undertaking the more serious step of revoking charity registration.
“However, in instances where charities are persistent in their failure to comply with their obligations – and in many cases this may be because a charity has wound up or is otherwise no longer operating – the ACNC will revoke the charity’s registration.”
The list contains a number of RSLs and affiliated organisations.
“The ACNC is working with ANZAC House to help these charities meet their outstanding reporting requirements and avoid revocation,” the spokesman said.
He said registered charities were required to submit an Annual Information Statement each year.
These statements are due within six months of the end of a charity’s reporting period.
The Charity Register can be searched free of charge at acnc.gov.au/findacharity.
Further information about charity reporting requirements, including the Annual Information Statement, is available at acnc.gov.au/reporting.
Registered charities at risk of revocation can be found at acnc.gov.au/doubledefaulters.