NFP ACNC reporting preparation checklist
Registered charities must report annually to the ACNC. The reporting requirements scale with charity size — small, medium, and large — and non-compliance can result in revocation of registration and loss of tax concessions. This checklist structures the preparation process.
This is a 12-step checklist for preparing annual reporting obligations to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth). It covers the Annual Information Statement, financial reports, and governance standards.
The checklist
Confirm charity size
Determine the charity's size classification (small, medium, or large) based on annual revenue to identify the applicable reporting tier.
Review reporting deadline
Confirm the Annual Information Statement due date, which is six months after the end of the charity's reporting period.
Prepare financial statements
Prepare financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Medium and large charities must comply with AASB requirements.
Arrange audit or review
Arrange an audit (large charities) or review (medium charities) of the financial report by a qualified auditor or reviewer.
Complete the Annual Information Statement
Complete the AIS including charity details, activities, beneficiaries, employees, and financial summary questions.
Review governance standard compliance
Confirm compliance with all applicable ACNC governance standards, including purposes, accountability, and responsible entity duties.
Update responsible person details
Review and update the register of responsible persons (directors, committee members) on the ACNC Charity Register.
Check ABN and charity subtype
Confirm the ABN is active and the registered charity subtypes still reflect the charity's actual purposes and activities.
Verify DGR endorsement alignment
If the charity holds DGR endorsement, confirm that reported activities align with the DGR purpose and that gift fund records are maintained.
Document related-party transactions
Document all related-party transactions and ensure they are disclosed in the financial report where required by accounting standards.
Report significant activities and changes
Report any significant activities, achievements, or changes to the charity's operations, structure, or governing rules during the reporting period.
Lodge via ACNC Charity Portal
Lodge the AIS and financial report (if applicable) through the ACNC Charity Portal before the deadline and retain confirmation of lodgement.
When this checklist applies
Use when preparing a registered charity's annual reporting to the ACNC, whether the charity is small, medium, or large.
Common pitfalls
- Applying the wrong size classification due to errors in revenue calculation
- Medium charities failing to arrange a financial report review
- Not updating responsible person details after board changes
- Financial statements that do not comply with the applicable AASB standards
- Missing the six-month lodgement deadline and triggering ACNC compliance action
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can determine charity size classification, map governance standard obligations, and flag common AIS completion errors.
General ACNC reporting guidance. Charities with DGR endorsement, overseas operations, or complex structures should obtain specialist not-for-profit legal and accounting advice.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
Start your free trial