Published on 15 April 2025 by Ramy Hanna
Primary keyword: ACNC AIS 2024
ACNC Annual Information Statement 2024: What NFPs Need to Know
The ACNC Annual Information Statement is your charity's annual compliance checkpoint. Most registered charities must lodge one by the deadline, unless an exemption applies, or risk losing your charity status. This guide walks you through the 2024 requirements and what your board needs to prepare.
Quick Summary
- **Deadline**: 31 May 2024 for most charities (check your specific date)
- **What's required**: Financial information, governance details, and compliance statements
- **Who must lodge**: All charities registered with the ACNC
- **Consequences of missing the deadline**: Penalties, regulatory scrutiny, potential loss of charity status
- **Board responsibility**: Ensure the AIS is accurate, complete, and lodged on time
What Is the Annual Information Statement?
The ACNC Annual Information Statement (AIS) is your charity's annual health check. It tells the regulator whether you're operating in the public interest, managing money responsibly, and following the Governance Standards for the Charitable Sector.
For your board, the AIS is more than compliance. It's an opportunity to demonstrate good governance, financial discipline, and strategic clarity to stakeholders—donors, members, government funders, and the community.
The ACNC receives over 50,000 AIS submissions annually. Charities that file late or with incomplete information are flagged for regulatory review. Boards should treat the AIS as a strategic governance document, not a bureaucratic burden.
2024 AIS Requirements
Financial Information
You'll need to provide financial information for the financial year ending 30 June 2023 (or your relevant financial year). This includes:
- Total revenue
- Total expenses
- Surplus or deficit
- Cash held at year-end
- Details of any significant changes in financial position
Governance Information
The AIS asks about your governance practices:
- Board composition (number of members, diversity)
- Conflicts of interest management
- Board meeting frequency
- Audit or review status
Compliance Statements
You'll confirm that:
- You're operating in the public interest
- You're complying with the Governance Standards
- Your financial records are accurate and available for audit
- You haven't engaged in prohibited conduct
How to Prepare
Step 1: Gather Financial Data
Collect your audited financial statements (or reviewed accounts if you're under the audit threshold). You'll need:
- Balance sheet
- Income statement (P&L)
- Cash flow statement
- Notes to the financial statements
Step 2: Review Your Governance Policies
Check that you have:
- Board meeting minutes documenting governance decisions
- Conflicts of interest register
- Board diversity information
- Audit or review engagement letter
Step 3: Assign Ownership
Designate one person (usually your treasurer or finance manager) to own the AIS completion. This person should have access to the ACNC portal and should start the process by early May to allow time for questions and revisions.
Step 4: Complete the AIS
Log into the ACNC portal and complete the AIS form. The form is straightforward, but allow 2–3 hours to complete it carefully.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Have your board chair and treasurer review the AIS before submission. Look for:
- Accuracy of financial figures
- Consistency with your governance narrative
- Completeness of all required fields
Submit by the deadline. There's no grace period.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete financial data: The ACNC can see when charities submit vague or incomplete financial information. If you're unsure about a figure, get it verified by your accountant before filing.
Misaligned governance narrative: If your AIS says you have a diversity policy but your board is all one gender or age group, the ACNC will notice. Be honest about where you are and what you're working towards.
Missing the deadline: There's no grace period. File by 31 May, or face penalties. Set a reminder for mid-May to check your submission status.
Leaving fields blank: The ACNC expects all required fields to be completed. If a question doesn't apply to your charity, explain why rather than leaving it blank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we need an audit to file the AIS? A: No. Charities under $250k revenue can file with reviewed accounts or even unaudited financials, depending on your state registration. Check the ACNC website for your threshold.
Q: What if we don't have all the information? A: Contact the ACNC before the deadline if you're having difficulty gathering information. They may be able to provide guidance or an extension in exceptional circumstances.
Q: Can we file the AIS late if we have a good reason? A: The ACNC has limited discretion for extensions. If you have exceptional circumstances, contact them before the deadline to request an extension.
Q: What happens after we file? A: The ACNC reviews your AIS within 4–6 weeks. If there are errors or inconsistencies, they'll contact you to request corrections. If everything is in order, you'll receive a confirmation email.
The Bottom Line
The ACNC Annual Information Statement is a critical compliance document. Boards that start preparing early—gathering financial data, reviewing governance policies, and assigning ownership—will file confidently and on time.
Book a Free 30-Minute Board Briefing to discuss your ACNC compliance strategy. Book now →
References
[1] Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. (2024). Annual Information Statement. https://www.acnc.gov.au/
Ramy Hanna
FIPA · FTIA · NTAA · Xero Certified Advisor
Principal & Virtual CFO, VCFO+ Not-for-Profit Australia
Ramy has worked with Australian charities, independent schools, foundations and faith-based organisations since 2003. As Principal of Trinity Accounting Practice and lead Virtual CFO at VCFO+, he helps boards translate financial data into governance decisions they can act on — clearer board packs, stronger reserves, audit-ready books and ACNC-confident compliance.