Having your NFP's details up to date makes managing your tax and super affairs easier. Having accurate, up-to-date information:
- helps us contact your organisation with information about important changes in the sector
- ensures you can access Online services for business for tasks like your NFP self-review return
- makes managing your tax and super obligations easier.
You should update:
- ABN details on the Australian Business Register (ABR)
- Financial institution details with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Authorisation details in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).
There are a few pitfalls we see NFPs fall into when notifying us of changes – here's how you can avoid them.
Pitfall 1: Thinking there's only one way to update an NFP's details
There are three ways to notify us of changes.
- Online: you can update some details online on the Australian Business RegisterExternal Link, in Online services for businessExternal Link, or a registered tax or BAS agent can update your details. You can update authorisations on Relationship Authorisation ManagerExternal Link (RAM).
- Phone: authorised contacts can phone us to update most details (except public officer information). When you call be ready to confirm your identity so we can check you're authorised to act for your NFP. We'll ask for your NFP's name and tax file number or Australian business number. We'll also ask for 3 items to prove your own identity, so we can check that we're actually talking to you, and not someone pretending to be you.
- Paper: you can use the Change of registration details (NAT 2943) paper form. Fill it out on your computer or device before you print the form, or by hand using a black or dark blue pen and clear BLOCK LETTERS. This is the slowest method to notify us of changes.
Pitfall 2: No longer in touch with your associate contacts
Normally, an NFP's existing associate (principal authority) in RAM adds new associates or removes associates who have stepped away from their old roles.
If the previous principal authority is unavailable, someone newly appointed to an official role can use the Change of registration details (NAT 2943) paper form to notify us you should be the principal authority. You must provide evidence of your approved appointment to a formal position in the NFP. These include meeting minutes that show your appointment, or a notification from the board or committee stating your approved role, such as a letter.
It can take 4 to 8 weeks for us to process this request. Once your details are updated, make sure you keep them current – it's much faster to update your authorisations online.
Pitfall 3: Incorrectly filling out the Change of registration details form
When filling out the form, it's especially important to complete:
- Section A – your NFP’s information
- Section D – postal and email address
- Section F – new associate details
- Section H – signature of the new associate at the declaration, plus attach evidence of their appointment.
Attach your evidence to the back of the form to avoid delays. You'll be notified by email once your updates are processed.
If you're unsure about how to update your details and or what you need to update, more information and useful tools are available at ato.gov.au/NFPnotifyofchanges
Pitfall 4: Thinking it can wait
You must update the ABR within 28 days of any of the following changes:
- entity name or registered business name, Australian company number (ACN) or Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN)
- associates or official position holders, public officer, name of trustees
- authorised contact person
- financial institution account details
- postal, email or business address
- main organisation activity.
Tip: before and after your annual general meeting (AGM) is a great time to check and update your records, including adding new authorisations and removing anyone who has stepped down.
More information
SubscribingExternal Link to our monthly Not-for-profit newsletter is a great way to stay up to date with your reporting obligations.
For updates throughout the month, Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti regularly shares blog posts and updates on her LinkedInExternal Link profile. And you can check out our online platform ATO CommunityExternal Link to find answers to your tax and super questions.