The NFP self-review return is a yearly reporting requirement for non-charitable not-for-profit (NFP) organisations with an active Australian business number (ABN).
Many NFPs contact us for help with lodging their NFP self‑review return.
Most issues come from not having the right documents ready, outdated details, or not being set up in Online services for business.
Before lodging
To avoid getting stuck on answering the first question on the NFP self-review return, before lodging:
- review your NFP's governing documents and make sure you have appropriate clauses
- follow our NFP self-review return question guide to preview the questions and prepare your answers ahead of time.
Check registration details
Many NFPs reach out to us seeking help to correct their NFPs outdated details in the Australian Business Register (ABR), which can prevent access to Online services for business or block phone authorisation.
If your NFP's details have changed, you must notify us within 28 days of the change. If you're a newly appointed associate and the prior associate is unknown, you will need complete the Change of registration details (NAT 2943)(PDF, 412KB)This link will download a file form. Be sure to complete Section F and attach evidence of the appointment with the form.
You will also be able to update your NFPs postal and email addresses, business name, and phone numbers using this form.
How to lodge a self-review return
To lodge, there are 3 lodgment options:
- the self-help phone service on 13 72 26
- online via Online services for businessExternal Link
- a registered tax agent.
Lodging by phone
If you're unable to set-up your myID and RAM, you can use our automated self-help phone service to lodge the NFP self-review return.
When lodging by phone, prepare in advance to avoid these common mistakes:
- not having your organisation’s ABN and reference number ready
- not reviewing the questions beforehand
- failed authorisation checks.
If you're unable to respond or answer incorrectly 3 times, your call will automatically disconnect.
If your NFP doesn't have a letter from us with a reference number, such as the Your annual self-review reporting obligation notice, phone us on 13 28 66 to ask us to resend a letter.
Lodging online
If your NFPs associate has set up access to Online services for business, you’ll be able to lodge online.
If you have not yet set up access but intend to lodge online:
- your associate will need to set-up their myIDExternal Link
- link their myID to your NFP’s ABN in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).
If your associate details are not up to date, they will need to notify us of a newly appointed associate prior to setting up online access.
More help
For a walkthrough of the return, including who needs to lodge, how to lodge and updating your details, watch our webinarExternal Link. You can use the bookmarks function to navigate to the sections most relevant to you.
And you can also subscribeExternal Link to our newsletter for all the latest tax and super news, or visit our NFP newsroom to access articles and updates anytime.