Now we're into the new financial year, it's a good time to check whether your not-for-profit (NFP) organisation is up to date with its tax and super obligations.
There are different dates to be aware of based on what type of NFP your organisation is: taxable, charity, or one that self-assess as income tax exempt. And NFPs that employ staff or need to report and pay obligations like GST, PAYG instalments, PAYG withholding and FBT also have due dates to report and pay.
NFPs that self-assess as income tax exempt
Non-charitable NFPs with an active Australian business number (ABN) who self-assess as income tax exempt must lodge the annual NFP self-review return by 31 October to notify us of your eligibility.
You can lodge the return online using Online services for business or by phoning our self-help phone service on 13 72 26. Or a registered tax agent can lodge the return for you.
NFPs that are charitable
Charitable NFPs have different reporting requirements. They need to be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and endorsed by us to be income tax exempt.
Registered charities do not need to lodge an NFP self-review return or an income tax return but will need to meet annual reporting obligations with the ACNC.
Charitable NFPs cannot self-assess as income tax exempt, and if they are not registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO they will be taxable.
Charitable NFPs may have obligations if you employ paid staff or are registered for GST - more on that below.
NFPs that are taxable
NFPs that are not eligible to self-assess or have charitable purposes and are not registered with the ACNC are taxable NFPs. They must either lodge an income tax return or notify us of a non-lodgment advice, generally by 15 May. This is based on your NFP's income:
- $416 or less - notify us of a non-lodgment advice
- more than $416 - lodge a company tax return for that year.
While most taxable NFPs will need to lodge by 15 May, if you have an ATO approved SAP, your due date is determined by your approved balance date.
NFPs that employ staff or are registered for GST
If your NFP employs staff, you need to be aware of your Obligations when people work for you. If you missed this overview when we shared it last month, check it out to learn more about key dates for obligations including:
- Single Touch Payroll
- PAYG withholding
- Super guarantee
- Fringe benefits tax
There's also more information to help you get your employer obligations right, with helpful resources for employers.
You can also find helpful information specifically for NFPs at Activity statements for not-for-profits. Learn more about when to lodge activity statements to report and pay obligations like GST, and more information about PAYG instalments, PAYG withholding and FBT.
Help and support
To make it easier to track your key obligations, you can use the NFP tax, super and registry responsibilities checklist. Follow along during the year and check off the tasks for your NFP as you go.
If you need more help with understanding your reporting obligations, visit the Statements and returns landing page.
SubscribingExternal Link to our monthly Not-for-profit newsletter is another great way to stay up to date with anything new happening in the sector.
And if you have further questions, you can phone us on 1300 130 248 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.