Charity & Not-for-Profit
Industry Overview
Australia's not-for-profit sector includes registered charities, public benevolent institutions (PBIs), health promotion charities, religious organisations, community groups, and sporting associations. The sector operates under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and state-based incorporated associations legislation. Tax concessions — income tax exemption, GST concessions, FBT rebates and exemptions, and DGR endorsement — are significant benefits, but each comes with eligibility criteria and ongoing compliance obligations.
Maintaining charitable status requires demonstrating that the entity operates exclusively for its charitable purpose, that governance meets ACNC standards, and that financial reporting obligations are met. The distinction between charitable and non-charitable activities matters, particularly where an organisation conducts commercial operations or earns revenue outside its stated purpose.
For organisations that rely on donations, grants, and government funding, accurate financial management and transparent reporting are essential to maintaining stakeholder confidence. Funding bodies, donors, and regulators each impose their own reporting and acquittal requirements, and the consequences of non-compliance range from loss of tax concessions to deregistration.
Key Commercial & Regulatory Challenges
ACNC Compliance & Reporting
Charities registered with the ACNC must lodge annual information statements and meet financial reporting requirements based on their size classification — small, medium, or large. Each tier carries different obligations around the preparation and submission of financial statements. Governance standards covering responsible persons, record-keeping, and internal accountability apply across all registered charities and require ongoing attention.
DGR Endorsement & Maintenance
Deductible gift recipient (DGR) status allows donors to claim tax deductions for their contributions, making it a significant factor in fundraising capacity. Obtaining and maintaining DGR endorsement involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, operating a gift fund where required, and ensuring that the organisation's activities remain within the scope of its DGR category. Changes to the organisation's operations or structure can put DGR status at risk.
Income Tax Exemption
Not-for-profit entities that qualify for income tax exemption must ensure their activities remain within the scope of their exempt purpose. Where a charity conducts commercial operations — whether a social enterprise, an op shop, or fee-for-service work — the relationship between those activities and the charitable purpose needs to be clearly established and documented. The ATO applies a substance-over-form approach, and organisations that drift from their stated purpose risk losing their exemption.
FBT Concessions
Public benevolent institutions and health promotion charities can access FBT exemption, while other eligible NFPs receive an FBT rebate. These concessions underpin salary packaging arrangements that are a significant component of employee remuneration in the sector. The exemption caps — $30,000 per employee for PBIs and health promotion charities, and $17,000 for other rebatable employers — require careful administration to avoid unexpected FBT liabilities.
GST Concessions
Charities can access GST concessions including GST-free supplies for certain goods and services, and may choose to register for GST voluntarily even below the $150,000 turnover threshold. The GST treatment of fundraising events, donated goods, sponsorship income, and government grants requires accurate classification. Errors in GST treatment — particularly around input tax credit entitlements and the apportionment of mixed-purpose expenses — are a common area of compliance risk.
Grant Compliance & Acquittal
Government and philanthropic grants typically carry specific conditions around how funds are spent, the outcomes to be achieved, and the reporting and acquittal requirements that apply. Accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, tracking expenditure against grant budgets, and preparing acquittal reports to the satisfaction of funding bodies requires structured financial processes. Failure to meet acquittal requirements can result in the return of funds and affect eligibility for future grants.
How We Support This Industry
Our work for charity and not-for-profit clients covers the full range of tax, accounting, and compliance services — structured around the regulatory obligations and operational realities specific to the sector.
SMSF Setup, Tax & Audit
SMSF establishment and compliance for charity sector professionals and board members.
Learn moreCompany Setup & Compliance
Organisation registration, tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, BAS, and FBT for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Learn moreIndividual Tax & Financial Services
Individual tax returns, investment consultancy, and finance services for NFP sector professionals.
Learn moreFinancial Planning
Retirement planning, wealth management, and superannuation advice for charity and NFP sector professionals.
Learn moreTrust Formation & Tax
Trust formation, administration, and tax compliance for charitable trusts and foundations.
Learn moreSmall Business & Audit
Compliance reviews, financial audits, and grant acquittal services for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Learn moreLegal Business Advice
Governance structuring, constitution review, and compliance advisory for charities and NFP organisations.
Learn moreWho We Work With
Our charity and not-for-profit advisory work covers a range of organisation types across the sector:
Registered Charities
ACNC-registered charities across welfare, community, and social services. Advisory covering tax concessions, annual reporting, and governance compliance for organisations delivering charitable programs in South Australia and nationally.
Public Benevolent Institutions
PBIs providing direct relief to people in need. Advisory on FBT exemption, salary packaging, DGR endorsement, and the compliance requirements specific to PBI status under the ACNC and ATO frameworks.
Religious Organisations
Churches, religious bodies, and faith-based community organisations. Advisory covering income tax exemption, FBT concessions for religious practitioners, GST treatment of religious activities, and governance obligations.
Community & Sporting Groups
Incorporated associations, sporting clubs, and community organisations. Advisory on the distinction between mutual and non-mutual income, GST registration, grant compliance, and the specific tax concessions available to community-focused NFPs.
Social Enterprises
Mission-driven businesses operating commercially to fund charitable purposes. Advisory on the relationship between commercial activities and charitable status, income tax exemption for trading charities, and structuring to maintain ACNC registration.
Related Insights
Discuss Your Not-for-Profit Advisory Requirements
Whether you operate a registered charity, a PBI, or a community organisation, we can discuss how our advisory capabilities apply to your specific situation.