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The ATO has issued an urgent reminder to not-for-profits with roughly only 20,000 of the total 100,000 NFPs required to lodge a self-review return having lodged it ahead of the 31 March deadline.
Majority of NFPs yet to lodge self-review return as deadline looms
18 March 2025
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7 minute read
The Tax Office has reminded non-charitable not-for-profits with an active Australian business number to submit their self-review return by 31 March, with the deadline now less than two weeks away.
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In a recent update, ATO assistant commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti said last week more than 20,000 NFPs had already lodged their review return, with the ATO also responding to many inquiries about the self-review returns.
Moltisanti said that more than 100,000 non-charitable NFPs with an active ABN were required to lodge an annual self-review return to notify the Tax Office of their eligibility to self-assess as income tax exempt.
The new reporting obligations apply to a diverse range of NFPs, including sporting clubs and community service organisations. Charitable NFPs already registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) aren't required to lodge the return.
"It’s important all NFPs are aware of their obligations and don’t delay lodging their first return," Moltisanti said.
"There’s still time. And if you’ve mistakenly self-assessed as income tax exempt in the past it’s important you don’t worry. You can contact my dedicated team on the phone number above and we can help you work it out."
Moltisanti said while the ATO will support NFPs genuinely trying to do the right thing, it would review those who intentionally ignore their obligations.
She also urged any NFPs affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and unable to lodge by 31 March to reach out to the ATO for assistance.
Moltisanti said the Tax Office has worked with many sector stakeholders, including volunteers, to make the return as easy as possible to complete and lodge.
"The return has three short sections and only asks for information that NFPs should already know," she said.
This includes organisational details, the NFP category that best reflects the main purpose of the organisation and which category the NFP is claiming the income tax exemption against.
"If you’re not sure where to start, we have lots of useful information, guidance, and resources available about the NFP self-review return at ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt," Moltisanti said.
"This includes a factsheet that provides an overview of the return to help you understand your reporting obligations at a glance."
She also encouraged NFPs to review the ATO's return question guide, which lists all the questions asked on the return.
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