Annual returns
Every year registered organisations must lodge an annual return by 31 March. The annual return is essential to the transparency of organisations. It includes the contents of certain records kept by the registered organisation as well as two declarations.
In this module you’ll learn about how to prepare the annual return, and where you can find copies of previously lodged annual returns online.
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The information lodged with the CommissionThe annual return includes:
The declarations must be signed by the Secretary, or any other prescribed officer who is required by the organisation or its rules to keep the register of members.
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Finding annual returnsAnnual returns are published on this website and can be downloaded by the public, including members of registered organisations. Activity: Downloading an annual return
Activity: Compliance check
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Timeframes relevant to the informationThe information lodged in the annual return relates to a number of different timeframes. One of the most common mistakes with annual returns is misunderstanding what timeframes apply to each piece of information.
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How to lodgeMost registered organisations use a template to lodge their annual return:
The templates have been designed to help organisations include all the information required, and make the correct declarations. Annual returns are lodged by emailing them to regorgs@fwc.gov.au. Email your annual return questions to regorgs@fwc.gov.au. |
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Your turn! Practice what you’ve learntBalancing transparency and privacyRegistered organisations must keep and lodge records about the address of office-holders. You also know the annual return is published on this website, and there’s a requirement to update records and notify the Commission of any changes (for example, if an address changes). Question: What is best practice record-keeping for the address of office-holders? It is recommended that registered organisations keep a professional address on its officer record (such as the organisation or branch office) as their address for this purpose. This will help to protect private information like residential addresses. It also means the organisation doesn’t need to update their records every time an officer moves house! When are elections due?Scenario Question: What elections must be listed on the 2021 annual return? Only the scheduled election for the committee of management (6 offices) should be listed on the organisation’s 2021 annual return. Unscheduled elections are not listed on annual returns (i.e. for casual vacancies, insufficient nominations from previous elections, or for a new office/position). In this example, the scheduled election for the President that started in 2020 must be listed in the organisation’s 2020 annual return. You can find out the timing of scheduled elections from the organisation’s rules. |
Remember: If certain information changes in the annual return the registered organisation must update their records and lodge a notification of change. These requirements are closely linked. Go to module 3 about notifications of change. | |||||||
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Back to the dashboard |
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Go to module 3: Notifications of change |
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Additional resources |