Lodge the AUSTRAC annual compliance report (AML/CTF Act s 47)
Every reporting entity must lodge an annual compliance report with AUSTRAC; the first financial-year period runs 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, due by 30 September 2027.
Who must comply
Every enrolled AML/CTF reporting entity, including Tranche 2 businesses from 1 July 2026, unless exempt (item 54-only AFSL holders, or a specific AUSTRAC exemption).
What triggers it
Being a reporting entity at any time during the reporting period.
When due
Annually between 1 July and 30 September for the financial year just ended. First Tranche 2 report: period 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027, due 30 September 2027.
Evidence required
Lodged compliance report and AUSTRAC Online receipt; the evidence behind each answer (AML/CTF program and approvals, risk assessment reviews, CDD records, SMR/TTR lodgment records, training records, independent evaluation report or schedule); AUSTRAC Online administrator nominated.
Max penalty
Section 47(2) is a civil penalty provision: up to $36.4M (body corporate) or $7.28M (other persons) per contravention. AUSTRAC can also issue an infringement notice of $21,840 (company) or $4,368 (individual), or a remedial direction. In May 2026 the Federal Court ordered two securities firms that did not pay AUSTRAC infringement notices for missed 2023 compliance reports to pay $50,000 and $45,000 plus costs.
Effective from
30 September 2027
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
Section 47 of the AML/CTF Act requires a reporting entity to give the AUSTRAC CEO, within the lodgment period, a report on its compliance with the Act, the regulations and the AML/CTF Rules during the reporting period (Rules s 9-9). AUSTRAC has moved the reporting period to financial years: the next period is 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, and reports are lodged between 1 July and 30 September each year. For Tranche 2 businesses (real estate, accountants, lawyers, conveyancers, trust and company service providers, precious metals dealers) that began providing designated services from 1 July 2026, the first report therefore covers their first year and is due by 30 September 2027. Reports are submitted in AUSTRAC Online by a user listed as an administrator. Businesses whose only designated services are item 54 arrangements by an AFSL holder are exempt (s 47(5)).
Enforced by
Source legislation
Topics
Related
- CWLTHEnrol with AUSTRAC as a reporting entityTranche 2 entities must enrol with AUSTRAC within 28 days of first providing a designated service (29 July 2026 for services from 1 July 2026).
- CWLTHMaintain a written AML/CTF programEvery reporting entity needs a documented AML/CTF program — an ML/TF risk assessment plus AML/CTF policies.
- CWLTHIndependent review of AML/CTF programReporting entities must have their whole AML/CTF program independently evaluated at least once every 3 years.
- CWLTHSuspicious matter, threshold, and IFTI reporting to AUSTRACLodge SMRs, TTRs ($10K+ cash), and IFTI reports via AUSTRAC Online.
- CWLTHCustomer due diligence (KYC) on every customerIdentify and verify every customer (and beneficial owner) before providing a designated service.
- CWLTHDesignate an AML/CTF Compliance OfficerReporting entities must designate an eligible AML/CTF compliance officer at management level and notify AUSTRAC.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with the AUSTRAC annual compliance report (AML/CTF Act s 47)?
- Every enrolled AML/CTF reporting entity, including Tranche 2 businesses from 1 July 2026, unless exempt (item 54-only AFSL holders, or a specific AUSTRAC exemption).
- What triggers the AUSTRAC annual compliance report (AML/CTF Act s 47)?
- Being a reporting entity at any time during the reporting period.
- When is the AUSTRAC annual compliance report (AML/CTF Act s 47) due?
- Annually between 1 July and 30 September for the financial year just ended. First Tranche 2 report: period 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027, due 30 September 2027.
- What is the maximum penalty for the AUSTRAC annual compliance report (AML/CTF Act s 47)?
- Section 47(2) is a civil penalty provision: up to $36.4M (body corporate) or $7.28M (other persons) per contravention. AUSTRAC can also issue an infringement notice of $21,840 (company) or $4,368 (individual), or a remedial direction. In May 2026 the Federal Court ordered two securities firms that did not pay AUSTRAC infringement notices for missed 2023 compliance reports to pay $50,000 and $45,000 plus costs.
- What evidence is required for the AUSTRAC annual compliance report (AML/CTF Act s 47)?
- Lodged compliance report and AUSTRAC Online receipt; the evidence behind each answer (AML/CTF program and approvals, risk assessment reviews, CDD records, SMR/TTR lodgment records, training records, independent evaluation report or schedule); AUSTRAC Online administrator nominated.
Source: https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/obligations-and-guidance/your-amlctf-program/reporting-us/annual-compliance-reports. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.