Rules Mate

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ACNC charity readiness scorer

Registered charities must meet the six ACNC Governance Standards, keep proper records, lodge an Annual Information Statement each year, and — where they work overseas — the External Conduct Standards. This tool calculates your size tier from annual revenue, sets out the financial-reporting requirement for that tier, and scores your governance readiness with prioritised gaps.

Last verified: 1 July 2026
Charity profile
Overseas activity
6 Governance Standards

Standard 1 — purposes + not-for-profit nature

The charity pursues its charitable purposes and operates on a not-for-profit basis, and can demonstrate it.

Standard 2 — accountability to members

Members have an adequate opportunity to raise concerns about how the charity is governed (e.g. an AGM or reporting).

Standard 3 — compliance with Australian laws

The charity does not engage in conduct that would be an indictable offence or a serious breach of an Australian law.

Standard 4 — suitability of responsible people

Responsible people are checked and none are disqualified from managing a corporation or from being a charity responsible person.

Standard 5 — duties of responsible people

Responsible people act with care and diligence, honestly and in the charity's best interests, manage finances responsibly, ensure solvency and disclose conflicts.

Standard 6 — maintain and enhance public trust

The charity takes reasonable steps to prevent and respond to abuse, consistent with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Records + reporting obligations

Financial + operational records kept

Records correctly record and explain the charity's transactions and activities, and are retained for the required period.

Annual Information Statement lodged on time

The AIS is lodged with the ACNC each year by its due date.

ACNC notified of changes

Changes to responsible persons, address for service and governing documents are reported to the ACNC.

Reference tool — not professional advice. ACNC obligations depend on your charity's circumstances, subtype and size, and size thresholds are set by the ACNC and may change. Always confirm your obligations with the ACNC or a suitably qualified adviser before making material decisions.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the ACNC Governance Standards?
Six standards every registered charity must meet: (1) purposes and not-for-profit nature; (2) accountability to members; (3) compliance with Australian laws; (4) suitability of responsible people; (5) duties of responsible people; and (6) maintaining and enhancing public trust, including following the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
How is my charity's size determined?
By annual revenue. A small charity has revenue under $500,000; a medium charity has revenue from $500,000 to under $3 million; and a large charity has revenue of $3 million or more. These thresholds are set by the ACNC — confirm the current figures before relying on them.
What financial report do I have to submit?
Small charities complete the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and a financial report is optional. Medium charities must submit a reviewed or audited financial report. Large charities must submit an audited financial report. All sizes lodge the AIS each year.
When do the External Conduct Standards apply?
The External Conduct Standards apply where a charity operates outside Australia or sends funds or resources overseas. They sit on top of the Governance Standards and cover activities and control of resources abroad, record-keeping for overseas activity, and anti-fraud and anti-money-laundering controls.

Not sure which obligations apply to you?

Run the Compliance Fingerprint — a 2-minute structured assessment that maps your business to every obligation, deadline and regulator that triggers.

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