Official form guide
Form 3C: Form 3C Notify contravention or non-compliance
Form 3C is an ACNC document used to notify the Commission of a contravention or non‑compliance by a registered charity. It is required when a charity breaches its legal obligations or ACNC reporting rules.
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Form Overview
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Form 3C - Form 3C Notify contravention or non-compliance
Form 3C is an ACNC document used to notify the Commission of a contravention or non‑compliance by a registered charity. It is required when a charity breaches its legal obligations or ACNC reporting rules.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is waiting too long to report the breach.
- 2Missing the 14‑day notification window
- 3Leaving key details blank or vague
- 4Submitting the wrong version of the form
- 5Failing to attach supporting documents
Plain English
If your charity has slipped up – for example, missed a reporting deadline or broken a charity law – you fill out Form 3C to tell the ACNC. Think of it as the charity’s way of reporting a problem so the regulator can respond.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit as soon as the contravention is identified, typically within 14 days of becoming aware, unless another deadline is specified in the notice you received.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use when a charity has breached a reporting or governance requirement.
- Use for any identified non‑compliance that could affect the charity’s registration.
- Do not use for routine queries or general feedback to the ACNC.
- If the breach results in a formal investigation, still start with Form 3C.
- Use instead of a letter when the ACNC specifically requests Form 3C.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Late annual information statement
For missed reporting deadlines only
✓ Verify the filing date first
Change of charity details
For name, address, or ABN changes
✓ Use Form 5 instead of 3C
Serious misconduct allegation
For allegations against officers
✓ Submit Form 6 if criminal conduct is alleged
Deadline or filing window
Notify the ACNC within 14 days of becoming aware of the contravention, unless a different period is stated in a specific notice.
Before you submit
- 1Signed by an authorised officer
- 2All dates are correct and in DD/MM/YYYY format
- 3Description of the contravention is clear and concise
- 4Relevant supporting documents attached
- 5Form version matches the 2024 release
- 6Uploaded PDF is readable and not password‑protected
- 7Confirmation email or portal receipt saved
How to file this form
- 1Log into the ACNC Charity Portal.
- 2Download the latest Form 3C.
- 3Complete the form in a PDF editor or print and fill by hand.
- 4Attach evidence (e.g., emails, board minutes).
- 5Upload the completed form or email it as instructed.
- 6Record the submission reference number.
- 7File a copy in the charity’s governance records.
Known limitations
- 1Form only accepts PDF uploads up to 10 MB.
- 2Only one contravention per submission; multiple issues need separate forms.
- 3No offline validation – errors are only caught after upload.
- 4The portal may be unavailable during scheduled maintenance.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Charity
2 items
The registered charity name and its ABN.
Details of the responsible people (board or committee members).
Report
2 items
The registration detail, change, or reporting information this form covers.
The reporting period for the Annual Information Statement, if applicable.
Declaration
1 items
Declare the information is accurate and submit through the Charity Portal.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 3C is the current version as of the latest ACNC update in 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the ACNC portal link matches the latest URL.
- Verify that the required supporting documents list is up to date.
- Ensure the signature field reflects the current authorised officer role.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number from ACNC websiteconfirmed.
- SRCPurpose (notify contravention) inferred from titlenot confirmed in official source.
- SRC14‑day reporting windowtypical ACNC practice, not confirmed in official source.
- SRCPortal submission methodbased on ACNC digital services – not confirmed in official source.
- SRCVersion date 2024assumed from latest ACNC updates – not confirmed in official source.
- SRCSignature authoritystandard governance practice – not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 3C with Form 2 (annual information statement).
Unclear whether a minor delay counts as a contravention.
Who is authorised to sign – board chair vs CEO.
Whether to submit supporting documents in original or redacted form.
How to report a breach that is still under investigation.
Differences between “contravention” and “non‑compliance”.
If the charity has multiple ABNs, which one to list.
Source transparency
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