Official form guide
Form 3C: Form 3C Notify contravention or non-compliance
ACNC Form 3C is used by charities to notify the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) that they are no longer entitled to be registered due to a significant breach of the ACNC Act, Governance Standards, or External Conduct Standards. The form must be submitted within 28 days of the breach becoming known.
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Form Overview
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Form 3C - Form 3C Notify contravention or non-compliance
ACNC Form 3C is used by charities to notify the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) that they are no longer entitled to be registered due to a significant breach of the ACNC Act, Governance Standards, or External Conduct Standards. The form must be submitted within 28 days of the breach becoming known.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not type your name in the signature field; the ACNC cannot accept this as a signature.
- 2Submitting without a signed declaration
- 3Using a typed signature instead of an image or digital ID
- 4Failing to attach additional information when needed
- 5Not including the charity's ABN
Plain English
This form tells the ACNC that your charity can no longer be registered because of a serious rule break. You only need to send it if the break means your charity doesn't qualify as a charity anymore. For example, if your charity stopped being not-for-profit.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form must be submitted as soon as practical, and no later than 28 days after the charity becomes aware of the breach.
- 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 this form when your charity is no longer entitled to be registered as a type or subtype of charity due to a significant breach of the ACNC Act, Governance Standards, or External Conduct Standards.
- Do not use it when the breach does not affect your charity's entitlement to be registered (e.g., minor non-compliance).
- Check Form 5B: Report false or misleading statement instead when you need to notify the ACNC about an error or false or misleading statement.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You need to report a false or misleading statement rather than a breach
Using the correct form ensures the ACNC processes your notification appropriately
✓ Confirm the issue is an error or false statement, not a significant breach
You are unsure whether the issue is a breach or a false statement
Selecting the wrong form may delay assessment of your charity's registration
✓ Review the definitions of breach and false statement on the ACNC website
You need to notify a breach that also involves a false statement
Both issues may need separate notification; check ACNC guidance
✓ Contact ACNC Advice Services on 13 22 62 for clarification
Deadline or filing window
The trigger event is the charity becoming aware of a significant breach that disqualifies it from registration. The form must be submitted as soon as practical, and within 28 days. No extension is mentioned in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Field or section
Document or info needed · Usually found in
Section A: Charity ABN
Charity's Australian Business Number · ATO registration or charity's records
Section A: Charity name
Charity's formal name as on legal documents · Constitution, registration certificate
Section B: Details of breach
Explanation of circumstances and actions taken · Internal records, board minutes
Section C: Declaration signature
Signature by authorized person · Responsible Person, CEO, agent, or lodging entity
Lodging: Email to [email protected]
Completed form and attachments · Email system
Lodging: Mail to GPO Box 5108 Melbourne
Printed signed form · Postal service
Section C: Date
Day, Month, Year · Calendar
Section C: Position held
e.g., trustee, board member, lawyer · Charity's records
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the charity's ABN is entered correctly.
- 2Verify the charity's legal name is used, not a trading name.
- 3Provide a detailed explanation of the breach and actions taken.
- 4Attach any additional information if the explanation requires more space.
- 5Ensure the declaration is signed by an eligible person (Responsible Person, authorised person, agent, or lodging entity).
- 6If signing electronically, use a digital ID, insert an image of your signature, or draw your name – do not type your name.
- 7Check that the signature date is filled in (Day, Month, Year).
- 8Make a copy of the completed form and all attachments for your records.
- 9Email the form to [email protected] or mail to GPO Box 5108 Melbourne VIC 3001.
- 10If emailing, confirm the email address is correct and the form is attached.
How to file this form
- 1Download the fillable PDF from the ACNC website or print a blank copy.
- 2Complete Section A with the charity's ABN and legal name.
- 3Complete Section B with a detailed explanation of the breach and any actions taken; attach extra pages if needed.
- 4Complete Section C: have an eligible person sign and date the declaration.
- 5Make a copy of the signed form and attachments for your records.
- 6Submit the form by email to [email protected] or by mail to GPO Box 5108 Melbourne VIC 3001.
- 7Retain proof of submission (email receipt or postal tracking).
Known limitations
- 1This form is only for notifying the ACNC that a charity is no longer entitled to be registered due to a significant breach; it is not for reporting minor non-compliance.
- 2Do not use this form to report errors or false or misleading statements – use Form 5B instead.
- 3The form must be submitted within 28 days of becoming aware of the breach; late submission may have consequences.
- 4The form only covers breaches under the ACNC Act, Governance Standards, or External Conduct Standards; other regulatory breaches may require different notifications.
- 5The form is not an application for reinstatement or for changing charity type; it is a notification only.
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->The form PDF does not include a revision date. The ACNC website should be checked for the most current version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form PDF does not include a revision date; check the ACNC website for the latest version.
- Fee — no fee is mentioned in the source; confirm no fee applies.
- Mailing address — use GPO Box 5108 Melbourne VIC 3001 as stated on page 2.
- Signature — must be signed by a Responsible Person, authorised person, agent, or another registered charity; electronic signature requires digital ID, image of signature, or drawn name; typed name not accepted.
- Email submission — send to [email protected] as stated.
- Attachments — attach additional information if needed; keep a copy for records.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — Purpose: notify ACNC of breach affecting entitlement.
- SRCForm p.1 — When to submit: as soon as practical and within 28 days.
- SRCForm p.1 — Instructions: form is fillable with Adobe Acrobat Reader or printed.
- SRCForm p.1 — Section A: charity ABN and name required.
- SRCForm p.1 — Section B: explain breach and actions taken.
- SRCForm p.2 — Section C: declaration must be signed by eligible person.
- SRCForm p.2 — Who can sign: Responsible Person, authorised person, agent, or lodging entity.
- SRCForm p.2 — Electronic signature: use digital ID, image, or drawn name; do not type.
- SRCForm p.2 — Lodging: email to [email protected] or mail to GPO Box 5108 Melbourne VIC 3001.
- SRCForm p.1 — Other form: Form 5B for false or misleading statements.
Common confusion points
Confusion
Why it happens
→ Safe check
Who can sign the form?
The form lists multiple categories (Responsible Person, authorised person, agent, lodging entity) and it's unclear which applies.
→ Confirm the signer holds a position that gives them authority under the charity's governing rules or is specifically authorised.
Can I sign electronically by typing my name?
Many forms accept typed signatures.
→ The ACNC does not accept typed names; use a digital ID, image of signature, or draw name.
When must I submit?
The phrase 'as soon as is practical' is vague.
→ The form must be submitted within 28 days of becoming aware of the breach.
What if the breach is not significant?
The form is only for significant breaches that affect entitlement to registration.
→ If the breach does not affect charity status, do not use this form; consider Form 5B for errors.
Difference between Form 3C and Form 5B?
Both involve reporting issues.
→ Use Form 3C for significant breaches affecting registration; use Form 5B for false or misleading statements.
Do I need to attach evidence?
The form says 'attach more information if necessary'.
→ Attach any relevant documents to support the explanation; not required but recommended.
What is the ACNC Register?
Section A information appears on the register.
→ Ensure charity name and ABN are correct as they will be public.
Can I submit by email and mail?
Both options are given.
→ Choose one method; email is faster, but keep a copy for records.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 5B - Report false or misleading statement (to correct any inaccuracies)
Source transparency
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