Official form guide
Form 4D: Form 4D Apply to keep charity size
Form 4D – Apply to keep charity size – is used to ask the ACNC to keep your charity classified as its usual small or medium size after a one‑off change in revenue caused by an unusual event. Submit it in the reporting period when the event happens or within six months after that period ends, and before filing your Annual Information Statement.
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Form Overview
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Form 4D - Form 4D Apply to keep charity size
Form 4D – Apply to keep charity size – is used to ask the ACNC to keep your charity classified as its usual small or medium size after a one‑off change in revenue caused by an unusual event. Submit it in the reporting period when the event happens or within six months after that period ends, and before filing your Annual Information Statement.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is submitting the form after the Annual Information Statement deadline.
- 2Missing signature or using a typed name only
- 3Leaving any revenue field blank
- 4Failing to describe the unusual event clearly
- 5Submitting after the AIS filing deadline
Plain English
If your charity got a big one‑off donation or bequest that pushes you into a larger size for one year, you can use this form to tell the ACNC you want to stay in the original size category. It’s a short application that needs your revenue figures and a brief explanation of the event.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File the form during the reporting period with the unusual event, or within six months after that period ends, and always before you lodge your Annual Information Statement.
- 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 one‑off event (e.g., a large bequest) pushes revenue out of the usual small or medium range for a single reporting period.
- Apply only if the charity expects to return to its former size in the next reporting period.
- Submit during the affected reporting period or within six months after it ends, and before the Annual Information Statement is lodged.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Unusual event changes charity size
Requests to keep existing small/medium classification
✓ Verify event is one‑off and revenue will revert
Need a different accounting period
Requests a substituted reporting period
✓ Confirm ACNC approval before using new period
Regular annual update required
Standard compliance filing
✓ Submit after any size‑keep request is resolved
Annual Information Statement (AIS)
Deadline or filing window
You must lodge Form 4D in the same reporting period as the unusual event or within six months of that period’s end, and it must be received before your Annual Information Statement is filed.
Before you submit
- 1Fill Section A with the charity's ABN and formal name.
- 2Enter total revenue for the previous, current (event) and following reporting periods – whole dollars only.
- 3Provide a clear description of the unusual event and the revenue it generated.
- 4Attach any supporting documents or extra pages if space is insufficient.
- 5Sign the declaration using a digital ID, an image of a signature, or a drawn name – do not type your name.
- 6Ensure the signer is a responsible person, authorised officer, agent, or authorised lodging charity.
- 7Submit the form before lodging the Annual Information Statement.
- 8Email to [email protected] or post to GPO Box 5108, Melbourne VIC 3001.
- 9Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Download the fillable PDF from the ACNC website.
- 2Complete Section A (ABN, charity name) and Section B (revenue figures and event description).
- 3Complete Section C, ensuring the appropriate person signs correctly.
- 4Attach any additional information needed to explain the unusual event.
- 5Email the completed form to [email protected] or mail it to the ACNC address.
- 6Save a copy of the emailed/mailed submission confirmation for your files.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable for a single reporting period affected by an unusual event.
- 2Cannot be used to change a charity’s size classification permanently.
- 3Must be submitted before the Annual Information Statement; otherwise the request will be rejected.
- 4If the charity reports on a non‑standard July‑June period, Form 4A must be approved first.
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 4D is the current ACNC form for applying to keep a charity's size after an unusual event. No recent amendments are indicated in the source document.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you have the latest PDF version from the ACNC website (not confirmed in official source).
- Verify the form still has two pages and the same section headings (A, B, C).
- Check that the contact email ([email protected]) and phone (13 22 62) are unchanged (not confirmed in official source).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCPurpose: apply to keep charity size after unusual event (confirmed).
- SRCWhen to submit: during the period of the event or within six months after, before AIS (confirmed).
- SRCSection A requires ABN and charity name (confirmed).
- SRCSection B asks for total revenue for three periods, no cents, and description of event (confirmed).
- SRCSection C declaration must be signed by authorized person; electronic signature options listed (confirmed).
- SRCSubmission methods: email [email protected] or post to GPO Box 5108 Melbourne VIC 3001 (confirmed).
- SRCContact details: [email protected], phone 13 22 62, GPO Box address (confirmed).
- SRCReference to Form 4A for substituted accounting period (confirmed).
- SRCPenalty clause for false information (confirmed).
- SRCPrivacy statement about use of information and possible sharing with other agencies (confirmed).
Common confusion points
Leaving cents in revenue figures – the form requires whole dollars only.
Submitting after the Annual Information Statement has already been lodged.
Using a typed name instead of a digital ID, image, or drawn signature.
Failing to include the revenue for the previous and following reporting periods.
Mistaking Form 4D for a request to change the reporting period (that is Form 4A).
Not attaching a description of the unusual event or the amount received.
Signing the form as someone without the required authority.
Source transparency
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