Start & register a charity — set up properly from day one.
From the ABN to ACNC registration and tax concessions. We help you choose the right structure, get your governing document right and lodge the applications.
Registering with the ACNC, step by step.
- Choose a legal structure. Most charities are incorporated associations or companies limited by guarantee. The structure affects reporting, liability and how many responsible people you need.
- Get your governing document right. The ACNC needs a final version — not a draft — with your purposes, not-for-profit and winding-up clauses, and how the organisation is governed.
- Get an ABN. You need an active ABN in the organisation's name before you apply.
- Apply to the ACNC. In the same application you can ask for charity tax concessions, and DGR endorsement if you're eligible — you don't need a separate application to the ATO for those.
How many responsible people?
It depends on your structure. A public company needs at least three directors, and an incorporated association in NSW needs at least three committee members. Your governing document can require more.
How long it takes
Once the ACNC has everything it needs, it aims to decide applications within 15 business days, but applications can wait several weeks to be allocated. A complete application avoids the back-and-forth that causes most delays.
Not every NFP should be a charity
Sporting clubs, social clubs and some community groups aren't charities. They may be able to self-assess as income tax exempt instead — and then need to lodge the NFP self-review return each year.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information only — not advice for your organisation. Rules change; call us to confirm how they apply to you.
Simple for the board. Done properly.
- 1
Structure & purposes
We help you pick a structure and frame your purposes so you qualify for the right concessions.
- 2
Documents & ABN
Governing document checked against ACNC and ATO requirements, ABN registered.
- 3
Lodge & follow up
ACNC application lodged with tax concessions and DGR (if eligible), and we handle the follow-up questions.
Starting a charity — common questions.
Do we need an ABN before registering with the ACNC?
Yes. The ACNC needs an active ABN for the organisation. A sole trader ABN can't be used.
Do we need to apply to the ATO separately for tax concessions?
Usually not. You can apply for charity tax concessions, and DGR endorsement if eligible, in the ACNC registration application. The ATO still makes the decision on tax concessions.
Incorporated association or company limited by guarantee?
Smaller, member-based groups often start as incorporated associations. Larger or national organisations often choose a company limited by guarantee. Each has different reporting and governance rules — we'll explain the trade-offs.
How long does registration take?
The ACNC aims to decide within 15 business days once it has all the information, but applications can take longer to be allocated. A complete application helps.
We're a sports club. Should we register as a charity?
Usually not — most sports clubs aren't charities. They may be able to self-assess as income tax exempt and lodge the NFP self-review return instead.
Starting a charity?
Talk to us first.
15 minutes on the phone. No charge. We'll talk through your idea, the right structure and what you'll need to register.