Incorporated association returns — AGM, annual summary and financials sorted.
Clubs, community groups and charities incorporated in NSW have yearly obligations to NSW Fair Trading. We prepare the financial statements, check your tier and lodge the annual summary on time.
What NSW associations have to do each year.
- Hold an AGM within 6 months of the end of your financial year.
- Present financial statements to members at the AGM.
- Lodge an annual summary of financial affairs with NSW Fair Trading within one month after the AGM — and no later than 7 months after your financial year end.
Tier 1 or Tier 2?
| Tier | Test | Extra requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Total revenue over $500,000 or current assets over $1,000,000 | Financial statements must be audited; auditor's report lodged with the annual summary |
| Tier 2 | Revenue $500,000 or less and current assets $1,000,000 or less | Financial statements prepared and presented to members |
These thresholds increased from 27 June 2025 (they used to be $250,000 and $500,000). Some associations that used to be Tier 1 are now Tier 2 — worth checking before you book an audit you may no longer need.
Registered charities: report once
From 1 April 2026, NSW incorporated associations that are registered with the ACNC can generally meet their NSW financial reporting obligations by reporting to the ACNC — as long as they lodge their AIS, meet their ACNC requirements, don't have their financial statements withheld from the Charity Register and aren't part of an ACNC reporting group. You still need to hold an AGM and keep NSW Fair Trading updated about changes.
Not a charity?
Many associations — especially sporting and social clubs — aren't charities and self-assess as income tax exempt. They also need to lodge the ATO NFP self-review return by 31 October 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
Check your tier
We confirm your tier under the new thresholds and whether ACNC reporting covers your NSW obligations.
- 2
Prepare the financials
Financial statements ready for the committee and the AGM, and audit liaison for Tier 1.
- 3
Lodge
Annual summary lodged with NSW Fair Trading on time, plus any ATO returns you need.
NSW incorporated associations — common questions.
What are the Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds now?
Tier 1 is total revenue over $500,000 or current assets over $1,000,000. Everyone else is Tier 2. The thresholds increased from 27 June 2025.
When is our annual summary due?
Within one month after your AGM, and no later than 7 months after the end of your financial year. Your AGM must be held within 6 months of year end.
We're a registered charity. Do we still lodge with NSW Fair Trading?
From 1 April 2026, ACNC-registered associations can generally meet NSW financial reporting by reporting to the ACNC, if they meet the conditions. You still need to hold an AGM and notify NSW Fair Trading of changes.
Do Tier 2 associations need an audit?
Not under the NSW rules, but your constitution or a funder might require one. We'll check.
Do you help associations in other states?
Yes. We work with incorporated associations in VIC, QLD, WA and SA too — each state has its own rules and we handle them as part of our standard scope.
AGM season?
Let's get your return in.
15 minutes on the phone. No charge. We'll confirm your tier, what's due and when — and give you a fixed fee.