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Is Your NFP Really Income Tax Exempt?

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Online via Zoom


Is Your NFP Really Income Tax Exempt?

Thursday 15th October 2026, 12.00pm AEDT, Online via ZOOM

AES Members - FREE  I  Non-Members - $50

If your not-for-profit is not a charity, self-assesses as income tax exempt and holds an active ABN, it may be required to lodge an annual NFP self-review return with the ATO.

For the 2025–26 financial year, the return is due by 31 October 2026.

But lodging the return is only part of the picture. The bigger question is: does your organisation actually qualify to self-assess as income tax exempt? Many member-based associations — particularly professional and industry bodies focused on advancing their members’ interests — may not meet the exemption tests. And even if your organisation is taxable, not all of its income may be.

Understanding the mutuality principle

Under the mutuality principle, income received from your organisation’s own members is generally not assessable, while income from non-members generally is. Revenue from activities involving both members and non-members may need to be apportioned. Knowing how to correctly classify your revenue as member, non-member or mixed income can be challenging — and getting it wrong can have tax implications.

Are your governing documents compliant?

There’s another important change NFPs need to be aware of. Since 1 July 2026, an NFP whose governing documents don’t contain the required clauses prohibiting the distribution of income or assets to members can no longer self-assess as income tax exempt. The transitional period has now ended, making this an important time to review your constitution or governing documents.

In this session, you’ll learn:

  • Whether your NFP needs to lodge the self-review return — and what happens if it doesn’t
  • How to determine whether your organisation qualifies to self-assess as income tax exempt
  • How the mutuality principle applies to member, non-member and mixed income
  • What the ATO now requires in your governing documents
  • Your lodgment options and what you need to do before the 31 October deadline

Make sure your NFP understands its obligations and is ready for the 31 October 2026 deadline.

Continue the Conversation with Accru Melbourne

Everyone who attends the webinar can book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Accru Melbourne after the webinar to discuss their organisation’s specific circumstances and questions. Interested? Simply email AES to arrange your consultation.


Meet the Presenters


Lachlan Braid

Manager, Business Advisory Services, Accru Melbourne

Lachlan Braid is a Manager in Accru Melbourne’s Business Advisory Services team and a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance. Since joining Accru in 2016, Lachlan has built extensive experience providing strategic CFO-style advice, business advisory services and compliance support, including working with a number of associations across Australia.

Known for his friendly, down-to-earth approach, Lachlan has a talent for making complex financial matters easier to understand and focuses on delivering practical solutions that help clients achieve their goals with confidence. Outside of work, Lachlan volunteers as an Event Director at his local parkrun, reflecting his commitment to supporting both his clients and the wider community.


Tom Walker

Accountant, Business Advisory Services, Accru Melbourne

Tom Walker is an Accountant in Accru Melbourne’s Business Advisory Services team, with experience across business advisory, taxation, financial reporting and compliance.

With a particular focus on not-for-profit and association clients, Tom is passionate about helping organisations understand and navigate their financial and compliance obligations with confidence.

Known for a positive and collaborative approach, Tom focuses on developing practical solutions while building strong, trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.

Attendance at AES events is restricted to individuals employed by not-for-profit organisations and Board members of not-for-profit organisations.
Registrations from commercial suppliers, vendors and consultants outside the NFP sector will not be accepted.


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