Alert: Charitable Organizations to Submit Annual Returns

By Pita Suguturaga

Notice to Charitable Organizations

On 12 November 2021, the Registrar of Titles issued a Notice to 876 Charitable Organizations requiring them to submit their annual returns containing the names, current addresses of all the trustees, board members and office bearers of the charitable trusts including a copy of the annual audited accounts by 31 December 2021. The list of relevant Charitable Organizations can be found here.

Effect of Non-Compliance

Failure of the listed Charitable Organizations to provide their annual returns by the due date given by the Registrar of Titles, in each financial year, will result in the de-registration of the Charitable Organization pursuant to section 13 of the Charitable Trusts Act.

The non-compliant Charitable Organization will have its information, containing names, addresses of it trustees, board members and office members published in the News dailies and Gazette, giving them 30 days to convince the Registrar of Titles on why their Charitable Organization should not be de-registered.

What do we need to do?

If your Charitable Organization is listed, you must ensure you prepare and file the annual returns along with other relevant information required by the Registrar of Titles.

For further questions please contact Pita Suguturaga at pita.suguturaga@hanifftuitoga.com.fj