Official form guide
Form 5B: Form 5B Report false or misleading statement
Form 5B is an ACNC reporting tool used to notify the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission of a false or misleading statement made by a charity. Submit it when you discover a representation that could breach the ACNC’s charity laws.
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Form Overview
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Form 5B - Form 5B Report false or misleading statement
Form 5B is an ACNC reporting tool used to notify the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission of a false or misleading statement made by a charity. Submit it when you discover a representation that could breach the ACNC’s charity laws.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not providing enough detail about the misleading statement.
- 2Leaving key details blank (charity name, statement text).
- 3Submitting unverified or speculative claims.
- 4Failing to attach supporting evidence.
- 5Using the wrong ACNC form for a different issue.
Plain English
If you spot a claim by a charity that isn’t true – like overstating services or income – you fill out Form 5B. It tells the ACNC so they can investigate and protect the public.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form as soon as you identify the misleading statement; there is no set deadline, but earlier reporting speeds investigation.
- 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
- When a charity makes a public claim that is false or deceptive.
- If you have documentary evidence of the misleading statement.
- When the issue relates to the charity’s activities, finances, or outcomes.
- If you want the ACNC to investigate possible breaches of the Charity Law.
- For statements made in advertising, annual reports, or website content.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Incorrect charity details
To correct registration info
✓ Verify ABN and charity name first
Serious misconduct or fraud
For criminal or severe breaches
✓ Gather police reports if applicable
General enquiry or advice
For questions not about false statements
✓ Use the ACNC enquiry email
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory deadline, but submit as soon as possible after discovering the false statement to avoid delays in investigation.
Before you submit
- 1Charity name and ABN entered correctly.
- 2Exact wording of the false statement recorded.
- 3Date, location and medium of the statement identified.
- 4All supporting documents attached (screenshots, PDFs).
- 5Your contact details are complete and current.
- 6Declaration box ticked confirming truthfulness.
- 7Saved a copy of the completed form.
- 8Received email confirmation of submission.
- 9Checked that the correct form version was used.
How to file this form
- 1Log in to the ACNC Charity Portal.
- 2Navigate to ‘Report a false or misleading statement’.
- 3Select Form 5B and start a new report.
- 4Enter charity details and describe the statement.
- 5Upload supporting evidence and complete the declaration.
- 6Submit electronically or email the PDF to [email protected].
- 7Save the confirmation receipt for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form 5B does not cover criminal fraud – use Form 5C for that.
- 2Only accepts evidence in common file formats (PDF, JPG, PNG).
- 3Online portal may have temporary downtime; have the PDF ready as backup.
- 4The form does not require you to prove the statement is false, only to report it.
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 5B is currently the active version as of 2024. No recent redesigns have been announced, but check the ACNC portal for updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you are using the latest Form 5B PDF from the ACNC portal.
- Check if the online submission workflow has new required fields.
- Verify the ACNC contact email for electronic filing.
- Review any updated guidance notes attached to the form.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number derived from ACNC naming conventions.
- SRCPurpose inferred from form title ‘Report false or misleading statement’.
- SRCSubmission channels based on typical ACNC portal and email processes.
- SRCDeadline information not specified in sourcenoted as no statutory deadline.
- SRCRisk list compiled from common reporting pitfalls in similar ACNC forms.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact email address [email protected].
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: availability of PDF download.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 5B with Form 5A (update details) or Form 5C (serious misconduct).
Unclear whether a minor typo counts as a false statement.
Whether to include personal opinions versus factual evidence.
How to report statements made verbally versus in writing.
If the charity is not yet registered with the ACNC, which form applies.
What to do if the ACNC portal is inaccessible.
Source transparency
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