Nil Returns
If there are no transactions during your disclosure period, a Nil Return nonetheless is required to be lodged. A Nil return can be submitted manually at any time after the electoral event. Select ‘Next’ at the bottom of the periodic return lodgement page and then select ‘Submit Nil Return’ at the bottom right of the Returns Summary page.
Disclosure Period
Periodic returns are required for specific election periods. In the Disclosure Period section, select the reporting period or event name from the dropdown list. The return commencement and conclusion dates will automatically be filled in, however you must check the commencement date and amend if necessary.
Return Summary
The Returns Summary section will show the total of all gifts and loans that you have already reported as received during the disclosure period. In addition to this you need to fill out;
- The total Under Threshold Amount of Gifts received: Enter the total amount of gifts received during the disclosure period that were under the threshold amount and have not already been reported in the EDS.
- The number of Entities which made Gifts: Enter the total number of entities that made gifts, including entities that made gifts under the threshold amount. Note that two or more gifts from the same person or organisation count as one.
- The total Under Threshold Amount of Loans received: Enter the total of all loans received during the disclosure period that were under the threshold amount and have not already been reported in the EDS. Loans from financial institutions are not reportable.
- The number of Entities which made loans: Enter the total number of entities that made loans, including entities that made loans under the threshold amount. Note that two or more loans from the same person or organisation count as one.
Pro-tip: If you received a gift or loan equal to or above the threshold amount, you need to report it separately before finalising the periodic return.
Also it is important that all the gifts/loans are reconciled before lodging the periodic return, as all the unreconciled returns from donors will be captured.