Nil Returns
If there are no transactions during an election period, an email is sent by EDS with a link to submit Nil Return. No further action is required.
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 period commencement and conclusion dates will automatically be filled in.
Additional Items
You will first need to add Totals of any Payments, Debts or Receipts to the return. Click on the buttons for each of these to fill in the form details. Note that all fields with a red asterisk are mandatory.
Once you have completed these (if required), click ‘Next’.
Returns 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. There are four additional fields to fill in:
- Total value of all gifts received during period: Enter the total value of all gifts (other than exempt gifts) received during this disclosure period, regardless of the gift threshold. This should include GST.
- Number of entities which made the gifts: Enter the total number of entities that made the gifts. Two or more gifts from the same person/organisation count as one.
- Total of all loans received for reporting period: Enter the total of all loans provided during this disclosure period. Loans from financial institutions are not reportable.
- Number of entities which made loans: Enter the number of entities that provided the loans. Two or more loans from the same person/organisation count as one.
Pro-tip: If you received a loan or gift above the threshold amount, you need to report it separately before finalising the periodic return.
Audit Certificate
Unless stated otherwise, you must upload a certificate of audit signed by a qualified auditor. To do this, click ‘Download Audit Certificate’ to download a copy of the certificate template.
When the certificate has been filled and signed by a qualified auditor, click ‘Attach Audit Certificate’ to attach the completed certificate. You can save the return as a draft while you wait for the certificate to be completed – click ‘Save Draft’ – the return will then be accessible through the Returns>Drafts menu.
You may be able to request an Audit Waiver. If this is the case, you will see a ‘Request Audit Waiver’ button at the bottom left of the screen. If you wish to request an audit waiver, you will be asked to provide a reason. Fill in the reason and click ‘Request to waive audit’.
Once the request for audit waiver is made, it will be processed by ECQ representatives. The fact of the request does not guarantee your request is approved, and if rejected, you still will be obligated to attach the audit certificate prior to submitting your return.
When you have completed the form and attached your Audit Certificate (if required), click ‘Submit’, or ‘Save Draft’ to return later.