Annual returns

We have updated this page after changes to the Electoral Act 2002. These changes refer to rules about funding and donation disclosure. 

Read this information carefully. Your legal duties have changed under the new laws.

On this page:

 

An annual return is a summary of money received and costs incurred in a financial year.

Who must submit an annual return

  • registered political parties
  • independent candidates
  • groups of independent Legislative Council (upper house) candidates
  • independent elected members (MPs)
  • associated entities
  • third-party campaigners

Due date

20 October each year (16 weeks after end of financial year). We do not have the power or discretion to extend due dates prescribed in Part 12 of the Electoral Act. This includes when dates fall on a weekend or a public holiday.

Annual returns must be submitted through VEC Disclosures.

Annual returns from 2018 onwards are published on VEC Disclosures.

Information for specific entities

The information provided in an annual return depends on who is submitting an annual return. Visit the following pages to find out more:

Annual returns for registered political parties

Annual returns for associated entities

Annual returns for independent candidates, groups and independent members

Annual returns for third-party campaigners

Help with your return

If you have any questions email disclosures@vec.vic.gov.au or call 03 8620 1356.

Record keeping

To receive funding, you need to show you have incurred expenditure.

You must keep any records related to electoral expenditure, political expenditure, and donations.

You must keep these records for at least 4 years from the:

  • relevant election day, for any funding you receive from us
  • the date of an online donation disclosure
  • the date you submit an annual return to us

Records must be kept in paper or electronic form. These records must be available if we need them. There are penalties for submitting false or misleading information.

Examples of related records include:

  • audit records, including statements and certificates
  • receipts
  • transaction records such as bank or credit card statements
  • deposit or cash books
  • receipt or acknowledgement books
  • financial journals or ledgers
  • payroll records.

You may need to keep these records for longer for other purposes, such as your tax obligations. You should consult a tax professional with any tax queries.

If you cannot access VEC Disclosures, please email disclosures@vec.vic.gov.au or call us on 03 8620 1356.