Religious, school groups among ACT charities banned from receiving tax deductible donations

The 12 ACT charities to be de-registered were among 503 charities nationally that lost their charity status after failing to provide annual returns for two years.

But it is unclear how many of those to lose their status were actually operating as functioning charities, as some charities remain on the regulator's books that may not be current, after it was created in 2012.

Some 30 ACT charities were warned they were "at risk" of losing their status to receive tax-deductible donations, but 18 heeded the warning and provided their annual statements to the regulator.

Among the groups that have lost their status in the past month were several school groups including the Kaleen High School Library Trust Fund, Charnwood Primary School P&C Association, Majura Primary School Canteen and Chisholm Preschool Parent Association.

Other religious and community groups to lose their status included the National Capital Church, Khemararangsi Buddhist Temple of the ACT, Free Serbian Orthodox Church St George, African Voice, Miracles Australia and the ANU Interhall Production Committee.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Susan Pascoe said all charities needed to submit an annual information statement to keep their status.

But she said those that failed to submit the statements for two years or more were "double defaulters" – grounds for revocation.

"In some instances, these charities may have ceased operating and simply have not notified us," she said.

"We will continue to revoke the charity status of those organisations that fail to meet their obligations, as non-compliance can damage public trust and confidence in the entire sector."

UPDATE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to the charities losing "deductible gift recipient" status, instead of losing their status as charities being able to receive "tax deductible donations".