As recently announced, ASIC will extend the deadline for unlisted entities required to lodge financial reports under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 (e.g. disclosing entities and large proprietary companies) by one month for balance dates from 24 December 2021 to 7 January 2022. The relief builds on earlier relief announced for certain reporting periods ending up to 7 January 2021 and from 23 June 2021 to 7 July 2021.
The extension is to assist with any pressures on resources for the audit of smaller entities, as well as any challenges arising from COVID-19 conditions. ASIC has recognised current audit resources may be affected by the number of subsidiaries in foreign companies reporting at 31 December 2021, in addition to increased staff turnover, travel restrictions, and staff leave.
A summary of the 24 December 2021 to 7 January 2022 reporting dates are outlined in the table below:
Entity Type
|
Previous Lodgement Deadline
|
New Lodgement Deadline
|
Listed entities |
No extension relief available |
No extension relief available |
Unlisted Disclosing Entities and Unlisted Registered Schemes |
3 months after balance date |
4 months after balance date |
All Other Unlisted Entities |
4 months after balance date |
5 months after balance date |
For balances dates after 7 January 2022, ASIC will continue to monitor market conditions and the implications from COVID-19, however there is no indication that further extensions will be provided.