Annual returns
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
- nominated entities.
Due date
20 October each year (16 weeks after end of financial year).
Annual returns from 2018 onwards are published on VEC Disclosures.
Historical data
Download a dataset of annual returns for the 2018-19 to 2022-23 financial years.
Information for specific entities
Annual returns for registered political parties
Annual returns for associated entities
Annual returns for nominated 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 131 832.
Record keeping
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 require 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.