News story: Charity annual return service 2017
Updated: The annual return service for 2017 is now available. You will need to send your annual return for 2016 before you can do the return for 2017.
You may have problems accessing our online services, including submitting your annual return.
This is because one of our key suppliers is experiencing technical difficulties, which has affected a number of clients including the Charity Commission.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We will let you know when normal service has resumed.
All charities have a legal responsibility to prepare and send an annual return to the Charity Commission. Failing to do so risks the public’s trust in your charity and its reputation.
The annual return service for 2017 is now available.
There will be a high demand for this service. We advise using it outside peak hours (10am to 3pm) to avoid any problems logging in.
What you need to submit depends on your annual income. If your charity’s income is:
- under £10,000, then you just need to submit your charity’s income and expenditure figures – the easiest way to do this is through the annual return service
- between £10,001 and £25,000, you need to complete an annual return form
- more than £25,000, you must submit an annual return form with a set of annual accounts as well as an independent examiners’ or audit report and a trustees’ annual report (TAR)
Our guide to the accounting essentials for charities will help you understand the type of accounts your charity has to prepare, and whether they need an audit or independent examination.
All Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) need to submit an annual return and annual accounts. If your CIO has an income over £25,000 you also need to submit an independent examiners’ or audit report along with a trustees’ annual report.