Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about annual return submissions
When must my charity submit its annual return?
Your charity's annual return must be submitted within 10 months of
your financial year-end. For example, if your financial year ends on
31 March, your return is due by 31 January the following year. We
recommend submitting earlier to avoid any last-minute issues.
What happens if we miss the deadline?
Missing the annual return deadline can have serious consequences.
The Charity Commission may open a compliance case, and persistent
failure to file can result in your charity being removed from the
register. Trustees can also be held personally liable for
non-compliance. We ensure you never miss a deadline.
How much does your annual return service cost?
Our pricing is transparent and based on your charity's size and
complexity. For most small charities, the annual return service
costs between £150-£350. Contact us for a specific quote based on
your charity's circumstances. There are no hidden fees or surprises.
Do you also prepare the annual accounts and trustees' report?
Yes! We offer complete compliance packages that include annual
accounts preparation, trustees' annual report, independent
examination (if required), and annual return submission. We can
handle all your charity's reporting requirements in one
comprehensive service.
What information do you need from us?
We'll need your charity's financial information (income and
expenditure for the year), current trustee details, contact
information, a description of activities undertaken, and details of
any governance changes. We provide a simple checklist and guide you
through exactly what's required.
Can you handle queries from the Charity Commission?
Absolutely. If the Charity Commission has any questions about your
annual return, we'll handle all correspondence on your behalf. Our
expertise means we can quickly resolve any queries and ensure your
charity remains in good standing with the regulator.
How long does the process take?
Once we receive all necessary information from you, most annual
returns are completed and ready for your approval within 48 hours.
After your approval, we submit immediately to the Charity
Commission. The entire process typically takes less than a week from
start to finish.
Do we need to provide portal access?
Yes, we'll need authorised access to your charity's Charity
Commission online account to submit the return on your behalf. We'll
guide you through the simple process of granting access. Your
security is paramount - we only access what's necessary for the
submission.
Still have questions? Our charity accounting
specialists are here to help.
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