The UK Government has shared information on the Charity Annual Return to help charities registered in England or Wales make their filings. Charities in England and Wales must submit their annual returns to the Charity Commission each year, reporting their income and spending.
Key Steps for Filing Your Charity Annual Return
According to a post by the Commission, nonprofits must first set up a “My Charity Commission” account using a personal email address to access services on behalf of a charity.
If a charity executive has already created this account, they can sign in using their login details to submit the annual return.
The Commission stressed that charities must submit their annual return within 10 months of the end of their financial year.
“For example, if your financial year ends on 31 December, your deadline is 31 October the following year.”
“The Annual Return for charities whose financial year ends in 2025 is now available,” the Commission stated.
Is your charity’s annual return due on 31 January? ⏰
The deadline for submitting your annual return is approaching.
Find out what you need to prepare: https://t.co/CbOkFqWczn pic.twitter.com/RsjtqYapDq
— Charity Commission (@ChtyCommission) January 15, 2026
What Documents to Include in Your Submission
The Commission also explained that nonprofits and unincorporated organisations with an income under £10,000 only need to report their income and spending.
Meanwhile, entities with an income between £10,000 and £25,000 are required to respond to questions about their organization in the annual return. However, they do not need to submit additional documents.
Charities with an income over £25,000 must provide answers to similar annual return questions. Furthermore, there is the additional requirement to indicate if there are serious incidents to be reported to the Charity Commission.
Required documents can include copies of the trustee’s annual report, accounts, and an independent examiner’s report.
A full audit is required for charities with income over £1 million, or gross assets over £3.26 million, and income over £250,000.
The Commission also outlined requirements for Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs). Under the requirements, CIOs must answer questions in the annual return and submit copies of their trustee’s annual report and accounts.
Additionally, if a CIO’s income exceeds £25,000, it must also have its accounts checked and submit an independent examiner’s report. Furthermore, it must report all serious incidents during the window to the commission.
