One of the ways public trust and confidence in charity is maintained is by the fact that charities are transparent and accountable. All charities must, by law, maintain accounting records and prepare publicly accessible reports of their accounts.

However, the way in which each charity must maintain, prepare and report its accounts depends on its income and expenditure, gross assets and constitution.

This section will help you find out

• which accounting method is appropriate for your charity;
• when you need to submit your accounts to us; and
• what you need to submit to us.

1. Simple receipts and Payments accounts

2. Accruals accounts for small charities

3. Accruals accounts for larger charities

In addition to accounts, all registered charities must prepare a Trustees' Annual Report and those with a gross income which exceeds £25,000 must file this with us.

Charities whose gross income exceeds £10,000 must also send a completed Annual Return to us which can be completed online. 

Charities need to prepare their accounts to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities The Charity Commission is working with a representative committee from the sector, to keep the SORP under review and update it where appropriate. Details of the committee and its proceedings are published on our website.