Charity annual return prep checklist

How to use this: work through the checklist before you log in to file. Gather each item, tick it off, and you will be able to complete the annual return in one sitting. Keep it with your year-end papers.

Charities with income over £10,000 must file the annual return within 10 months of their financial year-end, and all CIOs must file regardless of income (Source: gov.uk, “Prepare a charity annual return”, accessed 10 July 2026).

Before you start

• [ ] Confirm your financial year-end date and your filing deadline (10 months after year-end).
• [ ] Check your income band — it decides what you must submit (under £10k / £10k–£25k / over £25k).
• [ ] Confirm your charity’s login details for the Commission’s online service.

Figures and accounts

• [ ] Total income and total expenditure for the year, agreed to your accounts.
• [ ] Accounts finalised and, where required, independently examined or audited.
• [ ] Trustees’ Annual Report prepared (required with accounts for larger charities).
• [ ] For income over £25,000: accounts and TAR ready to upload.

Governance and details

• [ ] Trustee list up to date (names, and any changes during the year).
• [ ] Contact details and registered address current on the register.
• [ ] Answers ready for the Commission’s governance questions (policies, activities).
• [ ] Any serious incidents from the year reported (do not use the return to report them).

Before you submit

• [ ] Figures match your accounts exactly.
• [ ] Trustees have seen and approved the accounts and return as needed.
• [ ] Keep a copy of the submission confirmation for your records.