Annual reporting deadline reminder for charities

There are 2,028 registered charities which have a financial year ending 31 December 2023 and must, under the law, submit their accounts and reports to the regulator by the end of October.

Each charity should have received an email from the regulator, emphasising the upcoming deadline and urging the trustees to ensure that the information is submitted on time. 

“Annual reporting is crucial to Northern Ireland having an open and transparent charity sector,” explained Rossa Keown, the Commission’s Head of Compliance and Enquiries.

“Aside from those recently registered, all registered charities in Northern Ireland – around 7,000 in number - will be required to file their annual return, accounts and reports with the Commission this year,” Rossa continued.

“That will provide the public with a wealth of information about charities at their fingertips, from how a charity performed during the year to whether they got their annual return in on time.”

“The onus really is on charities to not only meet their legal duty but also to make the most of the benefits annual reporting provides, by letting their supporters see for themselves the good work being carried out. “

The Commission has a series of guidance materials on annual reporting, designed to assist charities in fulfilling their annual reporting obligations.

This includes a practical, ten-minute guide setting out what you need to have to hand before commencing the return, and an online video, giving an insight on the annual reporting system. You can find these support tools, and more on the Commission’s website here.