Charity Annual Return 2023 - how this can help you run your charity more effectively

The Charity Commission for England and Wales released details of the new Annual Return questions just before the Christmas break. The new format applies to financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

An annual return is only needed for a CIO or any other registered charity with an annual income over £10,000.

For the Annual Return 2023 (AR23), there are a slightly reduced number of questions charities must answer (down to a mere 49 for the largest charities).

A revised glossary and guidance has also been published to help trustees or their delegates to file accurate returns.

Trustees, charity accountants, advisers and employees or volunteers who typically file the accounts of the charity with the Commission, should take time to read through the new questions.

The information being gathered is used by the Commission to discharge its statutory functions and duties. But, trustees can learn a lot about what is important to the Commission as a regulator from the questions it is asking. It also represents a good opportunity to ensure trustees understand the overall financial and governance structure of their charity.

We hope to offer a brief guide to how to use the AR23 questions to help you run your charity more effectively, in February (via zoom). If you would like advance notice and an invitation to join the session please email webenquiries@LBMW.com