Annual reporting deadline reminder for charities

Charities with an annual reporting deadline of 31 October 2024 have just a few weeks to finalise and submit their annual accounts and reports, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has cautioned.

There are 2,028 registered charities with 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.

Ends

For more information please contact Shirley Kernan, Commission Communications Officer, on telephone: 028 3832 0169 or email: shirley.kernan@charitycommissionni.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is the independent regulator of charities in Northern Ireland, established under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008

The Commission has statutory objectives to ensure trustees comply with their legal obligations in managing charities, and to increase public trust and confidence in charities.