Annual compliance
Independent examination of charity accounts
A thorough, professional examination of your annual accounts at a fixed fee agreed upfront. Send us your latest income figure and we will reply with a quote the same working day.
Who needs an independent examination?
The thresholds in England and Wales changed for financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026. Earlier years use the previous limits.
| Gross income | What the law requires | Previous limit |
|---|---|---|
| £40,000 or less | No external scrutiny required, unless your governing document or a funder asks for it. | £25,000 |
| Over £40,000, up to £500,000 | Independent examination by an independent person with the right skills. | £25,000 to £250,000 |
| Over £500,000, up to £1.5 million | Independent examination by a member of a listed professional accountancy body, unless an audit is required by the assets test. | £250,000 to £1 million |
| Over £1.5 million, or over £500,000 with gross assets over £5 million | Statutory audit. | £1 million, or £250,000 with assets over £3.26 million |
Unincorporated charities and CIOs with income up to £500,000 may prepare receipts and payments accounts (previously £250,000). Charitable companies must always prepare accruals accounts. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules: ask us if you are registered there.
What every examination includes
- Examination of your annual accounts and accounting records
- A review of key controls and governance matters
- The independent examiner's report for your trustees
- Support filing with the Charity Commission and, for charitable companies, Companies House
Who we examine
- Charitable trusts and unincorporated associations, on receipts and payments or accruals
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Charitable companies, on accruals under SORP
To protect our independence, we do not examine accounts that we have prepared. If we keep your books, we can introduce an independent examiner.
Moving from audit to examination
If your income is between £1 million and £1.5 million and your gross assets are £5 million or less, the law may no longer require an audit for years ending on or after 30 September 2026. Check your governing document and funding agreements first, as some still require an audit. We can help you weigh up the options with your trustees.
Ask for a same-day quote
Send us your latest annual income figure and the type of charity you are, and we will reply within one working day.