Guidance
Threshold changes at a glance
Updated 16 September 2026
Applies to England and Wales
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-accounts/threshold-changes-at-a-glance
| Requirement | Threshold for financial years ending before 30 September 2026 | Threshold for financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Registered charities must prepare an annual return and send it to the Commission | Income over £10,000 | Income over £10,000 |
| Trustees’ Annual Report and accounts must be sent to the Commission | Income over £25,000 | Income over £25,000 |
| Accounts do not need to be independently examined or audited (unless the charity’s governing document says you should) | Income £25,000 or less | Income £40,000 or less |
| Unincorporated charity and CIO can prepare receipts and payments accounts | Income £250,000 or less | Income £500,000 or less |
| Charities must prepare accruals accounts | Income over £250,000 | Income over £500,000 |
| Accounts must be independently examined | Income over £25,000 | Income over £40,000 |
| Examination must be by a professionally qualified Independent Examiner | Income over £250,000 | Income over £500,000 |
| Accounts must be audited | Income over £1,000,000 | Income over £1,500,000 |
| Accounts must be audited | Income over £250,000; and Assets over £3,260,000 |
Income over £500,000; and Assets over £5,000,000 |
| Group accounts must be prepared and audited | Total income of group over £1,000,000 | Total income of group over £1,500,000 |