Further Accountancy Advice from the Charity Commission

Seeking Charity Accounting Advice

The Charity Commission provides advice on general charity accountancy matters but would recommend that before seeking our advice you:

1. Check that the matter is not covered by the accountancy guidance available on this website.
2. Check with your auditors or independent examiners if your question relates to the presentation of an item within your statutory accounts.
3. Remember that the Commission cannot offer formal advice on matters that fall within the remit of another Department, for example, direct tax, VAT, business rates, employment and company law.

If you still cannot find an answer, we can deal with your question though our contact centre (if the question is of a general nature) or by e-mail or correspondence.

When contacting the Charity Commission, we will need to know:

• Is the charity a company or not?
• What is the charity’s Gross Income?
• Is the charity registered with the Charity Commission (or is it exempt or excepted)?
• What is the exact nature of the accounting issue?

Professional Advisers

Charity Trustees should always take proper professional advice on matters on which they are not themselves competent to determine. Even where the Commission provides advice on accounting treatment, there may still be a need for professional advice in relation to the transaction itself, particularly where risk is involved, or specialist knowledge is required, for example, investment decisions, property transaction or employment law.

We would also recommend that where accounting disclosures are material to the accounts presentation that you discuss the matter with your auditors or independent examiner.