The Charity Commission has updated the set of questions on the 2023 annual return following a consultation this summer.

Changes and improvements to the annual return were made in response to feedback from the charity sector and interested parties, and will give a deeper insight into risk factors across the sector.

The maximum number of questions that can be asked of charities has been decreased from 52 to 49, while income thresholds were introduced for five of the new questions to reduce the burden for smaller charities.

Substantial improvements were made in the glossary and guidance provided to help organisations answer questions more easily, and 19 questions were reworded to improve clarity and save charities time and resources.

All charities with yearly incomes of £10,000 or more must complete their annual return online within ten months of the end of their financial reporting period.

According to the Charity Commission, the amount of information needed will vary depending on each organisation's individual circumstances.

Helen Stephenson, CEO at the Charity Commission, said:

"We know that it will take time for charities to adjust their reporting and so we will be publishing a guide in January to help trustees and nominated contacts as they look to file their returns next year."

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