Frequently Asked Questions - About Registered Charities

How do I obtain a copy of a registered charity's accounts or governing document?

Copies of a registered charity’s accounts or governing document held on our Central Register of Charities are available to the public. However, please bear in mind that only charities with a gross income or total expenditure over £10,000 in the financial year in question are required to send accounts to the Commission, so you may need to contact the charity directly.

You can contact the charity correspondent direct for the most recent accounts. Charity correspondent details are available on our Register of Charities Page. A charity is entitled to charge for photocopying/postage.

If you wish to obtain accounts/governing documents of a registered charity from us please telephone our switchboard 0845 300 0218 and ask for our Central Register. There is a nominal charge for photocopying and postage.

You can also contact us for further information or assistance.

I know you deal with charities in England and Wales but how can we find out about Scottish and Northern Ireland charities?

For charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the offices below:

Scotland Argyll House Marketgait Dundee DD1 1QP Telephone 01382 220446 Website www.oscr.org.uk

Northern Ireland Department for Social Development Castle Buildings Stormont Belfast BT4 3 PP Tel: 028 9082 9427 Fax: 028 9082 9431 Website www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/voluntary_and_community.htm

 

I’m confused about what information regarding my charity’s status should appear on its documents. Can you clarify?

Any of the following terms would be acceptable: "A Registered Charity"; "Registered Charity No. (followed by the charity’s number)"; "Registered as a Charity" or "Registered with the Charity Commissioners". If the charity’s income was more than £10,000 in the last financial year the above statement should be included on all notices, advertisements and other documents issued by or on behalf of the charity. This includes cheques, orders for money, goods or services, endorsements, bills issued by the charity, its invoices, receipts and letters of credit.

Our charity has wound up. What information do we have to provide the Commission to be removed from the Central Register of Charities?

There should be a dissolution clause in your governing document that will provide you with this information. If your document does not have such a clause you may wish to contact the general enquiry line for further information 0845 300 0218.

I'm interested in Gift Aid, where can I find out more information?

Gift Aid is administered by the Inland Revenue. To find out more go to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/giving-to-charities-indiv.htm or http://www.givingcampaign.org.uk/