Financial thresholds in Scotland and Northern Ireland

In Scotland, currently all charities must register with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), regardless of income level – there is no minimum threshold for registration. Annual returns are required from all registered charities, with the level of detail increasing based on income. Charities with income over £25,000 must undergo an independent examination unless they meet the criteria for a full audit. The audit threshold is set at £500,000 in gross income or £3.26 million in assets for those preparing accruals accounts. However, proposals are in place to raise the audit threshold to £1 million from 2026, aligning Scotland more closely with changes in England and Wales. No changes are proposed to the registration or annual return thresholds at this time.

In Northern Ireland, all charities are currently required to register with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI), but a consultation is underway to consider introducing a registration threshold. This could exempt smaller charities from registration and associated reporting requirements. Annual returns are mandatory for all registered charities, although future changes may relax this requirement for those below any new threshold. The independent examination threshold mirrors that of Scotland, applying to charities with income over £25,000. The audit threshold remains at £500,000 gross income. Despite a 2024 consultation on the issue, there are no current proposals to change this limit at the time of writing.

Further information visit: OSCR Annual Reporting and Charity registration threshold: what’s happening

If you have any questions, then please feel free to get in touch with Michaela Johns on 023 8046 1256 or email Michaela Johns.