Problems encountered with Charity Commission Accounts

We are aware that a number of our members have encountered problems when trying to log onto the Charity Commission website and we have, therefore, been in communication with the Charity Commission in order to ascertain the current position.

We understand that the Charity Commission has recently undertaken an update of their systems which, unfortunately, has led to extensive, temporary problems for charities needing to gain access to file returns, lodge accounts etc.  

We are informed that as matters stand the ‘My Charity Commission Account’ as a service is working and functional, however access to the area for filing for Annual Return 2023 is still under development. This will be launched within the next few weeks, and communications will be sent out when this happens.

It is now necessary for every charity in England and Wales to register for a ‘My Charity Commission Account’ and we understand that charities can contact the Commission in one of the following ways to request access, although there are likely to be considerable waiting times if telephoning which could be as much as 45 minutes:

In the event of a change of email address, it is necessary to request a new link and set up a new account.

It has been confirmed that when contacting the Commission, it is the main listed contact who should get in touch and, if this is not known, a trustee of the charity should telephone who will then be taken through a verification process.  

To reiterate – Filing for Annual Return 2023 is not yet available, though we have been advised that Returns lodged in due course will be backdated.  Filing for Annual Return 2022 and years prior to this are available which must be completed within a Charity Commission account, here: Sign in (charitycommission.gov.uk)

We are conscious that the current situation is causing considerable frustration and can only advise our member almshouse charities that we are assured that the Charity Commission is doing all possible to rectify the position at the earliest opportunity.

posted 20 September 2023