Charities preparing accruals accounts should use SORP 2005 when preparing their trustees' annual reports and accounts for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st April 2005. An updated second edition, published in May 2008, takes into account changes made by the Charities Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and applicable Regulations.

This page contains links to the SORP and other resources to assist preparers of charity accounts.

• The SORP
• SORP Information Sheets
• Frequently asked questions
• Legislation
• Related resources

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The SORP

The SORP is available as a free PDF download, but you can also buy a printed copy:

• Download the SORP as a PDF file
• Find out how to order a printed copy of the SORP

*Threshold changes
The Charities SORP 2005 provides details of accounting and reporting thresholds which have been changed by order for accounting periods ending on or after 1 April 2009. The details of these threshold changes should be downloaded in conjunction with the SORP to ensure fully up to date information in relation to thresholds.

Guidance on thresholds for the UK and Republic of Ireland

This guidance explains the thresholds as they apply in the jurisdictions covered by UK - Irish Generally Accepted Accounting Practice with particular reference to the use of the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE), the requirements for external scrutiny and the preparation of group accounts.

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SORP Information Sheets

Information Sheets provide informal guidance on the application of the SORP to assist practitioners preparing accounts. Information Sheets do not form part of the SORP, nor are they reviewed by the ASB, they simply attempt to explain and illustrate what is already recommended by the SORP.

• Information Sheet 1 - Technical Application Issues
• Information Sheet 2 - Statement of Principles for Financial Reporting Interpretation for Public Benefit Entities
• Information Sheet 3 - Financial Reporting Standard 30: Heritage Assets

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Frequently asked questions

• SORP FAQs - Frequently asked questions and answers about the SORP.

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Legislation

• The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 - legal basis for the preparation of charity accounts for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 April 2008.
• The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2005 - legal basis for the preparation of charity accounts for accounting periods commencing before 1st April 2008.

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Related resources

Additional resources which may assist with the preparation of accruals accounts under SORP 2005.

• CC17 Accruals Accounts Pack SORP 2005 - provides a template for the trustees' annual report and accounts which may assist non company charities with income under the statutory audit threshold set out their report and accounts in SORP 2005 format.
• Charities and risk management (CC26) - our guidance on how to undertake and report on risk management in charities.
• Examples Accounts SORP 2005 - provide a number of example reports prepared under SORP 2005 and may be helpful to charities when designing the layout and format of their own accounts.
• ICAEW / CAF Accounts Award winners set an example - The 'Charities' Online Accounts Awards' recognise excellence in financial reporting and encourage best practice in online financial accounts with examples of all sizes of charity. Take a look at these award winners for some practical assistance in preparing high quality reports and accounts.
• Charity Reserves and Defined Benefit Pension Schemes - our guidance for charities with defined benefit pension schemes.

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