The Commission says the new tool will make the process easier for third parties involved, enabling them to submit accounts once finalised on behalf of their client. Filing online means a charity’s profile can be updated overnight.

All charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), regardless of income and charities with annual incomes of over £25,000 must file accounts with the commission, and have up to 10 months from the end of their financial year to submit them to the regulator.

Charities who want to switch to the new option must use the existing ‘change your charity’s details’ service to give authorisation and then the accountant or agent can register to use the service.

Neville Brownlee, chief operating officer at the Charity Commission, said: ‘We have often been contacted by accountants and other third parties completing accounts for charities, asking whether they can submit them to us on behalf of their client.

'The new service makes this possible, aiming to streamline and simplify the process for all those involved. 

'The new tool has been launched alongside our reminder to charities this month to file on time and file online. I urge third parties to make use of this service, and remain accountable to the public.’

The Charity Commission is also stressing that charities must submit accounts by 31 January to meet accounts filing deadlines.

Further details are here: https://www.gov.uk/authorise-a-charity-adviser-to-submit-accounts