Companies are exempt from an audit in the UK…
- If you are a company that qualifies as a small company under Companies Act 2006 (unless you are a member of a group, or a charity, that is required to follow the charity audit thresholds). A company is classed as small, if for both this year and last year, it was not ineligible, and it met two out of three of the following criteria:
| For periods beginning before 1 January 2016 | For periods beginning after 1 January 2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover | < £6.5m | < £10.2m |
| Total assets | < £3.26m | < £5.1m |
| Number of employees | < 50 | < 50 |
- If you are a subsidiary within a group meeting certain criteria and if the parent company provides a guarantee of all outstanding liabilities at the end of the financial year.
- If you are a charity with gross income of £1 million or less and an accounting period ending on or after 31 March 2015 (or £500,000 or less for accounting periods before this) unless both your gross assets exceed £3.26m and your gross income exceeds £250,000, you can choose to opt out of a full audit. Though if your income is between £25,000 and £1 million you will still be required by the Charities Commission to obtain an alternative assurance service.
What changed from 2016?
The turnover threshold was previously £6.5m, and for accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2016 has now increased to £10.2m. The gross assets threshold was £3.26m, and is now £5.1m.
I do not meet the new thresholds, but are there other reasons why I will need to be audited?
If you meet one or more of the criteria below you will be required to have a statutory audit:
- Regulated industry sector – Examples of regulated businesses include financial services providers, charities, friendly societies and solicitors. At Rouse, we can provide specialist audit services for these sectors.
- Shareholder request – Where a shareholder deposits a notice under Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit be carried out.
- Lender request – Where the bank or other lender requires that audited financial statements be prepared.
I am exempt, but should I still consider an audit?
Compliance with regulation is only one reason to have an audit. Many exempt organisations will still want an audit, and others will want some other work done to build confidence in their financial statements.
You may also consider having an audit if you are planning to sell your business, to help you achieve the maximum sale price. We can provide specialist advice on preparing your business for sale.
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