This page was last updated on: 22 May 2020
Chartered Accountants Ireland has been engaging with the key government agencies and stakeholders regarding the impact of COVID-19. The most up to date information available from regulators is as follows:
- Charity Commission for Northern Ireland – The Matters of Material Significance Guidance which independent examiners and auditors must report to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, should they encounter them, has been updated. It provides further examples and clarity on matters to report, particularly with respect to modified opinions and gives specific wording for the COVID-19 situation. The Commission has created a COVID-19 hub which includes their updated contact details and FAQs for charities. In terms of annual reporting, they note that, in the current circumstances, “until otherwise advised, no charity will be penalised for missing its annual reporting deadline, which includes that no charity will be marked as in default on the register of charities if they fail to meet this deadline. We would ask that if charities find themselves in this position that they contact us via email to admin@charitycommissionni.org.uk where possible, to keep us apprised of their situation.”
- Companies House – The Companies House is continually updating their website with amended dates and procedures. This includes the granting to those who apply, a three-month extension to file company accounts. Companies House advise that companies should act before the filing deadline. If accounts will be late because your company is affected by COVID-19, and your filing deadline has not yet passed, you can apply for an automatic and immediate 3 month extension to file your accounts but you must apply for the extension before the filing deadline.
- Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) – The CCAB has published Covid-19 Supplementary Anti Money Laundering Guidance – Completion of Client Due Diligence (CDD) During Urgent Work: here.
- Law Society of Northern Ireland – An update has been issued by the Office of the Lord Chief Justice on COVID-19 guidance for Courts. The timeframe in which independent statutory Reporting Accountants’ Reports must be delivered to the Society will be extended by three (3) months from the date on which the report should otherwise be delivered. See full notice here.