Annual returns
All mutual societies must send an annual return and/or accounts to us within the timescale prescribed for the particular type of society.
A society's financial year-end determines when it must submit its annual return and accounts to us: that is, no later than seven months from the Society's year end, unless a shorter period is specified in the Society's Rule Book.
Whilst a society may engage an accountant or financial adviser to help prepare its accounts and annual returns, its committee of management and relevant officers are responsible for ensuring that those engaged are competent. They are also responsible for ensuring that the documents are submitted by the due date. Committee members or relevant officers should check regularly whether the accountant or financial adviser preparing the accounts and annual returns is likely to meet the society's deadlines. This is so they may take steps to prevent a breach of the statutory obligations.
Please note that, where a society fails to meet its statutory obligations to submit an annual return by the due date, the society, members of its committee of management and other responsible officers may be liable for prosecution.
So each society should ensure it submits an annual return by the due date for each year that it remains registered: this benefits its members, itself and those who may wish to inspect the society's public file held here at the FSA.
Annual return for clubs registered under the Friendly Societies Act 1974
- Download a copy of the annual return form.
- Download the Information note about completing an annual return for clubs registered under the Friendly Societies Act 1974.
Annual return for societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965
- Download a copy of the annual return form.
- Download the Information note about completing an annual return for clubs registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965.
Submitting an annual return
The annual return, together with the printed accounts (or supplementary return) and the auditors report (if required by law) must be submitted to:
The Financial Services Authority
Mutual Societies Returns Team
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London, E14 5HS
Please note that submissions must be by post - not by email.
Supplementary returns
If you do not produce accounts to the minimum standard we require you will have to complete a supplementary return instead of Part 2 of your annual return.
You can find the relevant forms on the Supplementary returns for mutual societies page.
Contact
All relevant information about completing and submitting an annual return for a mutual society is set out in the information notes provided above. However, if you need to contact us about an annual return or accounting matter, then please email the Mutuals annual returns team or phone 0845 606 9966 (call rates may vary) (option 2).
