Every UK limited company must file annual accounts with Companies House, regardless of size or whether it is trading. Miss the deadline and you face automatic penalties starting at £150 — no excuses accepted.
When Are Accounts Due?
- First accounts: 21 months from the date of incorporation
- Subsequent accounts: 9 months after the end of the financial year
Your financial year end is set automatically to the last day of the month in which you incorporated. You can change it, but most accountants recommend aligning with 31 March or 31 December.
Late Filing Penalties
Penalties are automatic and escalate with time:
- Up to 1 month late: £150
- 1 to 3 months: £375
- 3 to 6 months: £750
- More than 6 months: £1,500
Penalties are doubled if you file late two years in a row.
Types of Accounts
- Micro-entity — turnover under £632,000, balance sheet under £316,000, fewer than 10 employees. Simplified balance sheet only.
- Small company — turnover under £10.2m, balance sheet under £5.1m, fewer than 50 employees. Abridged accounts.
- Full accounts — required for medium and large companies. P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and detailed notes.
How to File
You can file online through Companies House WebFiling or using third-party software. Most accountants file on behalf of clients using iXBRL-tagged software. The accounts become public record — viewable on BizLookup.
Dormant Company Accounts
Even if not trading, you must file. Dormant accounts are simpler — just a balance sheet showing no transactions. But miss the deadline and you face the same penalties as an active company.
Corporation Tax Return
Filing accounts at Companies House is separate from your CT600 filed with HMRC. Corporation Tax must be paid within 9 months and 1 day; the return is due within 12 months. Use CalcPad to calculate your liability.