File Company Accounts: Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about filing year end accounts to Companies House & HMRC.
Filing company accounts is a legal obligation for all UK-registered companies
Whether you're a small business owner, company director, or finance manager, understanding your responsibilities is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain financial transparency. This guide explains what company accounts are, how and when to file them and how to stay compliant with HMRC and Companies House.
What Are Company Accounts?
Company accounts (also known as statutory accounts) are financial documents prepared annually by limited companies. They give a snapshot of a company’s financial health and are submitted to:
Companies House – for public record
HMRC – to support your Company Tax Return
These accounts typically include:
Balance sheet – showing assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity
Profit and loss account – outlining income, expenses, and profit/loss
Notes to the accounts – explanations of accounting methods and figures
Director’s report (for larger companies)
Auditor’s report (if applicable)
Who Needs to File Company Accounts?
Most UK companies are legally required to file accounts, including:
| Type of Entity | Filing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Private limited companies (Ltd) | ✅ Required |
| Public limited companies (PLC) | ✅ Required |
| Dormant companies | ✅ Simplified filing |
| Micro-entities | ✅ Abbreviated format allowed |
| Sole traders | ❌ Not applicable |
If you're a sole trader or partnership (not incorporated), you file a Self Assessment tax return instead.
When Do You Need to File Company Accounts?
Timing is critical. Missing deadlines can lead to financial penalties.
First Accounts After Incorporation
Deadline: Within 21 months of incorporation
Includes: Accounts for period from incorporation to your accounting reference date (ARD)
Annual Accounts Thereafter
Deadline: 9 months after your company’s financial year end
Corporation Tax Return (CT600)
Deadline: 12 months after your accounting period ends
But payment of Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period
Key Filing Deadlines (2025/26)
| Company Type | Filing Deadline | Period Covered |
|---|---|---|
| New Ltd Company | 21 months from incorporation | Incorporation date to first ARD |
| Existing Ltd Company | 9 months after financial year end | Full financial year |
| Corporation Tax Return | 12 months after period end | Usually matches financial year |
How to File Company Accounts
You can file your accounts in several ways, depending on your company size and whether you're using accounting software.
Filing Options:
Online via Companies House WebFiling
Quick and secure
Available for most small companies
Using Commercial Accounting Software
Integrates with Companies House and HMRC
Ideal for growing businesses
Via Your Accountant
Recommended for accuracy and compliance
Especially if your accounts are complex or audited
By Post (Paper Filing)
Only available for certain company types
Slower and more prone to errors
Filing as a Small Company or Micro-Entity
If your company qualifies as a small company or micro-entity, you may benefit from simplified filing options:
| Criteria Type | Small Company | Micro-Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover | ≤ £10.2 million | ≤ £632,000 |
| Balance Sheet Total | ≤ £5.1 million | ≤ £316,000 |
| Number of Employees | ≤ 50 | ≤ 10 |
You may be eligible to:
File abridged accounts
Skip the director’s report
Submit fewer details publicly
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Companies House applies the following penalties for late submissions:
| Delay Period | Penalty (Private Company) | Penalty (Public Company) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 | £750 |
| 1 to 3 months | £375 | £1,500 |
| 3 to 6 months | £750 | £3,000 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 | £7,500 |
Important: If your company files late two years in a row, the penalty is automatically doubled.
Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing HMRC and Companies House deadlines
Filing the wrong type of accounts (e.g., full instead of abridged)
Not updating accounting software
Assuming dormant companies don’t need to file
Forgetting to notify Companies House of changes to your company year-end
Tips to Stay Compliant
Set calendar reminders well before deadlines
Hire a qualified accountant to manage filings
Use cloud accounting tools (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks)
Regularly reconcile your accounts to avoid last-minute errors
Check Companies House for filing confirmation
FAQs About Filing Company Accounts
Do I need to file company accounts if my company made no profit?
Yes. Even if your company made no profit or is dormant, you're still legally required to file accounts.
Can I change my company’s financial year?
Yes. You can shorten or extend your financial year by notifying Companies House, but restrictions apply.
Do I need an accountant to file company accounts?
Not legally, but it’s highly recommended—especially for anything beyond basic micro-entity filings.
Can I file my company accounts and Corporation Tax return together?
Yes. Many accounting platforms allow joint submission to Companies House and HMRC, saving time and reducing errors.
What happens if I cease trading?
You still need to file final accounts and notify Companies House. Then, you can apply to strike off the company or go through formal dissolution.
Final Thoughts: Stay on Top of Your Obligations
Filing company accounts is a critical part of running a limited company in the UK. Keeping accurate records, meeting deadlines, and understanding your company’s status can save you from penalties and keep your business reputation intact.
Need help with your company filings? Our expert accountants can handle everything from preparation to submission — leaving you free to focus on growing your business.