When Are Limited Company Accounts Due?

Who this guide is for

This guide is for UK limited company directors who want to understand when annual accounts must be filed and how those deadlines fit with Corporation Tax.

It is especially useful for new companies, dormant companies and directors who are filing accounts for the first time.

What are annual accounts?

Annual accounts are financial statements prepared for the company. They report the company's financial performance and position for the financial year.

Companies House uses these accounts as part of the public company record. HMRC may use accounts information alongside the Company Tax Return and tax computation.

First accounts deadline

For private companies, first accounts are usually due 21 months after incorporation.

This first deadline can be confusing because it is linked to incorporation, not simply to the first year end in the way directors often expect.

If your company is new, check the Companies House register rather than guessing.

Later accounts deadline

After the first accounts, private company accounts are usually due 9 months after the company's financial year end.

For example, if the company's year end is 31 March, later annual accounts are normally due by 31 December.

This deadline is for Companies House accounts. Corporation Tax has separate payment and filing deadlines.

Accounts vs Company Tax Return

Annual accounts and the Company Tax Return are connected, but they are not the same filing.

Accounts are filed with Companies House. The Company Tax Return, often called a CT600, is filed with HMRC.

The Corporation Tax payment deadline is usually 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period for most small companies, while the Company Tax Return is usually due 12 months after the accounting period.

Dormant companies

Dormant companies usually still need to file accounts with Companies House, even if they are not trading.

The filing may be simpler, but it should not be ignored. Dormant does not mean invisible.

What happens if accounts are late?

Late accounts can trigger automatic Companies House penalties. The penalty normally increases the later the accounts are filed.

Repeated late filing can create additional problems and may damage the company's compliance record.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is assuming the accountant can file accounts without complete records. Directors still need to provide bank statements, invoices, receipts and other information in good time.

Another mistake is confusing the accounts deadline with the Corporation Tax deadline.

Some directors also ignore dormant company filings because the company has not traded. Dormant companies still have obligations.

What to do next

To stay on top of accounts:

1. Check your company year end.
2. Check the first accounts deadline on Companies House.
3. Keep your company records updated throughout the year.
4. Send records to your accountant early.
5. Mark Corporation Tax deadlines separately.
6. File before the deadline, not on the final day.