Companies House warns of accounts filing deadline

Companies House has issued a warning to private companies with 31st December 2018 year-ends and public companies with 31st March 2019 year-ends to file their accounts ahead of the 30th September deadline.

Over 25,000 limited companies missed the September accounts deadline last year, resulting in unnecessary late filing penalties being issued.

This month’s deadline is expected to affect up to 300,000 UK companies that need to file their latest annual accounts.

All companies – trading, non-trading or dormant – must provide accounts to Companies House no more than nine months after the end of their company’s financial year, ending on the company’s Accounting Reference Date (ARD).

The only exception is new limited companies, who can file their first accounts at Companies House no more than 21 months after their incorporation date.

Ian Gronland, Senior Enforcement Manager, Companies House, said: “With the summer holidays over and the school year now upon us, September can be a busy time for many people.

“However, if you are a company director you should be aware of your responsibilities to file annual accounts with Companies House on time.

“Failure to do so will result in a late filing penalty.”

Companies House is encouraging more companies to file their accounts online. Once you have obtained your company’s authentication code, Companies House claims that you can submit your accounts digitally “within 15 minutes from start to finish”.

Small companies can no longer submit abbreviated accounts, although micro-entity accounts are permitted providing your turnover is no more than £632,000, your balance sheet total is no more than £316,000 and you employ no more than ten staff.

“Filing electronically is easier and faster, and our digital services have in-built checks to ensure that any necessary information is provided before accounts can be submitted,” added Mr Gronland.

If you’re concerned that your latest accounts aren’t prepared in accordance with accounting standards, and you’re not claiming everything your company is entitled to, our accountants can help.

We offer a dedicated year-end accounts service for a competitive price, relieving you of what can be a stressful and time-consuming exercise with Companies House.

To arrange a free initial consultation on your year-end accounts requirements, call your local TaxAssist Accountants branch today on 020 4502 9677 or drop us a line via our online enquiry form.

Date published 26 Sep 2019 | Last updated 25 Sep 2020