Annual Accounts Filing Deadline

File your company's annual accounts with Companies House

9 months after accounting reference date (first accounts: 21 months)
When it's due
9 months after accounting reference date (first accounts: 21 months)

Who This Applies To

  • All UK limited companies

What to File

Abbreviated or full accounts depending on company size

How to File

Companies House online or via accountant

Payment Due

Free to file

Penalties for Missing This Deadline

£150 if up to 1 month late, £375 if 1-3 months, £750 if 3-6 months, £1,500 if over 6 months. Doubles for subsequent offences.

Filing Checklist

  • Finalise your balance sheet as at the accounting reference date
  • Complete your profit and loss account for the period
  • Ensure the balance sheet balances (assets = liabilities + equity)
  • Add any required notes to accounts (accounting policies, share capital)
  • Director must approve and sign the accounts
  • Determine if you qualify for micro-entity or small company format
  • Convert to iXBRL format if filing online (software does this)
  • Submit via Companies House WebFiling or software

Documents You'll Need

  • Balance sheet showing assets, liabilities, and equity
  • Profit and loss account (unless dormant)
  • Notes to the accounts (share capital, accounting policies)
  • Director's report (for non-micro entities)
  • Companies House authentication code

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing the Companies House deadline (9 months) with CT600 deadline (12 months)
  • Balance sheet not balancing (assets must equal liabilities plus equity)
  • Missing director's signature and approval date
  • Filing full accounts when you qualify for abbreviated format
  • Using wrong accounting reference date
  • Not including prior year comparatives

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