Companies House
Registers UK companies and keeps their public records, such as directors, accounts and confirmation statements.
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File company accounts and the confirmation statement
Every private limited company must file annual accounts with Companies House, a Company Tax Return with HMRC and a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: accounts and tax returns for private limited companies www.gov.uk/prepare-file-annual-accounts-for-limited-company | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: file your confirmation statement www.gov.uk/file-your-confirmation-statement-with-companies-house | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: running a limited company www.gov.uk/running-a-limited-company | Whole UK |
Who handles it
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Collects taxes and National Insurance and pays Child Benefit. You deal with it for Income Tax, Self Assessment, PAYE and your tax code.
Step by step
- After the end of the company's financial year, prepare full (statutory) annual accounts and a Company Tax Return.
- File the accounts with Companies House within 9 months of the end of the financial year (first accounts: 21 months after registration).
- Pay Corporation Tax, or tell HMRC you owe none, within 9 months and 1 day of the end of the accounting period. File the Company Tax Return within 12 months, using commercial software.
- Check the company details Companies House holds and file a confirmation statement at least every 12 months, no later than 14 days after the review period ends.
What you need
- The company's accounting records
- Your Companies House authentication code and sign in details
- The personal code of each director from identity verification, if needed
Common mistakes
- Filing late: Companies House and HMRC both charge penalties.
- Forgetting the confirmation statement: the company can be fined and struck off the register.
- Asking for more time to file accounts after the deadline: you must apply before it.