Limited Company Accouts: What to File and When

Limited Company Accouts Filing

When it comes to limited company accounts, a little organisation goes a long way. Keeping track of your numbers and reviewing them often helps you stay in control of your business and plan ahead with confidence. It’s also important to know which documents need to be filed and when, so everything on the compliance side runs smoothly. Here’s a quick roundup of the annual filing requirements and what to expect if deadlines are missed.

Annual Accounts

Your company’s annual accounts are like the story of how your business has performed over the year. They show the financial position of the company and help work out how much Corporation Tax you’ll need to pay. These accounts have to follow strict accounting rules and once they’re finalised, they’re attached to your company’s tax return and sent to HMRC.

There’s a common pitfall for directors when it comes to deadlines. Your annual accounts must be filed with Companies House within 9 months of your company’s year end. In the first year, this deadline is a bit different, you get 21 months from the date your company was incorporated, which often feels shorter than expected. To make things easier, you can check your company’s filing deadlines anytime on the Companies House website.

There isn’t much free software out there that can handle the technical side of preparing company accounts. They need to be produced to exact standards and sent to HMRC in a special electronic format. This is where accountants step in, we have the software, knowledge and expertise to prepare and file them properly, saving you the headache of figuring it all out.

Filleted and Micro-Entity Accounts

The accounts you file at Companies House are visible to the public, but you don’t have to share all your numbers. Most businesses file a ‘filleted’ set of accounts (previously called abbreviated accounts) which leaves out details like turnover and profit, showing only the overall financial position.

If your company is small, it might be classed as a micro-entity. This usually includes small owner managed businesses, contractors and startups with minimal trading history. Micro-entities can file a much simpler version of accounts with even less detail. To qualify, your company must meet at least two of these conditions:

• Turnover of £632,000 or less (or £1 million or less for accounting periods starting on or after 6 April 2025)
• Balance sheet total of £316,000 or less (or £500,000 or less for accounting periods starting on or after 6 April 2025)
• 10 employees or fewer  

Companies House takes filing deadlines seriously. If your accounts are late, fines start at £100 and can go up to £1,500. If you miss deadlines more than once, the penalties double. In the worst-case scenario, failing to file accounts can lead to legal action and even court proceedings. The best approach is to stay on top of your deadlines so you never have to worry.

Corporation Tax Return (HMRC)

Once your full accounts are ready, the next step is to prepare your Corporation Tax Return (also known as the CT600). This return tells both you and HMRC how much tax is due on your company’s profits for the year.

Your return is submitted together with the full accounts, but it has to be filed using special software that “tags” the information in the correct electronic format. This is another area where accountants step in to handle the technical side for you.

These deadlines can feel a little confusing:

Your Corporation Tax Return is due 12 months after your company’s year end.
However any Corporation Tax you owe must be paid 9 months and 1 day after the year end, which is before the return itself is due.
It’s worth being extra careful in the first year, as your first tax return often doesn’t line up neatly with your first set of accounts. In most cases, two separate returns may need to be filed for that period.

As with most filings, there are penalties for missing the deadline. These start at £100 but can quickly increase if your return remains overdue.

Final Thoughts

Staying on top of your company accounts and tax returns doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of organisation and by keeping an eye on both your numbers and deadlines, you can avoid penalties, keep your business compliant and have a clearer view of how your company is performing.

If you’re ever unsure about what needs to be filed or when, it’s always worth seeking advice early rather than risking fines or extra stress later on. Having an accountant by your side means you can focus on running your business while we take care of the compliance details in the background.

This blog is here to give you an overview, but it’s not personalised financial advice. If you’re unsure about your own accounts or deadlines, we’d love to chat and help you figure out the best approach for your business.