Running a limited company in the UK comes with several legal responsibilities, and one of the most important is filing the correct information with Companies House. Whether your company is actively trading or dormant, failing to meet filing requirements can lead to penalties, prosecution, or even your company being struck off the register.
What Is Companies House?
Companies House is the UK’s official registrar of companies. It maintains a public register of limited companies and LLPs, helping ensure transparency and trust in UK businesses.
The Companies House register includes information such as:
- Company name and registration number
- Registered office address
- Directors and officers
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Annual accounts
- Confirmation statements
Who Needs to File?
Almost all UK limited companies must file with Companies House, including:
- Trading companies
- Non-trading companies
- Dormant companies
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
Even if your company has not made any sales or generated income, filing obligations generally still apply.
Main Companies House Filing Requirements
1. Annual Accounts
Every company must prepare and file annual accounts.
Depending on the size of the business, these may include:
- Balance Sheet
- Profit and Loss Account
- Notes to the Accounts
- Directors’ Report (where required)
Micro-entities and small companies may qualify for simplified reporting requirements.
2. Confirmation Statement
A Confirmation Statement confirms that the information held by Companies House is accurate and up to date.
This includes:
- Directors’ details
- Registered office address
- Shareholders
- Share capital
- PSC information
A Confirmation Statement must be filed at least once every 12 months, even if no company details have changed.
3. Reporting Company Changes
You must notify Companies House when there are changes to:
- Directors
- Registered office address
- Company name
- Share structure
- PSC information
Keeping records up to date helps ensure compliance and avoids potential issues.
Important Filing Deadlines
1. First Accounts
For most private limited companies, first accounts are generally due within 21 months of incorporation if they cover a period longer than 12 months, although the exact deadline depends on the company’s accounting reference date.
2. Subsequent Accounts
Private companies normally have 9 months from the end of their accounting reference period to file accounts with Companies House.
3. Confirmation Statement
The Confirmation Statement must be filed within 14 days of the end of the review period.
4. Penalties for Late Filing
Companies House imposes automatic penalties when annual accounts are filed late.
Private Company Late Filing Penalties
| Delay | Penalty |
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1 to 3 months | £375 |
| 3 to 6 months | £750 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 |
If accounts are filed late in two consecutive years, the penalties are usually doubled.
What Happens If You Do Not File?
Failure to file required documents can result in:
- Automatic financial penalties
- Directors facing prosecution
- Company strike-off proceedings
- Loss of company assets if dissolved
- Damage to your business reputation and credibility
Companies House can remove companies from the register if they fail to meet their statutory obligations.
Tips to Stay Compliant
1. Keep Good Records
Maintain accurate accounting records and company information throughout the year.
2. Monitor Filing Dates
Use reminders or accounting software to track deadlines.
3. Review Company Details Regularly
Ensure director information, shareholder details, and PSC records remain accurate.
4. Work With a Professional Accountant
A tax accountant can help prepare accounts correctly, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with Companies House requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Companies House filing?
Companies House filing refers to the legal requirement for UK companies to submit certain documents and information to Companies House, including annual accounts, confirmation statements, and details of any changes to the company.
2. Does a dormant company need to file with Companies House?
Yes. Even if a company is dormant and has not traded during the year, it must still file annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House.
3. What is the difference between annual accounts and a confirmation statement?
Annual accounts provide financial information about the company, while a confirmation statement confirms that the company information held by Companies House is accurate and up to date.
4. When are annual accounts due?
For most private limited companies, annual accounts must be filed within 9 months of the end of the company’s financial year. The deadline for first accounts may differ depending on the accounting reference date.
5. How often must a confirmation statement be filed?
A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months and within 14 days of the end of the review period.
6. Can I file Companies House documents online?
Yes. Most Companies House filings can be submitted online, making the process quicker, easier, and more secure than paper filing.
Final Thoughts
Companies House filing is not just an administrative task it’s a legal requirement for every UK limited company. Understanding your obligations, meeting deadlines, and keeping company information up to date can help you avoid penalties and focus on growing your business. If you’re unsure about your filing responsibilities, professional advice can save time, reduce stress, and help keep your company fully compliant.