Filing Requirements of a Limited Company in the UK

Running a limited company in the UK comes with several legal obligations, including filing certain documents with Companies House and HMRC. Failing to meet these requirements can result in penalties, fines, or even company dissolution. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the filing requirements for a limited company and what business owners need to know to stay compliant.

Key Filing Requirements for Limited Companies

Every UK limited company must adhere to the following filing obligations:

1. Confirmation Statement (CS01)

2. Annual Accounts

3. Company Tax Return (CT600)

4. Corporation Tax Payment

5. PAYE & Payroll Submissions (if applicable)

6. VAT Returns (if registered)

7. Event-driven Filings (changes in company details)

Let's explore each of these requirements in detail.

1. Confirmation Statement (CS01)

A confirmation statement is a mandatory filing that confirms your company's details are accurate and up to date.

Key Information to Confirm:

• Registered office address

• Directors and company secretary details

• Shareholders and share structure

• SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification)

Filing Deadline:

• Must be filed at least once a year.

• Due within 14 days of the review period ending.

Filing Fee:

• • 13 (online submission)
• • 40 (paper submission)

2. Annual Accounts (Financial Statements)

A limited company must file annual accounts with Companies House and HMRC.

Types of Annual Accounts:

• Micro-entity accounts (for very small businesses)

• Dormant company accounts (if the company has no transactions)

• Full accounts (for larger companies)

Filing Deadline:

• 9 months after the financial year ends.

• Late filing can result in fines starting from £150 and increasing up to £1,500.

3. Company Tax Return (CT600)

A limited company must file a Company Tax Return with HMRC, detailing income, expenses, and tax owed.

Filing Deadline:

• Due 12 months after the company’s accounting period ends.

• Must be submitted even if the company made no profit.

4. Corporation Tax Payment

Companies must calculate and pay Corporation Tax on their profits.

Payment Deadline:

• Due 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period.

• If the company has made no profit, no tax is due, but the return must still be filed.

5. PAYE & Payroll Submissions (If Employing Staff)

If the company employs staff, it must operate Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and submit Real-Time Information (RTI) reports to HMRC.

Key Payroll Filings:

• Full Payment Submission (FPS): Due on or before payday.

• Employer Payment Summary (EPS): Due monthly if adjustments are needed.

• P60s and P45s: Issued to employees annually or upon leaving.

6. VAT Returns (If Registered for VAT)

If the company's taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 per year, it must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) and submit VAT returns.

VAT Filing Requirements:

• Submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Pay VAT owed by the filing deadline.

7. Event-Driven Filings

Certain company changes must be reported to Companies House as they occur. These include:

• Change of company name (Form NM01)

• Change of registered office address (Form AD01)

• Appointment or resignation of directors (Forms AP01/ TM01)

• Change in shareholding structure (Form SH01)

What Happens If You Miss a Filing Deadline?

Failing to file required documents on time can lead to:

• Fines and penalties

• Company strike-off or dissolution

• Legal action against company directors

Final Thoughts

Staying compliant with Companies House and HMRC filing requirements is essential for every UK limited company. By keeping track of deadlines and submitting documents on time, businesses can avoid penalties and maintain a good standing.

For assistance with company filings, visit File Confirmation Statement today!

Senior Accountant in Accounting Farms in the UK