What Is Companies House Compliance?
UK limited companies must file regular documents at Companies House. Learn what is required, the deadlines, and penalties for late filing.
Key Takeaways
- Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement and annual accounts at Companies House
- The confirmation statement is due within 14 days of the anniversary of incorporation
- Private company accounts must be filed within 9 months of the financial year end
- Late filing results in automatic financial penalties and ultimately company strike-off
What Companies House is
Companies House is the UK government agency maintaining the register of all limited companies. It is a public record — anyone can view documents a company has filed. Every UK limited company must maintain its record at Companies House by filing specific documents regularly. Failure to file on time incurs automatic financial penalties and ultimately risks the company being struck off the register.
The confirmation statement
The confirmation statement must be filed once per year within 14 days of the anniversary of incorporation or the previous confirmation statement. It confirms that information Companies House holds is up to date — registered address, directors, shareholders, and persons with significant control (PSC). Filed online via Companies House WebFiling for £13. Failing to file can result in the company being struck off.
Annual accounts
Annual statutory accounts must be filed within 9 months of the financial year end for private companies. Small companies (fewer than 50 employees, turnover under £10.2 million, balance sheet under £5.1 million) can file abbreviated accounts without a detailed profit and loss account. Micro-entities (turnover under £632,000, assets under £316,000, fewer than 10 employees) can file even simpler accounts. These accounts are publicly available.
Keeping records current
Beyond confirmation statements and accounts, other events must be notified to Companies House promptly: appointing or resigning a director within 14 days; changing a registered address; allotting new shares; and changing the company name (requiring a special resolution). Most filings can be made online through Companies House WebFiling or commercial company secretarial software.
Late filing penalties
Companies House imposes automatic financial penalties for late accounts. For private companies: £150 for up to 1 month late; £375 for 1-3 months; £750 for 3-6 months; £1,500 for more than 6 months. Penalties double if accounts are late two consecutive years. HMRC also imposes separate corporation tax penalties for late CT600 filing — the two obligations are independent and both must be met.