How to File Annual Accounts with Companies House

All UK companies—whether trading, dormant, or new—must file annual accounts with Companies House. These accounts provide a formal snapshot of the company’s financial position and must be filed accurately and on time to avoid penalties or legal complications.

This guide explains what annual accounts are, who must file them, and how Dragonfly Associates helps clients stay compliant—subject to agreement.

What Are Annual Accounts?

Also known as “statutory accounts,” annual accounts summarise the financial activity of your company during its accounting period. They typically include:

• A balance sheet
• A profit and loss account
• Notes about the financial activity
• A director’s report (for some companies)
• An auditor’s report (if applicable)

The exact content depends on your company size and trading activity. Small companies may be eligible for simpler reporting formats.

Who Needs to File Annual Accounts?

All limited companies registered in the UK are required to file accounts, including:

• Active trading companies
• Dormant companies (with simplified accounts)
• Companies in the process of dissolution (unless already struck off)

Sole traders and partnerships do not file accounts with Companies House, but may still file financial records with HMRC.

When Are Annual Accounts Due?

Your first accounts are due:

• 21 months after incorporation, or
• 9 months after your accounting reference date (ARD), for subsequent years

Late filings are subject to automatic penalties:

• Up to 1 month late: £150
• 1–3 months late: £375
• 3–6 months late: £750
• Over 6 months late: £1,500

Fines double if you’re late two years in a row. Dragonfly Associates helps clients track and meet their filing deadlines.

How to File Annual Accounts

Step 1: Prepare the Accounts

Depending on your company’s size and complexity, accounts can be prepared by:

• Your internal finance team
• An external accountant
• A bookkeeping or compliance provider like Dragonfly Associates

We ensure your accounts are prepared in line with UK accounting standards and Companies House format requirements.

Step 2: File with Companies House

Accounts can be filed:

• Online via Companies House WebFiling
• By post using the appropriate forms
• Through accounting software that supports iXBRL format

We handle electronic filings for clients enrolled in our accounting or compliance packages.

Step 3: File with HMRC

Limited companies must also file accounts with HMRC, usually alongside their Corporation Tax return. The deadlines are different, so both timelines must be managed carefully. We coordinate filings for both agencies where agreed.

Exemptions for Small and Dormant Companies

Small companies may be eligible for:

• Filing abridged accounts (with less detail)
• Audit exemption
• Reduced disclosure requirements

Dormant companies can file simplified dormant accounts. Dragonfly Associates helps determine your eligibility and prepares the correct documentation accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the deadline?

You’ll receive a fine from Companies House. Continued failure may lead to strike-off proceedings or director liability.

Can I change my accounting reference date?

Yes. You can do this through Companies House to align your financial year with tax deadlines or business cycles. We assist with ARD changes on request.

Do I need an accountant to file?

Not by law, but it’s highly recommended to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficient tax reporting. We offer full-service support under contract.

File Confidently and Stay Compliant

Filing annual accounts is not just a legal requirement—it’s also a key indicator of business health and reliability. Mistakes or delays can lead to penalties and damaged credibility.

Dragonfly Associates provides timely, accurate, and legally compliant account filing support, tailored to your business and available under agreed service plans.

To meet your next filing deadline without stress, contact us today.