30th September is a frequently observed deadline for submitting company accounts to Companies House, particularly because it aligns with the end of a 9-month period from the start of the calendar year. Approximately 300,000 UK firms adhere to this deadline for their annual filings.

For companies required to file by this date, opting for online submission offers several advantages:

• Quicker Process: Online filing is faster compared to paper submissions.
• No Paperwork or Signatures: Online submissions do not require physical paperwork or signatures, simplifying the process.

In contrast, paper accounts necessitate manual review by Companies House staff during business hours, which can extend the processing time to more than a week.

Choosing online filing not only expedites the submission process but also ensures compliance with deadlines efficiently, benefiting both companies and regulatory bodies.

Does my company need to file accounts at Companies House?

Filing annual accounts with Companies House is a mandatory requirement for all companies, irrespective of their size or trading status. Here’s an overview of the filing requirements for limited companies:

1. Filing Deadline:

• For companies that are trading, non-trading, or dormant, annual accounts must be delivered to Companies House within 9 months after the end of the company’s financial year. The end of the financial year is determined by the company’s accounting reference date (ARD).
• The first accounts filing deadline is extended to 21 months after the company’s incorporation date.

1. Types of Accounts:

• Full (Statutory) Annual Accounts: Required for trading companies to provide a comprehensive financial report.
• Dormant Accounts: Applicable to companies that have had no significant accounting transactions during the accounting period. This includes transactions such as payment of subscribers’ shares, Companies House disbursement fees, and fines for late account filings.

1. Dormant Company Accounts Service:

• If your company is currently dormant and qualifies for dormant accounts, you can benefit from HopeTex Company Accounts filing service.
• The service offers preparation and filing of dormant company accounts within 24 hours for a fee of £49.99, ensuring compliance with filing requirements and saving on accountancy fees.

Whether your company is trading actively or dormant, ensuring timely and accurate filing of annual accounts is crucial to maintaining compliance with Companies House regulations. If you have any questions or need assistance with your annual accounts, feel free to reach out to us.

How to order our Dormant Company Accounts Service

If you’re already a customer, simply log in to your online account, visit the SHOP, and purchase our Dormant Company Accounts Service priced at £49.99.

New customers can create an account easily and navigate to the SHOP section to purchase our Dormant Company Accounts Service for £49.99.

Alternatively, you can place an order for this service without creating an account by clicking on this link: Dormant Company Account Services.

After placing your order, you’ll receive an email containing a brief questionnaire about your accounts. Please complete and return this questionnaire promptly. We guarantee that your accounts will be filed within 24 hours (1 working day) of receiving the completed questionnaire.

Penalties for late company accounts

Failure to submit company accounts on time is a serious legal matter, carrying significant penalties. For accounts filed up to one month late, fines start at £150, escalating to £1,500 for accounts late by six months. These penalties double if accounts are late for two consecutive years.

Company directors bear personal responsibility for meeting statutory obligations. Failure to submit accounts punctually could lead to prosecution. Moreover, late filings can tarnish directors’ and the company’s reputation, impact credit ratings, and result in the company being deregistered.

In rare cases, you may appeal against late filing penalties if you can demonstrate circumstances beyond your control, such as a fire destroying your records. However, Companies House has dismissed some unusual excuses, including:

• “I found my wife in the bath with my accountant.”
• “Pirates stole my accounts.”
• “A volcano erupted.”
• “Goats ate my accounts.”

Companies House maintains strict standards, making it crucial to fulfill your responsibilities and submit annual accounts before the filing deadline. This proactive approach avoids potential penalties and maintains compliance with regulatory requirements.