Companies House Annual Accounts Filing 2026 — Deadlines, Penalties & How to File
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Every UK limited company must file annual accounts with Companies House. Missing the deadline triggers automatic penalties starting at £150 for even one day late. For the 2026 financial year, it’s critical to understand what’s required, when, and how to file correctly.
What Are Annual Accounts?
Annual accounts (also called statutory accounts) are a financial report that every UK-registered company must submit to Companies House every year. They include:
- Balance sheet — showing the company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity
- Profit and loss account — reporting income and expenses for the financial year
- Notes to the accounts — additional details and explanations
- Directors’ report — a summary of the company’s performance (for larger companies)
Micro-entities and small companies can file abridged accounts with less detail. Most Polish-owned UK LTDs qualify as micro-entities.
Deadlines for Filing Annual Accounts
The deadline depends on whether these are your first accounts or subsequent filings:
- First accounts: 21 months from the date of incorporation
- Subsequent accounts: 9 months from the end of your financial year
For example: if your company was incorporated on 1 January 2025, your first accounts deadline is 1 October 2026 (21 months). After that, if your financial year ends 31 December, each annual filing is due by 30 September.
Companies House Penalties — 2026
Late filing penalties escalate rapidly:
| How Late | Penalty (Private Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1-3 months | £375 |
| 3-6 months | £750 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 |
Penalties double if you filed late in the previous year too. These are per-filing penalties — they stack up fast.
How to File Annual Accounts
There are three main ways:
- File online via Companies House WebFiling — suitable for micro-entities using the simple filing template
- Use HMRC-compatible accounting software — required for iXBRL-tagged accounts
- Use a professional accountant — the safest route, especially for non-UK residents
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing to HMRC but not Companies House — both are required (CT600 to HMRC, accounts to CH)
- Missing the confirmation statement — separate from accounts, due every 12 months
- Wrong accounting period — confirm your financial year end date
- Incorrect SIC code — update if your business activity changed
How Semper Paratus Can Help
Our UK accounting service includes annual accounts filing as part of your monthly subscription. From £80/month (400 PLN), we handle:
- Annual accounts preparation and filing to Companies House
- CT600 corporation tax return to HMRC
- Confirmation Statement
- Ongoing bookkeeping
- Director payroll and PAYE
Contact us for a free consultation:
📞 UK: +44 745 638 6117 | PL: +48 530 447 230
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Book online: calendly.com/semperparatus
Address: 42-44 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AH, London
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