Filing Requirements at Companies House Explained

If you run a limited company in the UK, understanding your filing requirements at Companies House is essential. Failing to meet your obligations can result in penalties, legal consequences, and even your company being struck off the register.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about Companies House filing requirements, deadlines, and how to stay compliant with UK company law.

What Is Companies House?

Companies House is the UK government body responsible for incorporating and dissolving companies, as well as maintaining public records.

All UK limited companies and LLPs must submit certain documents annually and report any significant changes.

What Are the Main Filing Requirements at Companies House?

1. Annual Accounts

All companies must file annual accounts, even if they are a dormant non-trading company.

What to include:

• Balance sheet
• Profit and loss account (if applicable)
• Notes about the accounts

Deadline:

• 9 months after the end of your financial year

Late filing results in automatic penalties starting at £150 and increasing over time.

Your accountant will be able to prepare a Companies House compliant version of your accounts which will be available for public viewing.

2. Confirmation Statement

The confirmation statement verifies that your company information is accurate.

It includes:

• Registered office address
• Directors and company secretary
• Shareholders and share capital
• SIC codes (business activities)

Deadline:

• Every 12 months

Even if there have been no changes made to any of the information contained in the previous year’s Confirmation Statement, a new filing must be made on time to confirm there have been no changes made to any of the information. 

3. Corporation Tax Return (HMRC)

Although not filed at Companies House, this is a key compliance requirement.

You must submit your tax return to HM Revenue and Customs.

Deadline:

• 12 months after the end of your accounting period

4. Reporting Changes to Company Information

You must notify Companies House of changes such as:

• Director appointments or resignations
• Changes to your registered office
• Share allotments
• Updates to persons with significant control (PSC)

Deadline:

• Typically within 14 days

Any of these types of changes must be reported to Companies House promptly.  A common mistake is to leave the reporting to the next Confirmation Statement and notifying the changes annual. This is wrong and can have consequences later on, such as if you are selling your business. 

5. Persons with Significant Control (PSC)

UK companies must identify individuals who control the business.

A PSC is someone who:

• Owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights
• Can appoint or remove directors
• Exercises significant influence or control

The PSC register should be updated as and when there are any changes such as incoming or exiting shareholders.

What Happens If You Miss a Companies House Deadline?

Failing to meet your Companies House filing deadlines can result in:

• Financial penalties
• Criminal liability for directors
• Company strike-off
• Damage to your business reputation

Repeated failures may lead to director disqualification.

Common Filing Mistakes Businesses Make

• Missing filing deadlines
• Submitting incorrect accounts
• Forgetting to file a confirmation statement
• Not updating director or shareholder changes
• Assuming an accountant has filed everything

How to Stay Compliant with Companies House

To avoid penalties and legal issues:

• Set reminders for filing deadlines
• Use Companies House email alerts
• Keep accurate company records
• File documents early
• Seek legal or professional advice

Conclusion

Understanding and meeting your Companies House filing requirements is a fundamental part of running a successful UK business. By staying organised and proactive, you can avoid penalties and ensure your company remains in good standing.

If you need advice on company law compliance or filing obligations, seeking professional support can save you time, money, and risk.