UK Accounting and Tax Filing Requirements for Limited Companies

Editor’s note: Originally published on 12 February 2023; this article reflects information available at that time, and rules may since have changed.

A UK limited company has separate responsibilities to Companies House and HMRC. The exact filings depend on whether it trades, employs people, is VAT registered or has other tax obligations.

Annual accounts

Statutory accounts report the company’s financial position and performance. They are normally filed with Companies House, subject to the rules and filing options available to the company.

Corporation Tax

The company must calculate taxable profit, pay Corporation Tax by the applicable deadline and submit a Company Tax Return to HMRC. The payment and return deadlines are not the same.

Confirmation statement

The confirmation statement checks that key company information on the public register is correct. It is separate from the annual accounts and tax return.

VAT and payroll

VAT-registered businesses usually submit VAT returns during the year. Employers and companies operating director payroll may also need regular PAYE reports and payments.

Information needed by the accountant

• Sales, expenses, bank statements and supporting documents
• Company number, Corporation Tax UTR and Companies House authentication code
• Payroll, VAT, asset and loan information where relevant

What if the company did not trade?

A non-trading company may qualify as dormant, but it can still have Companies House filings and may need to respond to HMRC. See our guide to dormant companies.

Leon Advisers provides year-round accounting and compliance support. Contact info@leonadvisers.com.