Let’s face it: after registering your new business, running it can be rather hectic. Amid all the day-to-day tasks, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines. But when it comes to filing with Companies House, missing deadlines can cost you more than just a slap on the wrist—it can lead to hefty fines and administrative headaches.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or managing an established business, understanding how to avoid late filing penalties and what to do if you’ve been hit with one is essential.
What Are Late Filing Penalties?
Companies House requires all limited companies to file certain documents on time, including:
- Annual accounts
- Confirmation statements
If these documents are late, Companies House will issue a penalty. The later your filing, the higher the fine—and trust us, the costs add up fast!
Penalty Amounts for Late Filing
For annual accounts, here’s what you can expect:
| Time After Deadline | Private Companies | Public Companies |
| Up to 1 month | £150 | £750 |
| 1-3 months | £375 | £1,500 |
| 3-6 months | £750 | £3,000 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 | £7,500 |
Confirmation statements don’t carry the same financial penalties as annual accounts but failing to file them could result in your company being struck off the register.
How to Avoid Late Filing Penalties
Prevention is better than cure, and avoiding penalties is easier than dealing with them. Here’s how:
1. Know Your Deadlines
- Annual accounts: Due 9 months after your company’s financial year-end.
- Confirmation statements: File at least once every 12 months.
Pro Tip: These deadlines don’t move. Even if the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, your submission must arrive on time.
2. Set Reminders
Use digital tools, calendars or reminders to keep track of filing deadlines. Many company formation agents (like us!) offer services to notify you in advance.
3. File Online
Filing online is faster, more secure and you’ll get instant confirmation of receipt. It also reduces the risk of documents getting lost in the post.
4. Use a Professional Service
Outsourcing your filings to a reliable company formation agent or accountant ensures deadlines are met without the stress.
What to Do If You’ve Missed a Deadline
If you’ve already missed a filing deadline, here’s what you should do:
1. Act Fast
The sooner you file your overdue document, the better. Penalties increase the longer you delay, so don’t wait.
2. Pay the Penalty
You’ll receive a notice from Companies House detailing the penalty amount and payment instructions. Pay promptly to avoid further complications.
3. Communicate with Companies House
If you have a legitimate reason for the delay (e.g., illness or technical issues), reach out to Companies House as soon as possible to explain your situation.
Appealing a Late Filing Penalty
If you believe you have grounds to appeal a penalty, here’s what you need to know:
Valid Reasons for Appeal
Companies House is strict about late filings, but they may consider an appeal if:
- Illness: A director or key personnel was seriously ill.
- Unforeseen Events: A fire, flood or another disaster prevented you from filing.
- Technical Issues: Problems with Companies House’s online services.
How to Appeal
- Write to Companies House with the following details:
- Your company name and number
- The penalty reference
- The reasons for the late filing
- Any supporting evidence (e.g., medical certificates, emails, or receipts)
- Send your appeal to the address provided in your penalty notice or submit it online.
Outcome of an Appeal
Most appeals are rejected unless there are exceptional circumstances. Be prepared to provide strong evidence to support your claim.
Tips for Managing Future Compliance
To avoid future penalties and ensure smooth operations:
- Plan Ahead: File well before the deadline to account for potential delays.
- Audit Your Records: Regularly review your company’s filing obligations.
- Partner with Experts: Let professionals handle the compliance side so you can focus on growing your business.
Final Thoughts
Late filing penalties are a headache no one wants, but with a bit of organisation and the right support, they’re entirely avoidable. If you find yourself facing a penalty, act quickly and explore your options to mitigate the impact.
Related Reading
Accessing Public Company Records: Using Companies House for due diligence.
Using Companies House for Market Research: Insights from company data.