---
title: Filing annual accounts with Companies House
description: Annual Accounts
---
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1. [Remain Compliant](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant?hsLang=en-gb)
2. [Tax & Accounting](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/tax-accounting?hsLang=en-gb)
3. [Annual Accounts](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/tax-accounting?hsLang=en-gb#annual-accounts)
# Filing annual accounts with Companies House
## Annual accounts are a legal requirement for limited companies, and a failure to file can result in penalties. Here’s what you need to know
1. [What are annual accounts?](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q1)
2. [Who must file?](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q2)
3. [Company size and requirements](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q3)
4. [Filing deadlines](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q4)
5. [Late filing penalties](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q5)
6. [How to file (quick steps)](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q6)
7. [How can Quality Company Formations Help?](https://help.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/remain-compliant/annual-accounts#q7)
### What are annual accounts?
Annual (statutory) accounts summarise your company’s financial activity for the year. They typically include a profit and loss account, balance sheet, notes to the accounts, a director's report (if required), and an auditor's report (if required). What you must submit publicly depends on your company’s size and status.
### Who must file?
All UK limited companies (both trading and dormant) are required to file accounts with Companies House.
### Company size and requirements
- **Micro-entities** (meet 2 of: \<£632k turnover, \<£316k balance sheet, \<10 employees): Simplified filing, no audit or director's report, no public profit & loss
- **Small companies** (meet 2 of: \<£15m turnover, \<£7.5m balance sheet, \<50 employees): Must file full accounts
- **Dormant companies**: File simplified accounts (balance sheet + statements)
### Filing deadlines
- **First accounts**: Within 21 months of incorporation or 3 months from the accounting reference date, whichever is longer
- **Subsequent years**: Within 9 months of the accounting reference date
To check your annual accounts deadline, search your company name [here](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/).
### Late filing penalties
| Delay | Penalty |
| --- | --- |
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1–3 months | £375 |
| 3–6 months | £750 |
| Over 6 months | £1,500 |
Penalties **double** if they are filed late two years in a row, and failure to file is a criminal offence.
### How to file (quick steps)
1. **Gather financial records -** Income, expenses, bank statements, payroll, VAT, assets, loans, prior records
2. **Prepare accounts -** Profit and loss, balance sheet, notes
3. **Submit online -** Use Companies House's online service or compatible accounting software; ensure director approval and authentication details are ready
### How can Quality Company Formations Help?
We offer a Dormant Company Accounts Filing Service for non-trading companies, helping ensure your filings remain compliant with Companies House requirements. 👉[Click here to learn more](https://www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/services/dormant-company-accounts/).
For active (trading) companies, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified accountant if you are unsure how to prepare and file your accounts.
### Not found what you're looking for?
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