Different deadlines apply
A private company’s first Companies House accounts are usually due 21 months after incorporation. Later annual accounts are normally due nine months after the financial year end. Corporation Tax payment and Company Tax Return dates are separate.
One calendar entry labelled “year end” is therefore not enough.
Start with complete bookkeeping
The accounts process moves faster when the bank, sales, purchases, payroll, VAT and director transactions have already been reconciled. Leaving these checks until the filing month turns routine questions into urgent ones.
Close each month and record explanations for loans, personal payments, asset purchases and unusual income.
Directors remain responsible
An accountant can prepare and file the accounts, but directors remain responsible for the company’s records and filings. Review drafts carefully and ask about anything that does not reflect the business.
Approval should be given with enough time to deal with corrections before the filing deadline.
A practical next step
Put the accounting year end, internal records deadline, draft-review date and statutory filing date into the calendar. Work backwards so the records arrive months, not days, before filing.
Accountants4All can help build the timetable and keep accounts, tax and Companies House requirements aligned.
Official guidance
Rules and deadlines can change. Check the current official guidance and obtain advice for your circumstances.
GOV.UK: Accounts and tax returns for private limited companiesNeed a clear next step?
Talk through the records, deadline or setup involved.
This article provides general information and is not personal tax, legal or financial advice.