Companies House penalties are automatic. No warning. No grace period. One day late = £150. Here is the full schedule.
Penalty Schedule
| How Late | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1–3 months | £375 |
| 3–6 months | £750 |
| Over 6 months | £1,500 |
Penalties double if late two years in a row.
What Triggers Penalties
Annual accounts must be filed within 9 months of your accounting reference date. The confirmation statement does not carry a financial penalty but can trigger strike-off.
How to Avoid Them
- Set calendar reminders 60 and 30 days before deadline
- Download our 2026 Compliance Calendar (free)
- File early — no benefit to waiting
- If you use an accountant, confirm they filed (do not assume)
Full obligations: UK Compliance Checklist. Need a registered office? From £70/month.