Every UK limited company has legal obligations that must be met every year. Miss a deadline and the penalties are automatic. Miss enough of them and Companies House will begin proceedings to strike your company off the register.

This checklist covers everything you need to file, when, and what happens if you do not.

Annual Filing Obligations

1. Confirmation Statement (every 12 months)

Previously called the annual return. Confirms your company details are up to date: registered office, directors, shareholders, SIC codes, and people with significant control.

  • Deadline: Within 14 days of the review period end date
  • Fee: £34 online, £62 on paper
  • Penalty for missing it: No fine, but Companies House may begin strike-off

See our detailed confirmation statement guide.

2. Annual Accounts (within 9 months)

Your company accounts must be filed at Companies House within 9 months of your accounting reference date (for private companies).

  • Late filing penalties: £150 (1 day late), £375 (1-3 months), £750 (3-6 months), £1,500 (6+ months)
  • Small company exemption: If turnover is under £10.2m, you can file abbreviated accounts

See our annual accounts filing guide.

3. Corporation Tax Return (within 12 months)

File form CT600 with HMRC. Pay corporation tax within 9 months and 1 day of your accounting period end.

  • Rate: 19% (profits under £50k), 25% (profits over £250k), marginal relief between
  • Late filing: £100 penalty, escalating to £1,600+
  • Late payment: Interest charged from day one

See our corporation tax guide.

Ongoing Obligations

Registered Office

You must maintain a registered office address at all times. If you move, file form AD01. See how to change your registered office.

Statutory Registers

Maintain registers of: members (shareholders), directors, people with significant control, and charges. These can be kept at the registered office or filed at Companies House.

Changes to Report

Notify Companies House within 14 days of any change to: directors, registered office, share capital, or PSC details.

Common Mistakes

  • Missing the accounts deadline: Penalties are automatic — there is no warning letter
  • Forgetting to file a confirmation statement: Companies House will start strike-off proceedings
  • Not updating HMRC separately: Changing your address at Companies House does not update HMRC
  • Overdrawn director loan: Triggers Section 455 tax at 33.75%

How to Stay on Top of It

You can manage compliance yourself (here is how) or use an accountant. Either way, set calendar reminders 30 days before every deadline. See Companies House fees 2026 for all filing costs.

Free download: Get our 2026 Compliance Calendar — every deadline, every fee, every penalty on one printable page. Or browse all free resources.

Need a compliant registered office? Leeds virtual office plans from £70/month handle your Companies House and HMRC correspondence.