If you run a company in the UK, submitting your annual accounts to Companies House is one of those admin tasks that just has to be done. Whether your business is actively trading, newly set up, or completely dormant, the responsibility to file still applies — and doing it properly can save you a world of stress later on.
Let’s walk through what you need to know to get your accounts filed accurately and on time, without getting caught out by common mistakes.
Know When You Need to File
Not all companies are the same — and neither are the accounts they need to submit. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Dormant companies (those with no significant transactions during the year) can submit dormant accounts — a much simpler process.
- Micro-entities (very small businesses) can use a stripped-back format, as long as they meet at least two of these criteria: turnover under £632,000, a balance sheet under £316,000, and 10 or fewer employees.
- Small companies (turnover under £10.2 million, balance sheet total under £5.1 million, and fewer than 50 staff) can take advantage of certain exemptions, like a simpler directors’ report.
- Medium and large companies have to submit full statutory accounts, including a profit and loss statement, directors’ report, and usually an auditor’s report too.
The old “abbreviated accounts” option is no longer available, and while “abridged accounts” still exist, they’re less commonly used now and require shareholder approval.
Know What to Include in Your Filing
Even if your company qualifies for a simpler filing option, your accounts still need to follow the right structure — usually under FRS 105 (for micro-entities) or FRS 102 Section 1A (for small companies).
At a minimum, you’ll likely need:
- A balance sheet signed by a director (with their printed name too)
- A profit and loss account (unless you’re exempt)
- Notes to the accounts
- Possibly a directors’ report (not required for micro-entities)
It’s easy to miss small things like a missing signature or mismatched dates — but Companies House won’t accept the accounts unless everything lines up properly.
Know How to File
You’ve got two options: online or post. Most people choose the online route because it’s quicker and comes with built-in checks that reduce the risk of mistakes.
You can use:
- Companies House WebFiling for straightforward submissions
- Commercial software (good if your accounts are more complex)
- Paper forms, but only if absolutely necessary
Just make sure the method you choose matches the kind of accounts you’re submitting — some formats can’t be filed online.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If your company setup is simple and you’re confident with numbers, it’s possible to file company accounts yourself, especially using online tools that guide you through the process.
But if you’re unsure, using an accountant or specialist software can be a real time-saver. It’s their job to know the latest rules and make sure you don’t accidentally fall foul of them.
Many businesses choose to get professional support, especially during busy times or their first year of trading. It’s one less thing to worry about.
Conclusion
Filing your accounts might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it’s one of the most important. A bit of care now saves a lot of hassle later — and shows that you’re running things properly.
So whether you’ve got a thriving small business or a company that’s barely ticking over, make sure you set a reminder, double-check the details, and file company accounts properly every year. It’s one task that’s well worth getting right.
