Companies House requires all limited companies to file specific statutory documents each year. The exact documents depend on company size, but the fundamentals apply to all.
- Statutory accounts – include a balance sheet, profit and loss account, notes, and, in some cases, an auditor’s report.
- Confirmation statement – confirms company details (directors, shareholders, registered office, PSCs).
- Changes to company information – e.g directors, shareholders, registered office, or PSC register updates.
Types of Accounts by Company Size
| Company Type | Accounts Required | Filing Deadline |
| Dormant Company | Dormant accounts | 9 months after year end |
| Micro-entity | Micro-entity accounts (abridged) | 9 months after year end |
| Small Company | Abridged statutory accounts | 9 months after year end |
| Medium/Large | Full statutory accounts | 6–9 months depending on size |
Note: From Autumn 2025, new directors must complete ID verification before appointment. By November 2026, this requirement will extend to all existing directors.
Paper filing is scheduled to end by 2027, with digital filing becoming mandatory (GOV.UK).
What are the Consequences of Missing Companies House Deadlines?
Failure to file on time can result in serious consequences:
- Late Filing Penalties – These increase the longer the delay. For example, accounts filed more than six months late can incur fines of £1,500 for private companies.
- Company Strike-off – Companies House may begin proceedings to dissolve the company.
- Director Liability – Directors may be prosecuted, fined personally, or even disqualified.
- Credit & Reputation Risks – Lenders, investors, and partners view non-compliance as a red flag, damaging credibility.
Example: In 2025, Companies House reported a crackdown on late filings and unpaid penalties, signaling tighter enforcement going forward (The Guardian, April 2025).
How do Directors’ Responsibilities Extend Beyond Filing Paperwork?
Directors’ duties under the Companies Act 2006 go further than signing forms.
- Maintain Accurate Records – Keep accounting records for at least 6 years.
- Truthful Filings – Ensure reports and statements are accurate.
- Corporate Governance – Act in the company’s best interests, avoid conflicts, and exercise reasonable care.
- ID Verification – Starting Autumn 2025, directors must prove identity with official documentation.
- Fraud Prevention – Directors are expected to prevent misuse of company structures, particularly following the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reforms.
What Common Mistakes Do Small Businesses Make When Registering Changes?
Many SMEs struggle with Companies House filings due to avoidable errors:
- Incorrect or incomplete details (wrong director addresses, missing shareholder info).
- Failure to update PSC Register (Persons with Significant Control).
- Using the wrong account type (filing full accounts when micro-entity eligible, or vice versa).
- Ignoring deadlines for address or officer changes.
- Misaligned record-keeping – mismatch between internal books and Companies House filings.
Top Tip: Always double-check changes filed online, as Companies House does not validate every detail before publishing.
How can Digital Tools Simplify the Companies House Filing Process?
Digital compliance tools and accountant-led software solutions reduce SME risk significantly.
Benefits of Digital Filing
- Automated reminders for deadlines.
- Direct electronic submission to Companies House & HMRC.
- Integrated bookkeeping, payroll, and reporting.
- Reduced errors with iXBRL tagging.
- Scalable processes that adapt as businesses grow.
Comparison: Manual vs. Digital Filing
| Aspect | Manual Filing | Digital Filing |
| Accuracy | Higher chance of errors | Automated error checks |
| Time Required | Hours of manual preparation | Minutes with accounting software |
| Compliance Risk | Greater chance of missed steps | Alerts & reminders for key deadlines |
| Integration with HMRC | Separate processes | Unified submission system |
| Long-Term Scalability | Limited | Adaptable to company growth |
Why it matters: From 2027, digital filing will likely be mandatory, so early adoption prepares SMEs for the future regulatory landscape.
Wrapping Up!
SMEs must understand and comply with Companies House requirements, filing statutory accounts, confirmation statements, and company changes accurately and on time. Directors carry broader responsibilities that extend into governance and fraud prevention.
Avoiding common mistakes and adopting digital tools are essential for compliance in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Working with an experienced accountancy partner like OD Accountants ensures that your SME remains compliant, avoids costly penalties, and benefits from digital-first solutions tailored to your business needs.
From statutory accounts to Companies House filings, bookkeeping, and payroll, our expert team ensures your SME stays compliant, efficient, and penalty-free.
FAQs
- What counts as on-time filing for accounts and confirmation statements?
- Accounts: 9 months after financial year-end (private companies).
- Confirmation statement: Every 12 months, within 14 days of review date.
- Can small or micro-entity companies still file abridged accounts?
Yes, as of 2025, small and micro-entity companies can file abridged or simplified accounts. However, upcoming reforms may change this by 2027.
- How does director ID verification work?
New directors (from Autumn 2025) must prove their identity before appointment. Existing directors will need to complete verification within 12 months of rollout.
- What happens if a submission is rejected?
Companies House does not grant extra time for resubmission. A rejected filing close to deadline can still incur penalties or strike-off risk.
- How long must records be kept?
At least six years for financial records, VAT returns, payroll, contracts, and HMRC correspondence.