Company accounts filing deadline is set by Companies House on the day your company was incorporated. By comparison, the company accounts filing deadline for a private limited company and a public limited company is different. A private company has a longer period to file compared to a public company.
For example, if your company is incorporated on 28 December 2018 and your default company accounting year-end date is 31 December. This is same for both types of companies.
However, if your company is a private limited company, then your accounts filing deadline would be 30 September 2020. Which is nine months after your financial year ended.
On the other hand, if your company is a public limited company then your default filing deadline would be 30 June 2020. which is six months and it’s shorter.
Change your year end date
You are allowed to change your company accounts filing deadline. In this case, you use the form AA01 to change your accounting reference date. You must submit the form with Companies House.
For one thing, your company accounts must not already overdue. Furthermore, your new accounts year-end date must not cover a period more than 18 months.
First company accounts filing deadline
The filing periods for first accounts for a private limited company is 21 months whereas for a public company is 18 months.
Your company accounts filed with Companies House is available for the public to view. In other words, anyone interested in your company affairs can check your accounts with Companies House.
Audit or non-audit company accounts
Generally, a private limited company that meet the criteria of a small company is allowed to submit non-audit accounts with Companies House. In this case, you must opt to take advantage of the audit exemption. Accordingly, this fact must be disclosed in your company accounts.
Any other companies, medium-sized or a large company and public limited companies, all must submit audited company accounts with Companies House.
The law governing the preparation of company accounts for a public limited company especially those with their shares listed in the stock exchange is vigorous. In this case, you are not only must comply with Companies House rules but also the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements.
Dormant company
Ordinarily, a dormant company registered as a public limited company must submit an audited company account. Even if your public limited company has no transaction whatsoever. In this situation, you must hire a qualified Auditor to take care of your company accounts.
You may re-register your public company to a private company is having a PLC status no longer serve your business.
On one hand, if your dormant company is a private limited company then you can file a non-audit dormant account.
Late filing penalty
You will receive a late filing penalty if your accounts are delivered late. The late filing penalty starts from £150 to a maximum of £1500 for a private limited company. For a public limited company, the penalty starts from £750 to £7500.
You may appeal to your late filing penalty If your circumstance causing the late filing is exceptional. In this case, you must write to Companies House explaining it. Even better if you have evidence to support your case. Otherwise, you would have no choice but to pay the penalty.
Submit your account soon after your financial year-end. Don’t wait till last minute.
Another important document
You must also submit your Confirmation Statement with Companies House once every 12 months.
