This blog post was originally published in 2021. Visit our guidance page for the latest information on this topic.
High on the list of enquiries that our contact centre receives, are questions about late filing penalties. What are they, when do you get them and how do you deal with them?
As a limited company you need to file your accounts with us every year. Whether you’re trading or dormant, they must be delivered by the deadline calculated from your accounting reference date.
Failure to meet the deadline will result in an automatic penalty.
What is a late filing penalty?
If you’re a new company and you’re filing your first set of accounts, they must be delivered within 21 months of your incorporation date. Thereafter, your accounts must be delivered within 9 months after your company’s financial year ends.
It’s important to note that ‘delivered’ means when Companies House receives the document, not when posting or handing to a courier.
Your accounts will only be considered as delivered once they have complied with the requirements of the Companies Act. If for any reason the accounts are rejected, they would not be considered as delivered. If you fail to deliver your accounts by the due date, then an automatic late filing penalty will be triggered.
How late your accounts reach us will determine the amount of penalty you will receive. The penalties are:
- less than one month late - £150
- more than one month but not more than three months late - £375
- more than 3 months but not more than 6 months late - £750
- more than 6 months late - £1500
In all cases these fees double if you file your accounts late in 2 successive financial years.
When is a late filing penalty applied?
A late filing penalty notice will be issued after your accounts have been filed late. The penalty notice will give details of:
- the penalty
- the last date for filing
- the date your accounts were filed
- the level of the penalty imposed
You can pay the penalty by BACS by clearly stating the company number on the bank transfer and using it as the reference. You should email your remittance to lfpfinance@companieshouse.gov.uk on the same date as the payment is sent, clearly indicating the company name and number.
It may be possible to pay your late filing penalty online and a link will be found on the penalty notice. We’re not able to take credit card payments over the phone.
How to appeal a late filing penalty
In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to appeal against a late filing penalty. We have very little discretion not to collect a penalty but if you think you have a sufficient reason, the appeal can be made online. You’ll need:
- the company number
- authentication code
- the penalty reference
- the reason for the appeal
- any supporting documents
Reasons such as the company is dormant, the accounts were delayed in the post or you did not know how or when to file the accounts will not be accepted.
How to avoid a late filing penalty
To make sure your accounts are filed in good time, you should:
- allow enough time for your accounts to reach us within the deadline
- check to see when your accounts are due and mark your diary or calendar accordingly
- not disregard Sundays or bank holidays - if the date falls on a Sunday or bank holiday, you must still file by this date
- set reminders and sign up to our email reminder service
Our email reminder service is free, and you choose up to 4 people to receive the reminder.
By filing your accounts online, you can benefit from the built-in checks, to help you avoid errors and rejection. It’s cheaper and you’ll know quickly whether they’ve been accepted with an online confirmation.
For guidance on running a company and your responsibilities as a director, sign up to our upcoming bitesize webinar series.
