If a private limited company delivers its accounts to Companies House after the deadline, an automatic civil penalty applies. You do not get a free warning first for late accounts. The amount depends on how late the accounts arrive.
Figures below are from published GOV.UK guidance for private limited companies and LLPs. Public companies have higher amounts. Always check GOV.UK: penalties for late filing for the current table.
YearReady™ is built to surface year-end issues months early so you are not paying for a scramble, or a late filing penalty, because the pack was not ready. Alfred prepares. A qualified professional signs off regulated filings.
The penalty ladder for private companies
| How late the accounts are | Penalty (private limited company / LLP) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| More than 1 month, up to 3 months | £375 |
| More than 3 months, up to 6 months | £750 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 |
If accounts are late two years in a row, GOV.UK states the penalty is doubled.
When accounts are usually due
For most private limited companies, accounts must reach Companies House within nine months of the accounting reference date. First accounts after incorporation often have a longer window (commonly described as within 21 months of incorporation for first accounts). Confirm your exact deadline on the company information register.
Accounts are only "delivered" when Companies House accepts a compliant filing. A rejected filing after the deadline can still trigger a late penalty.
This is separate from HMRC
Companies House late filing penalties are not the same as HMRC penalties for a late corporation tax return or late tax payment. You can be on time with one and late with the other. See What is a CT600 and corporation tax payment deadline UK.
How to avoid the fine
Know your accounting reference date and diary the Companies House deadline.
Start prep months early with a labelled pack (bank, invoices, assets, director's loan).
Agree who files (you or your accountant) and when drafts will be ready.
Do not wait for "perfect" if the deadline is close: talk to your accountant about what is still open.
Confirm acceptance after submission, not only that you pressed send.
If you are already late
File acceptable accounts as soon as you can. Paying a penalty does not remove the duty to file. Persistent failure can escalate beyond the civil penalty, including strike-off risk and possible prosecution of officers. Get professional help quickly if you are stuck.
What to read next
- UK year-end accounts checklist
- Corporation tax payment deadline UK
- Confirmation statement deadline
- Micro-entity versus small company accounts
- YearReady™
This page is general information for UK companies. Rules, thresholds and deadlines can change. Nothing here is regulated advice, and nothing regulated should be submitted without a human approval from a qualified professional. Prefer current GOV.UK guidance for your obligations.