Question 1

Do I need an accountant to file company accounts?

Accepted Answer

Legally, no — a director can file themselves. In practice most people use an accountant because the accounts must follow the Companies Act format, the Corporation Tax return has to agree with them, and mistakes are expensive. We prepare and file both so nothing is missed.

Question 2

What exactly are company accounts?

Accepted Answer

They are the formal year-end summary of what your company earned, spent, owns and owes. A short version goes to Companies House (on the public register) and a fuller version goes to HMRC with your Corporation Tax return.

Question 3

When are my company accounts due?

Accepted Answer

Accounts are normally due at Companies House 9 months after your year end. Your first accounts after incorporation are due 21 months after the incorporation date. Your Corporation Tax return is due 12 months after year end, but the tax itself is payable 9 months and 1 day after year end.

Question 4

What is the difference between Companies House and HMRC?

Accepted Answer

Companies House is the public register of companies — it wants your accounts and confirmation statement. HMRC collects tax — it wants your Corporation Tax return and payment. They are separate bodies with separate deadlines, and you must satisfy both.

Question 5

What if my company has not traded?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to file dormant company accounts, which are far simpler and cheaper (£80 + VAT with us). A company is generally dormant if it has had no significant accounting transactions in the period. You still have to file — dormant does not mean 'do nothing'.

Question 6

What happens if I file late?

Accepted Answer

Companies House issues automatic late filing penalties for private companies: £150 up to a month late, £375 for one to three months, £750 for three to six months and £1,500 beyond six months. They double if you file late two years running. HMRC charges separate penalties and interest for a late Corporation Tax return or payment.

Question 7

What if I have lost my UTR?

Accepted Answer

Your Corporation Tax UTR is a 10-digit number on almost any letter HMRC has sent the company. If you cannot find it, HMRC can send it to your registered office address — we will point you to the right request page and chase it with you.

Question 8

What is a Companies House authentication code?

Accepted Answer

It is a 6-character code that acts as your company's electronic signature for online filing. If you have lost it, Companies House will post a new one to your registered office, usually within about five working days — so request it early.

Question 9

Can you deal directly with HMRC for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once you authorise us as your agent we can speak to HMRC about your company's Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE, submit returns and handle routine correspondence, so you do not have to sit in phone queues.

Question 10

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

For a straightforward company with tidy records, we typically prepare draft accounts within 5–10 working days of receiving everything. You approve them, then we file. If a deadline is close, tell us — we will prioritise it.

Question 11

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Accounts plus the Corporation Tax return are £399 + VAT for a micro-entity company. Dormant company accounts are £80 + VAT and a director's Self Assessment is £199 + VAT. Fixed fees, quoted up front, with no hidden charges.

Question 12

Can you register my company for VAT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must register if your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12 months, and you can register voluntarily below that. We handle the registration and then your VAT returns under Making Tax Digital.

Question 13

Do I need to register for PAYE?

Accepted Answer

If your company pays anyone — including you as a director — a salary above the reporting thresholds, or provides benefits, you generally need a PAYE scheme. We register the scheme and run the payroll for you.

Question 14

Can you run my payroll?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for up to two employees on a fixed monthly or weekly payroll. We produce payslips, submit the RTI returns to HMRC on time and tell you exactly what to pay and when. Changes can be made at each new tax year.

Question 15

What about pension auto-enrolment?

Accepted Answer

Every employer has legal duties under auto-enrolment, even if nobody ends up joining a scheme. We deal with The Pensions Regulator compliance, handle opt-ins and opt-outs and make sure your declaration of compliance is filed.

Question 16

Do I need to file a confirmation statement?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every company must file one at least once every 12 months, even if nothing has changed. It confirms your directors, registered office, shareholders and people with significant control. There is a £34 Companies House fee.

Question 17

What is director identity verification?

Accepted Answer

Companies House is introducing identity verification for directors and people with significant control under new company law reforms. It is being phased in, and we will tell you what you need to do and when it applies to your company.

Question 18

What if I have overseas directors or a non-UK address?

Accepted Answer

That is fine — plenty of UK companies have directors based abroad. Your company still needs a UK registered office and must meet the same filing duties. Identity verification requirements apply to overseas directors too, and we will guide you through it.

Question 19

What happens after I become a client?

Accepted Answer

We send a short engagement letter, get you authorised with HMRC, and give you a simple checklist of what to send. After that we track every deadline for you and remind you in good time — you should never be surprised by a filing date again.

Question 20

Can I switch from my current accountant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is straightforward. We write to your existing accountant for the handover information (a standard professional courtesy) and take it from there. You do not need to have an awkward conversation.

Company accounts, made simple

What are company accounts — and who wants what?

Companies House

HMRC

Corporation Tax

Confirmation statement

VAT

PAYE & payroll

Dormant companies

Pension duties

Six simple steps — and we do five of them

Tell us about your company

Send us a few documents

We prepare everything

You review and approve

We file with HMRC & Companies House

Relax — we watch the calendar

Three details to get you started

Company name or company number

Company UTR (Corporation Tax reference)

Companies House authentication code

Find your company

Secure document upload

Everything your company has to file