Running a company comes with many legal and compliance responsibilities. One of the most important is filing your annual company return on time. Missing deadlines can lead to fines, penalties, and even risk to your company’s good standing with regulatory bodies like Companies House in the UK.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about annual company return filing deadlines, why they matter, and how to stay compliant without stress.
What Is an Annual Company Return?
An annual company return is a mandatory filing that provides updated information about a company to the relevant regulatory authority. In the UK, this responsibility falls under Companies House.
It contains essential details such as:
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The company’s registered address
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Directors and company secretary information
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Shareholders and share capital
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Business activity codes
While the term “annual return” was replaced by the confirmation statement in 2016, many businesses and professionals still use the older term, “annual company return.” Regardless of the wording, the filing serves the same purpose: keeping official company records accurate and up to date.
Why Are Annual Company Return Deadlines Important?
Filing your return is not just a formality—it’s a legal obligation. Missing deadlines can result in:
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Financial penalties: Late filings often trigger fines that increase the longer you delay.
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Reputation damage: Late or missing filings show up in the public register, potentially affecting trust with clients and investors.
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Risk of being struck off: Companies House may begin the process of dissolving your company if it believes it is inactive or failing compliance obligations.
Staying on top of deadlines helps maintain compliance, protects your business reputation, and avoids unnecessary costs.
Annual Company Return Filing Deadlines in the UK
The deadline for filing your annual company return (confirmation statement) depends on the date your company was incorporated or the date of your last filing.
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First Filing: Due 12 months after your company was incorporated.
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Subsequent Filings: Must be filed every 12 months after the last confirmation statement date.
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Filing Window: You have 14 days after the end of the review period to submit your statement.
For example:
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If your company was incorporated on 10 March 2024, your first confirmation statement will be due by 24 March 2025.
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Every year after, you must file within 14 days of the review date (10 March).
💡 Tip: Mark your calendar or set automatic reminders well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
What Information Do You Need to File?
When preparing to file your annual company return, you’ll need:
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Company registration number (CRN)
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Authentication code for Companies House WebFiling service
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Current registered office address
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Names and details of company officers (directors/secretaries)
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Details of shareholders and share capital
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SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes
This ensures the public record remains accurate and reflects your company’s current structure.
How to File Your Annual Company Return
Filing your annual return is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step outline:
1. Choose a Filing Method
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Online filing (via Companies House WebFiling or third-party software) – the most popular and cost-effective method.
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Paper filing – available but more expensive and time-consuming.
2. Log in and Enter Information
Provide all the necessary company details and confirm they are correct.
3. Pay the Filing Fee
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Online fee: £13
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Paper fee: £40
4. Submit Before the Deadline
Double-check for accuracy and submit before the 14-day filing window closes.
Consequences of Missing Annual Company Return Deadlines
Failing to file on time can have serious implications:
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Late Filing Penalties – While confirmation statements themselves don’t carry late penalties like annual accounts, repeated failures can attract scrutiny.
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Strike-Off Action – Companies House may assume your company is no longer operating and begin dissolving it.
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Legal Risk for Directors – Company directors can be prosecuted personally for failing to meet statutory duties.
Best Practices to Never Miss Deadlines
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Set calendar alerts at least a month before the due date.
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Use professional company secretarial services to manage filings.
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File early – you don’t have to wait until the last day.
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Keep details updated throughout the year instead of rushing before the deadline.
By making compliance part of your ongoing business process, you reduce the risk of errors and avoid costly delays.
Annual Company Return vs Annual Accounts
It’s important to distinguish between the two:
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Annual Company Return (Confirmation Statement): Confirms company details on the public register.
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Annual Accounts: Provide financial information about your company’s performance.
Both must be filed separately with different deadlines. Confusing them can lead to missed obligations.
FAQs About Annual Company Return Filing Deadlines
1. Is the annual company return the same as the confirmation statement?
Yes. The annual return was officially replaced by the confirmation statement in 2016, but both terms are often used interchangeably.
2. What happens if I miss my filing deadline?
You may not face an immediate fine for late confirmation statements, but repeated failure can lead to strike-off action against your company.
3. Can I change my filing date?
No. The review period is fixed to your incorporation date or last filing date. You must file within 14 days of that anniversary.
4. How much does it cost to file?
The fee is £13 online or £40 by post.
5. Can an accountant file on my behalf?
Yes. Many businesses use accountants or company secretarial services to ensure compliance.
6. Do dormant companies need to file?
Yes. Even if your company is dormant, you must still file an annual confirmation statement to keep the records updated.
7. Is there a penalty for filing late?
Unlike annual accounts, there’s no financial penalty for late confirmation statements, but repeated late or missed filings can cause Companies House to take further action.
Conclusion
Filing your annual company return (confirmation statement) on time is crucial to keeping your company compliant and maintaining a positive reputation. The deadlines are straightforward—every 12 months with a 14-day grace period—but missing them can cause serious issues for your business.
By planning ahead, keeping accurate records, and setting reminders, you’ll never have to worry about missing an annual return filing deadline again.