File accounts at Companies House

Introduction

Every company, whether it is trading or not, is legally obliged to keep accounting records.

If you are a trading or dormant limited company or limited liability partnership, you need to send a copy of your annual accounts to the Registrar at Companies House.

This guide explains when and how your annual accounts must be filed, including any exceptions to the rules.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Accounting reference dates
• Accounting timetables
• Deadline extensions and penalties
• Checklist: preparing accounts and setting out documents to send to Companies House
• Exemptions, abbreviated accounts and dormant companies
• The auditor's report
• Partnership accounts

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