What Happens If You Miss Your Confirmation Statement or Annual Accounts Deadline?

All UK limited companies are legally required to file both a Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts every year — even if the company has never traded. Missing these deadlines can have serious consequences. In this guide, we explain what happens if you file late or fail to file at all, and how to avoid penalties or strike-off action.

Key Takeaways

• The Confirmation Statement confirms key company details and must be filed within 14 days of the review period ending.

• There is no late filing penalty for the Confirmation Statement, but failure to file is a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution and company strike-off.

• Annual Accounts must be filed within 21 months of incorporation for the first year, and 9 months after the Accounting Reference Date thereafter.

• Filing Annual Accounts late results in financial penalties ranging from £150 to £1,500, which double if accounts are filed late two years in a row.

• Persistent failure to file either document can lead to the company being struck off, with assets passing to the Crown.

• Filing on time, using professional services, or applying for dissolution can help you remain compliant and avoid penalties.

The Confirmation Statement

What Is It?

The Confirmation Statement is a yearly snapshot of a company’s non-financial information. It includes details such as:

• Registered office and registered email address

• SIC code

• Directors and secretaries

• Shareholders and share capital

• Persons with Significant Control (PSC)

Its purpose is to confirm that the information held by Companies House is accurate and up to date.

When Is It Due?

The Confirmation Statement must be filed within 14 days after the end of each 12-month review period.

For example, if your company was incorporated on 1 January 2021, the Confirmation Statement would be due by 14 January 2022. Each subsequent statement is due within 12 months of the last filing.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

There is no financial penalty for late filing, but failing to file at all can have severe consequences.

Companies House may assume the company is no longer trading and begin strike-off proceedings. Directors and officers may also be prosecuted, as submitting the Confirmation Statement is a legal responsibility. Ultimately, the company can be removed from the register and cease to exist.

Annual Accounts

What Are They?

Annual Accounts report a company’s financial activity over the year. Even if a company has never traded, it must submit Dormant Company Accounts.

When Are They Due?

• First accounts: within 21 months of incorporation

• Subsequent accounts: within 9 months of the Accounting Reference Date (ARD)

The Accounting Reference Date defines the period the accounts cover, while the Accounts Due Date is the deadline for filing.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Unlike the Confirmation Statement, late Annual Accounts trigger automatic penalties:

• Up to 1 month late: £150

• 1–3 months late: £375

• 3–6 months late: £750

• Over 6 months late: £1,500

If accounts are filed late in two consecutive years, the penalty is doubled.

Failure to file at all can result in the company being struck off the register, with any remaining assets becoming Crown property.

How to Avoid Penalties or Strike-Off

To stay compliant, you should:

• Track key filing dates carefully

• File online well before deadlines

• Use Companies House reminders

• Consider professional filing services

• Apply for dissolution if the company is no longer required

If you believe you have a valid reason for missing an Annual Accounts deadline, you may appeal the penalty, although appeals are only successful in limited circumstances.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the information should not be relied upon as a substitute for tailored advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions regarding your company’s compliance obligations.