What Compliance Tasks Must Every Limited Company Track in 2026?

Every limited company must track statutory filings, company registers, tax obligations, payroll and pensions, annual accounts, confirmation statements, PSC records, and compliance with its articles of association.
These tasks ensure legal standing, tax accuracy, and valid director/shareholder records.

What statutory filings must a limited company submit to Companies House?

Companies House requires annual accounts, a confirmation statement, and director changes; missing these filings triggers fines and possible strike-off.
Companies must prepare and file statutory accounts yearly. Accounts include a balance sheet, profit and loss, directors’ report (if applicable), and notes aligned with UK accounting standards. A confirmation statement (formerly annual return) updates the registered office, SIC code, and officer information at least once every 12 months. Notify Companies House within 14 days of director or secretary appointments, resignations, or address changes. File People with Significant Control (PSC) changes within 14 days.

Detailed responsibilities include preparing accounts using either micro-entity, small, or full accounts formats, depending on size thresholds: turnover £10.2m, balance sheet £5.1m, and 50 employees for small-company criteria. Use company filing deadlines: accounts are due nine months after the year-end for private companies, and the confirmation statement is due 12 months after the previous filing.

Read our articles, Why Managing Business Administration Becomes Harder as Your Company Grows and Start a Limited Company With Professional Support From Day One.

What tax obligations must a limited company track with HMRC?

A company must register for Corporation Tax, file a Company Tax Return (CT600), pay tax within nine months and one day of the year-end, and operate PAYE where it employs staff.
Register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting business activity. Prepare and submit a Company Tax Return (CT600) annually with supporting computations. Pay corporation tax by the deadline: nine months and one day after the financial year-end for non-large companies. Operate PAYE to report and pay income tax and National Insurance for employees each payroll period. Submit a Full Payment Submission (FPS) in real time on or before each pay date and make an Employer Payment Summary (EPS) when reclaiming statutory payments.

Track VAT registration thresholds: register if taxable turnover exceeds £85,000 in 12 months or if expected to do so. File VAT returns quarterly or monthly, depending on the scheme, and pay VAT by the deadline. Maintain records for at least six years.

How must a company manage its registers and records?

Keep and maintain statutory registers: register of members, directors, secretaries, PSCs, and charges; update records within 14 days of changes and retain originals for inspection.
Statutory registers form legal proof of the company's constitution and ownership. Maintain a register of members showing share classes, shares issued, and transfers. Keep a directors’ register with appointment dates, service addresses, and other particulars. Maintain the PSC register detailing individuals or legal entities with significant control, including the nature and dates of control. Record charges (loans secured on company assets) with particulars and file within 21 days of creation. Make registers available for shareholder inspection and present them at the registered office or Companies House public records as required.

What payroll and pension duties must companies follow?

Employers must operate PAYE, submit payroll reports in real time, auto-enrol eligible staff into a workplace pension, and make employer pension contributions on schedule.
Set up PAYE before the first payroll run. Report each pay date using Real Time Information (RTI). Calculate and remit Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) within 22 days for electronic payments after the tax month, or 19 days for postal. Enrol eligible workers into a pension scheme and make minimum employer contributions: the total minimum contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings, with employer minimum 3% (subject to periodic legislative updates). Re-declare compliance annually to The Pensions Regulator and keep records of enrolment and opt-outs for at least six years.

What internal controls and accounting processes must companies maintain?

Companies must implement bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, VAT controls, and internal review cycles to ensure accurate accounts and audit readiness.
Maintain a structured chart of accounts and record transactions daily or weekly. Reconcile bank statements monthly to prevent discrepancies. Use invoices that meet VAT and tax requirements: include company name, registration number, VAT number (if applicable), and itemised supplies. Retain source documents—receipts, contracts, payroll records—for six years. For medium and large companies, establish internal review cycles monthly and quarterly to spot irregularities early. Prepare trial balances and management accounts monthly to facilitate year-end accounts and tax computations.

What governance and assurance tasks must directors complete?

Directors must act in accordance with the Companies Act, maintain proper records, ensure solvency, and disclose conflicts of interest promptly.
Directors have statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006: promote the company’s success, exercise independent judgment, and avoid conflicts of interest. Maintain minutes of board meetings and resolutions. Approve annual accounts and ensure they present a true and fair view. Monitor solvency and cash flow; if insolvency risk arises, seek insolvency practitioner advice without delay. Disclose related-party transactions and record director remuneration in the directors’ report or appropriate register.

What compliance applies to a company limited by guarantee?

A company limited by guarantee must track member guarantees, amend its articles when needed, keep membership registers, and meet reporting obligations identical to those of other private companies.
A limited-by-guarantee structure uses member guarantees instead of share capital. Record each member’s guarantee amount in the register of members. Ensure the articles of association reflect guarantee terms, voting rights, and dissolution procedures. File confirmation statements and statutory accounts like other private companies. Where the company has charity status, comply with Charity Commission rules and report separately as required.

Explore our Limited by guarantee guides,

The Biggest Legal and Tax Mistakes First-Time Founders Make 

Confirmation Statements Explained: What New Company Owners Need to Know 

How does risk management and data compliance fit into company obligations?

Companies must perform data protection measures under UK GDPR, maintain cybersecurity best practices, and conduct regular risk assessments and training.
Register data processing activities and maintain a privacy notice aligned with UK GDPR. Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments for high-risk processing. Implement access controls, encryption, and incident response procedures to protect personal data. Train staff annually on data security and maintain records of training. Perform annual risk assessments covering financial, operational, regulatory, and cyber risks and document mitigation steps.

Companies must track a defined set of compliance tasks to remain lawful and solvent. Follow Companies House filing schedules, HMRC tax deadlines, maintain statutory registers, operate payroll and pensions correctly, and protect data. My Company Registration supports companies limited by guarantee with formation, statutory filings, and compliance services, ensuring accurate records and timely submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a company limited by guarantee and when is it used?

A company limited by guarantee is a UK business structure where members guarantee a fixed amount to the company if it winds up, rather than contributing share capital. It’s commonly used for charities, clubs, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations that need a formal legal entity without share ownership.

Does a company limited by guarantee need to file accounts with Companies House?

Yes, a company limited by guarantee must file annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House like any other private company. It must also register for Corporation Tax with HMRC and submit a Company Tax Return unless exempt.

How does liability work in a limited by guarantee company?

Members’ liability is limited to the amount they guarantee in the company’s articles, typically £1–£10. This guarantee is paid only if the company becomes insolvent and winds up, protecting members’ personal assets beyond that guaranteed amount.

Can a company limited by guarantee have shareholders or issue shares?

No, a company limited by guarantee cannot have shareholders or issue shares because it has no share capital. Instead, it has members who guarantee a fixed amount, making it ideal for non-profit organisations that don’t operate for profit distribution.

What are the main advantages of choosing a limited by guarantee for a charity?

A limited by guarantee structure provides a separate legal entity, limited liability for members, and credibility with donors and grant-makers. My Company Registration helps charities form limited by guarantee companies with tailored articles that meet Charity Commission requirements and streamline compliance.