Operating a limited company in the UK comes with a range of legal and financial responsibilities. Company directors are legally responsible for ensuring all necessary filings and documentation are submitted accurately and on time. Below is an overview of the key obligations:
1. Annual Accounts (Statutory Accounts)
-
Where to submit: Companies House
-
Deadline: 9 months after the end of the company’s financial year
-
These are prepared from the company’s financial records and must comply with accounting standards. They show the financial performance and position of the company.
2. Company Tax Return (CT600)
-
Where to submit: HMRC
-
Deadline: 12 months after the end of the accounting period, but payment is due 9 months and 1 day after the year-end
-
Includes details of taxable profits and the amount of Corporation Tax owed.
3. Corporation Tax Payment
-
Where to pay: HMRC
-
Deadline: 9 months and 1 day after the end of the company’s financial year
4. Confirmation Statement
-
Where to submit: Companies House
-
Deadline: Every 12 months (usually based on the anniversary of company incorporation or last statement date)
-
Confirms that company information (such as directors, shareholders, registered office, and share capital) is up to date.
5. Self Assessment Tax Return
-
Who must submit: Directors or shareholders who receive income (e.g., dividends or salary) outside PAYE
-
Where to submit: HMRC
-
Deadline: 31 January following the end of the tax year (5 April)
-
Required to report personal income and calculate any additional tax due.
6. Payroll & PAYE Returns (if applicable)
-
If the company employs staff or pays directors via PAYE, it must:
-
Register as an employer with HMRC
-
File Real Time Information (RTI) returns every time employees are paid
-
Submit a final Full Payment Submission (FPS) and Employer Payment Summary (EPS) each tax year
-
7. VAT Returns (if registered for VAT)
-
Where to submit: HMRC
-
Deadline: Usually every quarter
-
Businesses over the VAT threshold (£90,000 turnover) must register, submit digital VAT returns under Making Tax Digital (MTD), and pay VAT accordingly.
8. Other Possible Filings
-
P11D: If directors or employees receive benefits in kind
-
Dividends Documentation: Minutes and vouchers for any dividends paid to shareholders
-
Register Maintenance: Keeping statutory registers up to date (e.g., shareholders, PSCs)