
Annual Accounts
We are a long-established firm of Chartered Tax Advisers and qualified accountants. We work with individuals, sole-traders and small companies providing clear, expert and affordable advice and support on all areas of UK accounting and tax compliance.
Who needs to prepare annual company accounts and when must they be filed?
All companies (regardless of size) must file formal accounts at the end of each year with Companies House. Your business can be fined for inaccurate information or missing the deadline.
Who must file?
Annual Accounts (also known as Statutory Accounts or Year-End Accounts) must be prepared and filed by all limited companies (regardless of size) each year with Companies House in order to avoid a penalty and the starting point for the accounts will be the bookkeeping records.
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What format and information is required?
The format and the detail required varies depending on the size of the company and the accounts must comply with UK accounting standards. Large companies will typically need to file more information than smaller companies and also small companies may be able to benefit from less disclosures.
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What is the deadline and are there penalties?
Accounts must be filed with Companies House within 9 months of the end of the financial year (the deadline for public companies is 6 months). But the deadline for companies in their first year is 21 months after the company was incorporated. Companies House will charge £150 if the accounts are filed late and this penalty can increase quickly if the accounts remain unfiled.

Why not get some expert help with your accounting and tax? You'll be surprised at how easy and affordable it is to get the support you need.
What are some pitfalls to avoid?
Preparing your year-end company accounts should not be complex or difficult. But filing inaccurate information is illegal. Some of the more common areas of risk which can lead to penalties or the overpayment of tax are;
Not complying with accounting standards.
Accounts must conform with financial reporting standards. If these are not complied with then the accounts will be inaccurate. Directors have a legal duty to prepare accurate accounts.
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Inaccurate revenue recognition.
Poor revenue recognition in the accounts will lead to the incorrect amount of tax being paid. This is an important area as revenue is typically not only recognised when it is invoiced.
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Incorrect accounting for director loans.
It is not uncommon for a company to make a loan to a director. However, there are a number of rules that must be adhered to and tax can easily become due on this loan if care is not taken.
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Not keeping adequate bookkeeping records​.
Good quality bookkeeping is extremely important for many reasons. The Statutory Accounts will rely heavily on these records and therefore it is important they are as accurate as possible.
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Missing the deadline.
The deadline for filing Statutory Accounts is 9 months after the financial year. If this is missed then Companies House will issue an immediate £150 penalty.

We offer a completely complimentary consultation. Why not give one of the team a call today to get answers to any questions you may have.
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Why choose us?
Keeping on top of your accounting and complying with tax legislation can be overwhelming. Partnering with the right accountants and tax advisers will make a real difference; saving time, money and worry and allowing you to focus on growing your business with peace of mind.
Fully regulated Chartered Tax Advisers & Accountants
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Completely complimentary
30 minute initial consultation
Assigned
dedicated qualified accountant to ensure the
highest service​
18 years advising small businesses and individals with almost 1,000 satisfied clients


