Do I Need an Accountant to File a CT600?
By Trust Ledger Accounting. Figures checked against GOV.UK and last updated on .
No. There is no legal requirement to use an accountant to file a Company Tax Return (CT600). A director can file it. However, HMRC's free online filing service has closed, so filing yourself now means buying commercial software, and the return must be sent with tagged (iXBRL) accounts and a tax computation.
What has to be filed
- The CT600 form itself
- The company's accounts, in iXBRL format
- A Corporation Tax computation showing how taxable profit was worked out, also in iXBRL
The return is due 12 months after the end of the accounting period, and the tax is due 9 months and 1 day after it.
When filing yourself can work
- The company is dormant or has very few transactions
- There are no assets to claim capital allowances on
- No director's loan, losses or group companies are involved
- You are comfortable with accounting standards and tax adjustments
When an accountant is usually worth it
- You have bought equipment, vehicles or software and want the right allowances
- You have taken money out of the company other than as salary or dividends
- The company made a loss you want to use against other profits
- You are close to the deadline and cannot afford an error or a rejection
- You would rather spend the time on the business
The cost comparison
Filing yourself costs the price of software plus your own time, and you carry the risk of mistakes. A late return costs £200 from the first day, and an incorrect one can lead to further penalties. We prepare and file the CT600 with the annual accounts for a fixed £199 + VAT, and you approve the figures before anything is sent. See the Corporation Tax returns page or our guide to accountant costs.