What Happens If You File Company Accounts or a CT600 Late?
By Trust Ledger Accounting. Figures checked against GOV.UK and last updated on .
If a private limited company files its accounts late, Companies House charges an automatic penalty of £150 to £1,500, depending on how late they are. A late Company Tax Return (CT600) brings a separate HMRC penalty that starts at £200 one day after the deadline. The two penalties are charged independently, so a company can receive both.
Companies House: late accounts
Accounts are due 9 months after the end of the financial year, or 21 months after incorporation for a company's first accounts.
| How late | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1 to 3 months | £375 |
| 3 to 6 months | £750 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 |
The penalty is doubled if accounts are late 2 years in a row. A company that does not file at all can be struck off the register, and its directors can be fined. Source: GOV.UK.
HMRC: late Company Tax Return
The CT600 is due 12 months after the end of the accounting period.
| Time after the deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1 day | £200 |
| 3 months | Another £200 |
| 6 months | HMRC estimates the bill and adds 10% of the unpaid tax |
| 12 months | Another 10% of any unpaid tax |
If a return is late 3 times in a row, the £200 penalties rise to £1,000 each. Source: GOV.UK.
Late payment is separate again
Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period, which is before the return itself is due. HMRC charges interest on tax paid late, on top of any filing penalty.
What to do if you are already late
- File as soon as you can. Both penalties grow with time, so every band you avoid saves money.
- Pay the tax even if the return is not ready. Paying an estimate stops interest building up.
- Appeal only with a real reason. Companies House and HMRC accept appeals for exceptional events, not for being busy or relying on someone else.
- Before the deadline, ask for more time. Companies House can extend an accounts deadline if an unexpected event stops you filing, but only if you apply before the deadline passes.
We file company accounts and the CT600 together for £199 + VAT within 5 working days of receiving complete records, or within 2 working days with our express service for an extra £50 + VAT.