Companies House accounts deadline and late filing penalty calculator
Calculator
The calculator runs in your browser and sends nothing to us. It follows the general rules below. A company that changed its accounting reference date, applied for an extension or is a dormant subsidiary may have a different due date: the Companies House register always shows the official "next accounts due" date.
The rules it uses
| Situation | Private company or LLP | Public company |
|---|---|---|
| Normal accounts | 9 months after the period end | 6 months after the period end |
| First accounts covering more than 12 months | 21 months after incorporation, or 3 months after the first period end if later | 18 months after incorporation, or 3 months after the first period end if later |
First accounts covering 12 months or less, for example after the first period was shortened, follow the normal rule (Companies Act 2006, s.442(3)). If the period ends on the last day of a month, the deadline is the last day of the corresponding month (period ending 30 June: due 31 March for a private company).
Late filing penalties
| How late | Private company or LLP | Public company |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 | £750 |
| 1 to 3 months | £375 | £1,500 |
| 3 to 6 months | £750 | £3,000 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 | £7,500 |
Penalties double if accounts are filed late in two successive financial years. Source: GOV.UK late filing penalties.
How common is late filing?
On 1 October 2026, 93,785 active UK companies (1.8%) were past their accounts deadline, and 8,175 of them more than two years late. Full figures by accounts type, industry and postcode: UK companies with overdue accounts.
To check whether a particular supplier or customer is up to date, look it up in our company search: each company page shows the next accounts due date and the last balance sheet date.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Late filing penalties
- GOV.UK: Accounts and tax returns for private limited companies
- Companies Act 2006, section 442
FAQ
When are my company's accounts due at Companies House?
For a private company, 9 months after the end of its financial year. First accounts are due 21 months after incorporation or 3 months after the end of the first accounting period, whichever is later. Public companies have 6 months (18 for first accounts).
What is the penalty for filing accounts late?
For a private company or LLP: £150 if up to one month late, £375 for one to three months, £750 for three to six months and £1,500 for more than six months. The penalty doubles if the previous year's accounts were also late.
Can I get an extension to file accounts?
You can apply to Companies House for an extension before the deadline, but only for reasons outside your control such as illness or an accident. An application after the deadline is refused.
Does a dormant company have to file accounts?
Yes. A dormant company files dormant accounts by the same deadline, and late dormant accounts attract the same penalties.
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