A Limited Company’s Annual Returns & Annual Accounts – not the same thing

Last Updated: 20/08/2014

Much confusion surrounds Annual Returns and Annual Accounts. So to clarify:

• They are not the same thing. Annual Returns are a snapshot of general company information such as appointments, registered office and share structure. Annual Accounts concern the financial aspect of the company.

• Both are required – even if a company is dormant (if a company is dormant they can file dormant company accounts – the return would still be the same).

• There is not a fine for late filing of an annual return. Companies House will send out reminder letters, if the return is still not filed they will eventually dissolve the company.

• There is a fine for late filing of the annual accounts (click here for info on fines). Again, Companies House will send out reminder letters, if the accounts are still not filed they will eventually dissolve the company.

This post was brought to you by Mathew Aitken at Companies Made Simple

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