HomeNewsAnnual Reports to Companies House (Updated 2025): What UK Businesses Need to Know

Annual Reports to Companies House (Updated 2025): What UK Businesses Need to Know

Originally published in September 2013. Updated October 2025 for accuracy and relevance.

What UK Businesses Need to Know

Every company registered in the United Kingdom has a legal obligation to file annual reports and returns with Companies House. These reports ensure transparency, maintain your company’s good standing, and keep your business compliant with UK corporate law.

Whether you run a small private limited company or a large public enterprise, understanding what must be filed, when, and how is essential to avoid penalties and potential dissolution.

What Is the Annual Report to Companies House?

In the UK, the Annual Report submitted to Companies House is not a glossy investor document — it’s a statutory filing that provides updated information about your company’s structure and financial position.

These filings help the government, investors, and the public maintain an accurate record of your company’s existence, ownership, and financial health.

The Two Key Annual Filings Every UK Company Must Submit

Annual Accounts (Statutory Accounts)

These are the financial statements your company prepares each year to show its performance and position.

Your Annual Accounts must include:

A balance sheet (showing assets, liabilities, and equity)
A profit and loss account (income statement)
Notes to the accounts (explaining figures in detail)
An auditor’s report (for medium and large companies)
A director’s report (summary of activities and compliance)

Filing Deadline:

Private limited companies – within 9 months of the accounting year end
Public limited companies (PLCs) – within 6 months

Late filing can lead to automatic penalties, and continued failure can result in your company being struck off the register.

Confirmation Statement (Previously Annual Return)

The Confirmation Statement verifies that the information Companies House holds about your company is correct.

This includes details such as:

Registered office address
Directors and company secretary details
Shareholders and share capital
People with significant control (PSC)

You must file a Confirmation Statement at least once every 12 months, even if nothing has changed.

Filing Deadline:

Must be submitted within 14 days of your company’s “confirmation date” (the anniversary of your last statement).

Failing to submit your Confirmation Statement is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution or company strike-off.

Other Possible Annual Filings

Depending on your company type or size, you may also need to submit:

Auditor’s Reports – if your company exceeds audit thresholds
Group Accounts – for parent companies with subsidiaries
Micro-entity or Dormant Accounts – for very small or inactive companies
PSC Register updates – whenever ownership or control changes

Why These Annual Reports Matter

Filing your annual reports with Companies House:

Ensures legal compliance under the Companies Act 2006
Maintains your company’s active status
Builds public trust and transparency
Allows clients and investors to verify your company’s legitimacy
Prevents penalties, fines, or involuntary strike-off

In short: Submitting your annual accounts and confirmation statement on time keeps your business compliant, credible, and operational in the UK.

How to File Your Annual Reports

You can submit your reports to Companies House:

Online: via the Companies House WebFiling or Software Filing Service
By Post: sending paper copies to Companies House offices in Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast

It’s recommended to use a professional company formation or corporate service provider (like BRIS Group) to ensure accurate, on-time filings — especially if you manage multiple entities or operate internationally.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and submitting your Annual Accounts and Confirmation Statement to Companies House is a core part of UK corporate compliance.

By staying ahead of deadlines, maintaining accurate records, and seeking expert assistance when needed, you’ll safeguard your company’s status and reputation in the UK business community.

Compliance isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about protecting your company’s credibility, growth, and long-term success.

UK Company Annual report

Related page:

If you plan to register a company in the UK it can open doors to global business expansion—securely and efficiently.

Learn more about Starting Company in the UK and other related information