First Accounts for a Limited Company: When Are They Due?

Every UK limited company must prepare accounts for Companies House. This includes companies that have not traded.

Your first accounts are different from later accounts because they often cover more than 12 months.

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026

When are first company accounts due?

For most private limited companies, the first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation.

The full rule depends on the period covered by the accounts.

If your first accounts cover more than 12 months, the filing deadline is the later of:

• 21 months after incorporation
• 3 months after the accounting reference date

If the accounts cover 12 months or less, the usual deadline is 9 months after the accounting reference date.

Check your exact deadline on the Companies House register.

What is the accounting reference date?

The accounting reference date is the date your company’s financial year ends.

Companies House normally sets the first accounting reference date as the last day of the month in which the first anniversary of incorporation falls.

For example, a company incorporated on 11 May would normally have an accounting reference date of 31 May the following year. Its first accounts would cover 12 months and 3 weeks.

Later accounts would normally cover a 12-month period ending on 31 May.

Why can the first accounting period be longer than 12 months?

The first accounting period starts on the date the company is incorporated. It ends on the first accounting reference date set by Companies House.

This often creates a period of slightly more than 12 months.

The period can usually be changed, but there are restrictions. Any change must be made before the filing deadline.

Changing the accounting reference date can also change the filing deadline. Check the new deadline after Companies House accepts the change.

What must the accounts contain?

Company accounts generally include:

• A balance sheet
• A profit and loss account
• Notes to the accounts
• A directors’ report, where required
• An auditor’s report, where required

The accounts must be approved by the directors. A director must sign the balance sheet.

Small companies and micro-entities may qualify for simpler reporting and filing options. The rules depend on the company’s size and circumstances.

Read the official Companies House accounts guidance.

Do dormant companies need to file accounts?

Yes.

A dormant company must still file accounts with Companies House unless a specific exemption applies. Dormant accounts are usually simpler than accounts for a trading company.

A dormant company must also file a confirmation statement each year.

Could you need two Company Tax Returns?

Yes.

A Corporation Tax accounting period cannot be longer than 12 months. If your first company accounts cover more than 12 months, you may need to file two Company Tax Returns with HMRC.

You may also have two Corporation Tax payment deadlines.

The dates depend on when the company started trading. They may not match the deadline for filing accounts with Companies House.

Read the official HMRC guidance on first company accounts and tax returns.

What happens if the accounts are late?

Companies House applies an automatic penalty when accounts are filed late.

For a private limited company, the penalties are:

• Up to 1 month late: £150
• More than 1 month and up to 3 months late: £375
• More than 3 months and up to 6 months late: £750
• More than 6 months late: £1,500

The penalty is doubled if accounts are filed late in two consecutive financial years.

Companies House may also take steps to remove the company from the register. Directors can face prosecution for failing to file accounts.

Read the official late filing penalty guidance.

Who is responsible for filing?

The company’s directors are legally responsible for making sure the accounts are prepared and filed on time.

An accountant can help, but responsibility remains with the directors.

Agree who will prepare the accounts and start well before the deadline. If Companies House rejects accounts after the deadline, the company may still receive a late filing penalty.

Check your other company deadlines

Your accounts deadline is separate from your confirmation statement, Corporation Tax payment and Company Tax Return deadlines.

Read our simple guide to UK limited company filing deadlines for an overview.

Visit Kit & Ledger to keep track of your company’s key compliance dates and reminders.

This guide provides general information and is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Check your company’s official records or speak to a qualified adviser if you are unsure.