Guides to UK statutory accounts
These guides explain how a UK company prepares its statutory accounts and Corporation Tax return: which size it is, which accounting standard applies, which reports it needs, when and how it files, and what it pays. Every rule names its source in the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 or HMRC guidance.
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Statutory accounts for UK companies
Statutory accounts are the annual accounts every UK company must prepare for its members and file at Companies House under the Companies Act 2006. They contain at least a balance sheet, a profit and loss account and notes. The board approves them, a director signs the balance sheet, and a private company files them within nine months of its year end.
Filing accounts at Companies House
A private company must file its accounts at Companies House within nine months of the end of its accounting reference period, and a public company within six months. There is no filing fee, no extra time for weekends or bank holidays, and an automatic penalty of £150 to £1,500 for a private company that files late.
Company size: micro-entity, small, medium-sized or large
A UK company's size depends on turnover, balance sheet total and average employees: it qualifies for a size if it stays within two of the three limits. For financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025 a small company has turnover up to £15m, balance sheet total up to £7.5m and up to 50 employees. A change counts only after two consecutive years.
UK GAAP frameworks: FRS 105, FRS 102 Section 1A and FRS 102
UK GAAP for most companies is set by the Financial Reporting Council. A micro-entity may use FRS 105, a small company usually uses FRS 102 Section 1A, and medium-sized and large companies use full FRS 102. Changes from the 2024 periodic review apply to periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026.
Directors' report and strategic report
Every UK company except a micro-entity prepares a directors' report. Medium-sized and large companies also prepare a strategic report, and a large company's strategic report includes a section 172(1) statement on how the directors had regard to stakeholders. Each report is approved by the board and signed by a director or the company secretary.
Corporation Tax and the CT600 return
A UK company files its Company Tax Return (CT600) with HMRC within 12 months of the end of its accounting period and usually pays the tax 9 months and 1 day after the period ends. Profits up to £50,000 are taxed at 19%, profits above £250,000 at 25%, with marginal relief in between.
All guides
When are a new company's first accounts due?
When a new UK company's first accounts are due: how the first accounting reference date is set, how long the first period can be, and the 21-month rule.
Prepare your statutory accounts
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Join the waitlistGeneral information about UK company law and tax, not legal or tax advice. The directors remain responsible for the accounts and returns they approve and file.