UK Company Filing Deadline Calculator

Missing a Companies House deadline is one of the most avoidable ways a new company gets into trouble — the dates are fixed and knowable from day one, they're just easy to lose track of amid everything else involved in starting up.

The three deadlines that matter

1. Confirmation statement

Every company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, confirming your registered details are correct — even if nothing has changed. It's due within 14 days after the end of each 12-month review period, starting from your incorporation date.

2. Annual accounts

Your first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation. After that, accounts are due 9 months after your Accounting Reference Date (ARD) each year — which is automatically set as the last day of the month your incorporation anniversary falls in.

3. Corporation Tax

Corporation Tax must be paid 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period, and your Company Tax Return (CT600) is due 12 months after the end of that period. Note the payment deadline comes before the return deadline — a common source of confusion.

Frequently asked questions

What is a confirmation statement?

An annual filing confirming your company's registered details are up to date, due within 14 days after each 12-month review period.

What is an Accounting Reference Date (ARD)?

The end date of your company's financial year for Companies House purposes — automatically the last day of the month your incorporation anniversary falls in, unless changed.

What happens if I file late?

Companies House applies automatic, fixed late filing penalties for accounts, increasing the longer you're late and doubling for repeated late years. Confirmation statement failures can lead to being struck off. Verify current amounts at gov.uk.

Does this apply to sole traders?

No — these obligations only apply to limited companies. Sole traders and partnerships report to HMRC via Self Assessment instead.

Why isn't this a 100% guaranteed deadline?

It assumes standard defaults — no ARD changes, no early filing, trading starting at incorporation. Always cross-check your own Companies House record.