Companies House
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers
If your company cannot file accounts on time
If COVID-19 has affected your company and you need more time to file your accounts, you should act before your filing deadline.
All companies must send their accounts, reports and confirmation statements to Companies House every year. If a company’s accounts are filed late, the law imposes an automatic penalty.
Your company should take appropriate measures to make sure accounts are filed on time. You should also file your accounts online if you’re able to.
If, immediately before the filing deadline, it becomes apparent that accounts will not be filed on time due to your company being affected by COVID-19, you may make an application to extend the period allowed for filing.
Find out how to apply for more time to file your company’s accounts.
Late filing penalties
If you do not apply for an extension and your accounts have been filed late, an automatic penalty will be imposed. The registrar has very limited discretion not to collect a penalty.
Read Companies House guidance on late filing penalties and appeals.
Each appeal is treated on a case-by-case basis, and we already have policies in place to deal with appeals based upon unforeseen poor health. Appeals based upon COVID-19 will be considered under these policies.