The exact Companies House late filing penalty amounts, how they double for repeat delays, and how to avoid them.
If you file your annual accounts late, Companies House charges an automatic penalty based on how late they are. This guide sets out the exact Companies House penalty amounts, how they double for repeat delays, and how to avoid them.
Penalty amounts for a private company
- Up to 1 month late: £150
- 1 to 3 months late: £375
- 3 to 6 months late: £750
- More than 6 months late: £1,500
The penalties are higher for public companies. The clock runs from your accounts filing deadline, not from your year end.
The penalty doubles two years running
If you file late two years in a row, the penalty for the second year is doubled. Filing on time the following year resets it, so it is worth breaking the cycle quickly.
How the penalty is charged
The penalty is automatic and applies even if the accounts show no activity or the company is dormant. Companies House will write to your registered office, and the penalty is a debt owed by the company.
How to avoid a penalty
Know your filing deadline and file in good time. If you have already been charged and think you have a genuine reason, you may be able to appeal the penalty. The simplest long term protection is a tool that tracks your deadline and lets you file quickly before it arrives.