Limited company guide
What happens in a new company's first accounting period, and the dates that apply.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityCompanies House sets the first accounting reference date as the last day of the month of the first anniversary of incorporation. So a company incorporated on 14 June 2026 has a first ARD of 30 June 2027, a period of just over twelve months.
Your first period is unusual
The corporation tax split
Setting up properly
Companies House sets the first accounting reference date as the last day of the month of the first anniversary of incorporation. So a company incorporated on 14 June 2026 has a first ARD of 30 June 2027, a period of just over twelve months.
First accounts are due 21 months after incorporation, rather than the usual nine months after the ARD.
A corporation tax accounting period cannot exceed twelve months. Where the first period is longer, it is split into a twelve-month period and a short one, meaning two CT600s for the first year.
Shortening the first period by a day or two to align it avoids the double return, which is why the accounting reference date is worth reviewing early.
Open a business bank account, keep company money separate from personal money, register for corporation tax within three months of starting to trade, register for VAT if you expect to cross £90,000, and set up PAYE before the first payday.
Pre-trading expenses incurred up to seven years before trading began can generally be treated as incurred on the first day of trade.
Thresholds, rates and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position. Check current GOV.UK guidance, or ask us, before you rely on them for your own company.
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We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Yes. A company that has not traded files dormant accounts and a confirmation statement.
Yes. You can shorten a period as often as you like, and extend by up to six months once every five years.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.
Included approach
Check the current rules
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
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