Limited company guide
What Companies House and HMRC charge for late accounts, returns, VAT and payroll, and how to appeal.
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 indemnity£150 up to one month late, £375 up to three months, £750 up to six months and £1,500 beyond six months for a private company. The penalty doubles if accounts were also filed late for the previous year.
Companies House accounts
HMRC
Appeals
£150 up to one month late, £375 up to three months, £750 up to six months and £1,500 beyond six months for a private company. The penalty doubles if accounts were also filed late for the previous year.
The penalty is automatic and applies to the company, but directors remain personally responsible for filing.
Company tax return: £100 immediately, £100 more at three months, then 10% of unpaid tax at six months and another 10% at twelve months.
VAT: a points-based system where each late return earns a point, and a £200 penalty applies once the threshold is reached, plus separate late payment penalties and interest.
PAYE: monthly filing penalties from £100 depending on employee numbers, with penalties for late payment as well.
Companies House will only cancel a penalty in exceptional circumstances outside your control. HMRC accepts a reasonable excuse, but pressure of work, relying on someone else and lack of funds are usually rejected. Appeal promptly and in writing with evidence.
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.
Local help
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
No. Fines and penalties are not allowable deductions.
Late filing is visible on the public record and credit agencies use it, so lenders and larger customers may notice.
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.
Talk to an accountant
Share your next deadline, accounting problem or growth question. We will reply with a clear next step and quote any technical work before it begins.
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
