Business deadline guide

Companies House guide for first-time company directors

Companies House keeps the public register of UK companies. If you run a limited company, you usually need to keep company details up to date and file documents such as confirmation statements and annual accounts.

Written by the Business Sorted editorial team · Reviewed 18 July 2026

Last reviewed: 18 July 2026
Next review: Within 3 months, or sooner if official guidance changes.
Primary sources checked: Companies House, Running a limited company, File a confirmation statement

Business Sorted is not HMRC, Companies House, an accountant or a legal adviser. Use this guide to understand the topic, then check the official source and get professional advice when your situation needs it.

Need to know in 30 seconds

The safest next step is to identify whether this applies to your business, check the official source and set a preparation reminder before the filing or payment date.

What it is

Companies House is the official registrar of companies. It records company names, directors, registered offices, confirmation statements and accounts.

Who it applies to

This guide applies to UK limited companies and their directors. Sole traders do not file confirmation statements or company accounts with Companies House.

Why it matters

This topic matters because missed filings, unclear records or late payments can create avoidable admin, penalties, interest or extra support work. A simple reminder is useful only when it is tied to the correct official source.

When it applies

Companies House duties start when a company is incorporated and continue while the company remains on the register, including dormant periods.

Important deadlines

Confirmation statement: usually every 12 months.
Annual accounts: normally due after the financial year end.
Company detail changes: update Companies House when required, such as changes to registered office or directors.

Preparation checklist

Confirm whether this applies: This guide applies to UK limited companies and their directors. Sole traders do not file confirmation statements or company accounts with Companies House.
Open the relevant HMRC or Companies House account before acting.
Collect records, dates and reference numbers that support the filing.
Set a preparation reminder before the deadline, not only on the deadline.
Save submission receipts, payment references and source links.

Realistic example

A first-time owner reads the Companies House guide after receiving a reminder or official message. They check whether the duty applies, note the relevant date from the official account, gather the records listed in the source guidance and save evidence after filing or paying.

This example is deliberately general because actual dates and duties can change with your company history, tax registrations, accounting period and HMRC or Companies House notices.

Common mistakes

Assuming dormant companies have no Companies House duties.
Confusing company accounts with Corporation Tax returns.
Missing the confirmation statement because no trading has happened.
Letting registered office details become outdated.

Penalties and risk

Late accounts can lead to automatic penalties. Continued failure to keep records or file required documents may create further consequences for the company and directors.

Common myths

If no money changed hands, no filings can be due.
Companies House and HMRC deadlines are always the same.
A reminder calendar can replace checking the official account.
Filing a form always means any related payment has also been made.

What directors usually need to do

Directors normally keep statutory information accurate, file confirmation statements, file annual accounts and make sure company records are kept.

How it connects to HMRC

Companies House and HMRC are separate. Filing accounts at Companies House does not automatically file every tax return or pay every tax bill.

Frequently asked questions

Is Companies House the same as HMRC?

No. Companies House manages the company register. HMRC manages tax, VAT, PAYE and Self Assessment.

Do dormant companies still file with Companies House?

Usually yes. Dormant companies can still have Companies House filing duties, including accounts and confirmation statements.

Video explainer

This guide is ready for a 2-minute explainer and 5-minute walkthrough. No video is embedded until Business Sorted has a reviewed transcript that matches the official-source guidance.

Transcript outline

1. What Companies House means.
2. Who should check whether it applies.
3. Which dates and records to prepare.
4. Which official sources to open before acting.

Turn business deadlines into a clear task list

Business Sorted helps first-time UK business owners see what needs doing, when it is due and which official source to check before acting.

Start setup View pricing