When you run your own limited company, there are several key filings you’ll need to stay compliant with Companies House and HMRC. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect.
Companies House
Confirmation Statement
Each year, around the anniversary of your company’s formation, you’ll need to file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House. This replaces the old Annual Return and confirms your company’s key details, such as:
- Registered office address.
- Director and shareholder information.
- SIC code (business activity).
At the time of writing, the fee is £34 to file your confirmation statement online.
In November 2025, Companies House brought in ID verification for filing Confirmation Statements. You will need to prove your identify using a passport, driving licence or some other form of accepted ID. As such, the cost of getting an accountant to file on your behalf will probably increase substantially, and we would recommend filing your own Confirmation Statement if possible. It doesn’t require accounting knowledge, and so can be done by most company directors.
Annual Accounts
You’ll also need to submit annual accounts to Companies House. These are due 9 months after your company’s year-end date, which is usually the anniversary of incorporation (though you can change it once every 5 years).
The level of detail required depends on your company’s size:
- Small companies may only need to submit a balance sheet.
- Larger companies must include a profit and loss account and explanatory notes.
We’ll cover the components of annual accounts in future posts.
HMRC
Corporation Tax Return
Your Corporation Tax return is due 12 months after your company’s year-end. It’s usually prepared alongside your annual accounts, as the figures in one affect the other.
Your tax bill is calculated by:
- Starting with your accounting profit.
- Making any necessary adjustments.
- Applying the Corporation Tax rate: a sliding scale from 19% at £50,000 reaching 25% at £250,000.
You’ll need to pay your Corporation Tax bill 9 months and 1 day after the year end.
VAT
Unless you sell VAT-exempt goods or services, you’ll need to regularly monitor your turnover from the previous 12 months. If it exceeds the VAT registration threshold (currently £90,000), you must register immediately.
You can also voluntarily register for VAT, which may benefit your business depending on your clients and costs.
Once registered, you’ll have ongoing VAT compliance duties, we’ll explore these in a separate series of blog posts. It's also worth noting that VAT registration applies whether you’re self-employed or running a limited company.
Payroll (PAYE)
If you employ staff, including yourself, then you will need to send payroll updates through the Pay As You Earn scheme (PAYE) to HMRC on a regular basis, usually monthly.
The next article in this series of blogs will discuss taking money out of your company, and why you might want to employ yourself.
All figures correct as of 7 November 2025.
