Year-end accounts and Corporation Tax

Essentials › Accounting › Year-end accounts and Corporation Tax

Finance foundationsUnited Kingdom

The problem it solves

Every limited company must prepare annual accounts and a Corporation Tax return, even in a quiet year. Missing either deadline brings automatic penalties, and filing figures nobody has reviewed can mean paying too much tax or attracting questions from HMRC. Directors also need to understand the accounts before they approve them.

What it covers

  • Preparing statutory accounts from your books, in the format that suits the company’s size
  • Corporation Tax computation, including capital allowances and allowable costs
  • The CT600 return to HMRC, with the required digital tagging
  • Filing accounts with Companies House
  • Reminders for payment dates
  • Explaining the results and planning ahead for next year’s tax

Who it is for

Every UK limited company, including dormant and non-trading companies, which have lighter filing requirements.

Good to know in the UK

  • A private company’s first accounts are usually due 21 months after incorporation, and later accounts 9 months after its accounting reference date.
  • Corporation Tax is charged at 25% on profits over £250,000 and 19% on profits up to £50,000, with marginal relief in between.
  • Companies House late filing penalties for private companies start at £150 and rise to £1,500 the later the accounts are, and double if accounts are late two years running.

Questions to ask a provider

  • Will you review the accounts with me before filing?
  • Are the accounts and tax return prepared by qualified accountants?
  • Do you suggest tax planning ideas, not just file the return?
  • Is filing with both Companies House and HMRC included?

This is a plain-English summary for United Kingdom businesses. It is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and rules change: facts last checked 8 November 2026. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.