Filing dormant company accounts may seem straightforward, but many directors still make avoidable mistakes that lead to rejected submissions, late filing penalties, or unnecessary correspondence from Companies House or HMRC. Even if your company has never traded, you are still legally required to file annual accounts correctly and on time.
This guide explains the most common dormant filing errors, why they happen, how to avoid penalties, and what to consider as Companies House moves toward mandatory software-only filing. If you need to file dormant accounts online, understanding these compliance risks is essential for UK directors.
The most common dormant company filing mistakes include incorrectly confirming dormancy, submitting the wrong format of accounts, filing late, providing inaccurate company details, and misunderstanding HMRC obligations. Even small administrative errors can lead to rejected filings or financial penalties.
Experience insight: Many dormant filings are rejected not because the company traded, but because directors misunderstand what counts as a “significant accounting transaction”. Even small bank charges can invalidate dormancy.
One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming a company is dormant without verifying eligibility. For Companies House purposes, a company is dormant if it has had no significant accounting transactions during the financial year.
Opening and using a business bank account may count as activity
Bank charges can invalidate dormancy
Paying dividends makes the company active
Director salary payments mean the company is not dormant
If you are unsure whether your company qualifies, read our detailed guide: What Is a Dormant Company?
Incorrectly filing dormant accounts when the company is active can create compliance risks.
Submitting the incorrect form or format is a common cause of rejection.
Using active company account templates instead of dormant accounts (AA02 format)
Missing statutory notes
Failing to include the director approval statement
Incomplete or incorrectly structured balance sheets
Companies House requires dormant accounts to follow a specific structure. Errors in formatting frequently result in rejected filings. With reforms underway, directors should also prepare for the transition to mandatory software-only filing.
Learn more here: Companies House 2027 Software Filing Changes
Dormant status does not remove your legal filing obligations. Annual Dormant Accounts must be submitted within 9 months of your accounting reference date.
Late Filing Penalties:
Up to 1 month late - £150
1-3 months late - £375
3-6 months late - £750
Over 6 months late - £1,500
Penalties double if accounts are filed late in consecutive years.
Persistent non-compliance can result in strike-off action and reputational damage on the public Companies House register.
Full penalty breakdown: Dormant Company Deadlines & Penalties
Administrative errors are more common than most directors realise.
Incorrect company name
Wrong company registration number
Incorrect accounting reference date
Financial year dates not matching Companies House records
Unsigned balance sheet
Tip: Always cross-check your details against the Companies House register before submitting.
Verify company information here: Search the Companies House Register
Another common mistake is misunderstanding that dormancy rules differ between Companies House and HMRC. A company may qualify as dormant for Companies House but still need to communicate with HMRC regarding Corporation Tax.
Failing to notify HMRC of dormancy status
Ignoring Corporation Tax correspondence
Assuming “no trading” means no obligations
Official guidance:
Many directors still rely on older WebFiling or manual systems that are being phased out. The joint HMRC and Companies House online filing service will close, and annual accounts will move toward mandatory digital software submission. Preparing early avoids disruption and ensures smoother compliance as reforms progress.
Confirm your company qualifies as dormant
Use the correct dormant accounts format
File before your statutory deadline
Double-check company details
Understand evolving digital filing requirements
Use a specialist dormant accounts filing service
Dormant company compliance should be simple, accurate, and stress-free. Our specialist service helps UK directors file dormant accounts online quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with Companies House requirements. If you need to file dormant accounts online without errors, delays, or formatting issues, our system is built specifically for dormant company accounts.
