Understanding the key Companies House forms is essential for directors and company officers. Using the correct forms ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and saves time. This guide explains when to use the most common forms, including AA02 for dormant accounts, DS01 for company strike-off, and CS01 for confirmation statements.
The AA02 form is used to file dormant company accounts with Companies House. It is designed for companies that have had no significant accounting transactions during the financial year.
Although simpler than active company accounts, AA02 must still meet statutory formatting and approval requirements.
Balance sheet showing no trading activity
Statement confirming dormant status
Director’s approval and signature
Correct accounting reference date
Common AA02 mistakes include incorrect year-end dates, unsigned balance sheets, and filing when the company does not actually qualify as dormant.
Tip: Always confirm your company qualifies as dormant before filing. Review our guide: What Is a Dormant Company?
Directors should also be aware that Companies House is moving toward mandatory digital software filing for annual accounts. Ensuring correct structure now reduces future compliance risk.
Related guide: Companies House Software Filing Changes
Form DS01 is used to apply for voluntary strike-off, removing a company from the Companies House register.
Before submitting DS01, directors must ensure:
The company has no outstanding debts or liabilities
All statutory accounts and confirmation statements are up to date
The company has not traded or changed its name in the last 3 months
All directors (or the majority) agree to the strike-off
Filing DS01 incorrectly or prematurely can result in objections, delays, or restoration applications. Directors should notify interested parties including creditors, employees, shareholders, and HMRC before submission.
Official guidance: Apply to Strike Off a Company (GOV.UK)
The CS01 confirmation statement replaces the former annual return. It confirms that key company information held by Companies House is accurate.
Information confirmed includes:
Registered office address
Director and secretary details
Persons with significant control (PSC)
Share capital and shareholder information
SIC (business activity) codes
The confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months, even if no changes have occurred.
Failure to file CS01 on time can lead to penalties and possible strike-off action.
Learn more about related compliance deadlines here: Dormant Company Deadlines & Penalties
Directors may also encounter the following forms during the life of a company:
TM01 - Termination of a director
AP01 - Appointment of a director
AD01 - Change of registered office address
SH01 - Allotment of shares
PSC01–PSC09 - Changes relating to Persons with Significant Control
Using the correct form ensures the Companies House register remains accurate and reduces risk of compliance issues.
Companies House increasingly encourages electronic filing for faster processing and reduced rejection rates.
Digital submission provides:
Immediate confirmation of receipt
Built-in validation checks
Reduced processing delays
Greater accuracy compared to paper forms
As reforms continue, directors should expect further digital requirements across annual accounts and statutory filings.
Always double-check company registration numbers and details
Confirm filing deadlines in advance of due dates
Keep copies of every submission
Ensure director approval statements are correctly included
Use specialist filing support when unsure
Proactive compliance reduces penalties, prevents unnecessary correspondence, and protects your company’s public record.
