File Dormant Accounts With Companies House

Yes. Even if a company is dormant, it must file dormant accounts every year with Companies House. Failure to file on time can result in late filing penalties and, in serious cases, company strike-off.

When filing dormant accounts, Companies House requires the following information to be submitted accurately and on time:

• Correct accounting period
  The accounts must cover the correct financial year and match the company's accounting reference date held at Companies House.
  
  
• Dormant balance sheet
  A simplified balance sheet showing the company's financial position, with no significant accounting transactions recorded during the period.
  
  
• Statutory dormant statements
  A formal declaration confirming the company was dormant throughout the financial year, in line with Companies House requirements.
  
  
• Director approval
  The balance sheet must be approved by a company director and signed on behalf of the board before submission.
  
  

Note: Even dormant companies must file accounts every year. Failure to submit compliant dormant accounts by the deadline can result in late filing penalties and, in serious cases, strike-off action.

Option 1: File Online Using Our Companies House–Certified Software

Our Companies House certified software connects directly to official Companies House systems and runs built-in validation checks before submission. This ensures your dormant accounts are compliant and significantly reduces the risk of rejection or delays.

Option 2: Use an Accountant

An accountant can also file dormant accounts on your behalf, but this option is often more expensive for what is usually a straightforward statutory filing requirement.

Dormant accounts are usually due 9 months after the end of your accounting period. If this is your company's first year, the deadline may be different.

For a newly incorporated company, the first set of dormant accounts is typically due 21 months after the date of incorporation. This longer first-year deadline only applies once.

No. Dormant companies do not receive automatic deadline extensions. If accounts are not filed by the due date, late filing penalties apply regardless of trading status.

Late filing of dormant accounts can result in financial penalties and enforcement action from Companies House. Penalties increase the longer accounts remain overdue.

• Up to 1 month late - £150
• 1 to 3 months late - £375
• 3 to 6 months late - £750
• More than 6 months late - £1,500

Yes. Dormant companies are treated the same as active companies for late filing purposes. Penalties apply even if the company had no income or expenses.

If dormant accounts are filed late in two consecutive years, late filing penalties are doubled. Repeated late filing can also increase the risk of company strike-off.

Yes. If dormant accounts are not filed and Companies House receives no response to reminders, the company may be struck off the register. Directors can still be held responsible for compliance failures.

The safest way to avoid late filing penalties is to file dormant accounts early or use a Companies House–certified filing service that submits accounts electronically and confirms submission instantly.

Submitting dormant accounts doesn't need to be complicated. Our Companies House certified online service prepares and submits your dormant accounts directly to Companies House, ensuring they are filed accurately and on time.

For a simple fixed fee of £8.99, your accounts are checked, prepared, and submitted the same day, with no paperwork and no need for an accountant.

Looking for a detailed walkthrough with filing tips? See our full guide: How to File Dormant Accounts.

• How to File Dormant Accounts
• What Are Dormant Accounts?

• Companies House - Dormant Company
• Late Filing Penalties
• File Company Accounts and Tax Return
• Companies House Authentication Codes