A complete guide to dormant company accounts in the UK (2026).
Dormant accounts are a simplified set of company accounts that UK companies must file with Companies House when they have had no significant financial activity during the financial year.
Start Filing NowA company is considered dormant if it has had no significant accounting transactions during the financial year. This definition is set by Companies House and applies even if the company remains registered.
A common misconception is that a company must be closed to be dormant. In reality, many companies remain legally active while being financially dormant.
A company is dormant when no significant accounting transactions take place during the year.
Note: Some minor transactions, like bank interest, can affect dormancy for HMRC purposes.
Official Definition:
For HMRC, a dormant company is one that has completely stopped trading and has no income at all. Even small amounts of bank interest can break dormancy.
Official Definition:
Yes. Even if your company hasn't traded, UK law requires all limited companies to submit annual accounts. Dormant accounts are simpler than regular accounts, but must include:
You must also submit a Confirmation Statement each year, even if the company remains dormant.
Dormant accounts must be filed within 9 months of the company's year-end.
| How Late | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1–3 months | £375 |
| 3–6 months | £750 |
| Over 6 months | £1,500 |
Even a dormant company can make errors that lead to fines. Avoid these:
Dormant:
Not Dormant:
Although often used interchangeably, these terms mean different things:
Only dormant companies can file dormant accounts using our service.
A company can be dormant for Companies House but not dormant for HMRC.
If your company has stopped trading, you should notify HMRC separately that the company is dormant for corporation tax purposes.
Q1: Can a company be dormant if it earns bank interest?
A: For Companies House, minor interest may not break dormancy, but HMRC considers it trading, so tax obligations may apply.
Q2: Do I need to file a Confirmation Statement if the company is dormant?
A: Yes, every year, even dormant companies must file a Confirmation Statement.
Q3: Can I file dormant accounts for multiple companies at once?
A: Each company must be filed separately with its own authentication code.
Q4: What happens if I file late two years in a row?
A: Penalties double the second year. Avoid this by setting reminders and filing early.
Q5: Can I file dormant accounts without an accountant?
A: Yes. Our Companies House certified software ensures your dormant accounts are fully compliant and submitted straight to Companies House. No accountant needed.
Filing dormant accounts has never been easier. Follow these simple steps using our online service, and your submission will go directly to Companies House, safely and quickly. For just £8.99, our Companies House certified online service prepares and submits your accounts same-day to Companies House, accurately, safely, and hassle-free:
