An Annual Return is a document that all limited companies must prepare and deliver to Companies House once a year. It is the responsibility of the directors to ensure that this happens.
It is different from your company’s annual accounts or tax return and usually won’t be completed at the same time.
Companies House will send a reminder letter to your company’s registered office address notifying you of when the next return is due.
The due date is usually a year after either the:
- Incorporation of your company, or
- The date of your last annual return
You can file your annual return up to 28 days after the due date.
Please note that if the annual return is filed late it is possible that you can be fined up to £5,000, and your company struck off if you don’t send Companies House your annual return at all.
Your annual return must include:
- Details of the directors and company secretary (if it has one)
- What your company does – including its standard industrial classification (SIC) codes
- The type of company it is e.g. private or public
- The registered office address
- The ‘single alternative inspection location’ (SAIL) – the address where the statutory records are kept if not at the registered address
You may also need to include:
- A ‘statement of capital’ if your company has shares
- Details of shareholders, if required and depending how long since you last reported on them.
Please note that you must file an Annual Return even if your company is dormant or your details remain unchanged from one year to the next.
Please remember that it is the responsibility of the directors to complete the Annual Return accurately and on time. Once submitted to Companies House it is available for public inspection.
If you would like some further information or how we can help your business, contact us for a no obligation meeting
Heather Waterfield, Company Secretarial & Administration team
Torr Waterfield - Accountants & Business Advisors 