Companies House Late Filing Penalties 2026: How Much You’ll Pay & How to Avoid Them
Running a UK limited company means staying on top of filings with Companies House. Miss a deadline, and penalties can hit quickly. In 2026, the rules for late filing remain straightforward but strict, especially for annual accounts. Confirmation statements have different consequences. Here’s what you need to know to avoid unnecessary costs.
What Triggers Late Filing Penalties?
Companies House automatically applies penalties mainly for late annual accounts (including dormant company accounts). These are the financial statements you file each year.
For confirmation statements (CS01), there are no automatic financial penalties for being late. However, persistent failure can lead to prosecution, director fines, or the company being struck off the register. Not filing at all is a criminal offence, separate from any penalties.
The focus here is mostly on accounts, as that’s where the automatic fines apply.
Penalty Amounts for Late Accounts in 2026
The penalties depend on how late the accounts are filed after the due date. These figures are current as per the latest Companies House guidance (updated January 2026) and apply to private companies and LLPs.
- Up to 1 month late: £150
- More than 1 month but not more than 3 months: £375
- More than 3 months but not more than 6 months: £750
- More than 6 months: £1,500
Public companies face much higher amounts (starting at £750 and up to £7,500), but most readers deal with private limited companies.
If accounts are late for two consecutive years, the penalty doubles automatically for the second year. A £375 fine could become £750, for example.
These penalties are issued automatically. Companies House sends a notice, and you must pay within a set time, or it can go to debt collection.
Other Consequences of Late or Non-Filing
Beyond money, missing deadlines brings bigger risks:
- Repeated late filings can damage your company’s credit rating.
- Directors may face personal prosecution.
- The company could be struck off the register, meaning it ceases to exist legally.
- For confirmation statements, late filing without eventual submission can trigger strike-off action after warnings.
Even one day late triggers the lowest penalty band for accounts.
How to Avoid These Penalties Entirely
The good news is these are easy to avoid with basic organisation.
- Know your deadlines. Annual accounts are due 9 months after your accounting reference date for private companies. First accounts have a longer window (21 months from incorporation).
- Set reminders well in advance. Mark the due date in your calendar, plus a buffer for preparation.
- File online through the Companies House portal. It’s faster and cheaper than paper.
- Review your company details regularly. Make sure director info, PSC details, and addresses are up to date to prevent hold-ups.
- If you’re busy or manage several companies, use tools that give quick access to your filings history and upcoming dates.
Many directors find it helpful to have a simple way to check company information on the go. An app that pulls public Companies House data instantly lets you see your status, track deadlines for accounts and confirmation statements, and spot issues early. Companies House on the Go, from Touch of Class, does exactly that. It offers fast searches and reminders so you can stay compliant without constant website visits. Plenty of users say it makes keeping on top of these things much easier.
For more ways to monitor your company details quickly, check out Companies on the Go.
What If You Get a Penalty?
If a penalty arrives, you can appeal in some cases, like serious illness or postal issues, but “I forgot” rarely works. Pay promptly to avoid extra charges. Better to prevent it in the first place.
Staying compliant protects your business and peace of mind. Take five minutes now to check your next filing date on the Companies House site. A small habit like that can save hundreds of pounds.
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