Dormant Company Filing Requirements 2026: What You Still Need to Submit
Many people set up a limited company with plans to trade later, or they keep one going for a future project. If your company has no activity, it counts as dormant with Companies House. Even then, you cannot ignore filings completely. In 2026, dormant companies still have to submit key documents each year to stay in good standing.
What Makes a Company Dormant?
Companies House calls your company dormant if it has had no significant accounting transactions in the financial year. This means no sales, no purchases, no wages, and no major income like bank interest (small fees like filing costs do not count against it). Payment for initial shares at setup is ignored too.
If your company fits this, you get simpler filing options than active businesses. But you still file annually.
Main Requirements in 2026
Dormant companies must handle two main things with Companies House:
- Dormant Company Accounts
You file simplified accounts, often called dormant company accounts or form AA02 (though online it’s now more streamlined). These include a basic balance sheet and a statement that the company was dormant throughout the period.
No profit and loss account or detailed notes needed. No audit required either, as dormant companies are exempt.
Deadlines stay the same:
- First accounts: Within 21 months of incorporation.
- Ongoing: Within 9 months of your accounting reference date (the end of your financial year).
For example, if your accounting reference date is 31 March, file by 31 December 2026.
A big change affects filing method. The joint HMRC/Companies House online service for accounts and tax returns closes on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, file accounts separately with Companies House. You can still use WebFiling for dormant accounts (if never traded) or approved software. From 1 April 2027, all accounts, including dormant, must use commercial software only. Web and paper options for accounts will close then, so plan ahead.
For Corporation Tax, dormant companies usually have no return to file, but confirm dormancy with HMRC if needed.
- Confirmation Statement (CS01)
File this at least once every 12 months, even if nothing changes. It confirms director details, people with significant control (PSCs), address, and more.
Your deadline is 14 days after the end of your 12-month review period (from incorporation or last filing).
The digital fee rises to £50 from 1 February 2026.
Identity verification is key in 2026. Directors and PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House. Transitional rules apply, but by mid-2026, most need personal codes for filings. Dormant companies are not exempt, so sort this before your next confirmation statement.
Other Points to Note
- No Corporation Tax return if truly dormant and no activity.
- Keep your registered office and details up to date.
- Late accounts bring penalties from £150 upwards.
- Confirmation statements have no automatic fine, but non-filing risks prosecution or strike-off.
Check your company’s status on the Companies House search page regularly. It shows your next due dates for accounts and confirmation statements.
Tips for Staying Compliant
Set calendar reminders for your accounting reference date plus 9 months, and your confirmation review end plus 14 days. Review company info a month before deadlines. File early if possible to reset cycles.
If you have multiple companies or want quick checks without repeated logins, a mobile app can help. Companies House on the Go from Touch of Class lets you search any company fast, track deadlines for accounts and statements, and monitor changes. It pulls public data directly, so you see upcoming obligations in seconds. Many directors use it to keep things simple and avoid last-minute rushes.
For easy ways to keep an eye on your company details, visit Companies on the Go.
Even dormant companies need attention to avoid issues. A few minutes each year keeps everything in order.
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