First-Time Director? Your Complete Companies House Filing Calendar 2026

Becoming a director for the first time is exciting, but the paperwork side can feel a bit daunting. Companies House requires certain filings each year to keep your company’s details accurate and public. As a new director in 2026, your main tasks are the confirmation statement and annual accounts. The good news is the rules are clear, and once you know your dates, it’s straightforward.

This guide focuses on private limited companies (the most common type for first-timers). Deadlines depend on your incorporation date, so use your own details to calculate yours.

Your First Confirmation Statement (CS01)

Every company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. It confirms that Companies House has the right info about directors, people with significant control (PSCs), address, and share capital.

For a new company:

  • Your review period starts on the incorporation date.
  • The statement date is 12 months later (or the anniversary).
  • You have 14 days after that to file.

Examples for companies incorporated in 2025/2026:

  • Incorporated 15 January 2025 → Statement date 14 January 2026 → File by 28 January 2026.
  • Incorporated 1 June 2025 → Statement date 31 May 2026 → File by 14 June 2026.
  • Incorporated 10 October 2025 → Statement date 30 September 2026 → File by 14 October 2026.

You can file early during the 12-month period, which resets the cycle to a new 12 months. Many do this to align dates better.

Key 2026 note: The digital filing fee is £50 from 1 February 2026 (up from £34 before). File before then if your deadline allows, but don’t rush just to save the difference.

Identity verification is required now. As a first-time director, verify your identity when appointed (via Gov.uk One Login or an authorised provider). It links to your role and is needed for filings like the confirmation statement. Existing directors have until mid-November 2026 in the transitional period, but new ones sort it early.

Your First Annual Accounts

All companies file accounts with Companies House, even if dormant or with little activity.

For new companies, the first accounts deadline is generous:

  • File within 21 months of incorporation, or 9 months after your accounting reference date (ARD), whichever is longer.

Your ARD is automatically the last day of the month in which your company turns one year old. For example:

  • Incorporated 15 March 2025 → ARD 31 March 2026 → First accounts cover incorporation to 31 March 2026.
  • File by 15 December 2026 (21 months from incorporation).

If your ARD falls soon after incorporation, the 21-month rule often gives more time.

Ongoing accounts are due 9 months after each ARD. So after the first, it’s 9 months every year.

Important 2026 change: The joint HMRC/Companies House service for filing accounts and tax returns closes 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, file accounts separately with Companies House (using WebFiling for simple cases or software). From April 2027, accounts must use commercial software only.

If your company is dormant (no significant transactions), file simpler dormant accounts (AA02).

Other Dates to Note

  • Corporation Tax return (CT600): Due 12 months after your accounting period end. Pay any tax 9 months and 1 day after the period end. First-time directors often handle this with an accountant.
  • Register for Corporation Tax: Notify HMRC within 3 months of starting to trade.
  • VAT registration: If turnover hits the threshold, register within 30 days.

How to Stay Organised

Mark your incorporation date in your calendar. Add reminders:

  • 1 month before confirmation due date.
  • 2 months before accounts due date.

Check your company’s page on the Companies House search site regularly. It shows your next due dates clearly.

For quick access without repeated searches, especially if you’re busy or travel a lot, a simple app makes life easier. Companies House on the Go from Touch of Class lets you search your company instantly, view filing history, and see upcoming deadlines for confirmation statements and accounts. It pulls public data fast, so you can check on your phone in seconds. Many first-time directors find it helps build confidence and avoid oversights.

For practical ways to monitor your company details, see Companies on the Go.

Quick Checklist for 2026

  1. Verify your identity if not done.
  2. Calculate your confirmation statement due date (14 days after 12-month anniversary).
  3. Note your first accounts deadline (usually 21 months from incorporation).
  4. Set reminders and file online.
  5. Review company info before each filing.

Getting these right from the start sets a good pattern. It’s not complicated once you have your dates. Check your incorporation certificate now and plug in the numbers. You’ll feel much more in control.

Download the app for easy mobile checks:

iOS version or

Android version.