Corporation Tax & Annual Accounts

Corporation tax returns & annual accounts

Statutory accounts and corporation tax returns prepared and filed with Companies House and HMRC — plus director salary and dividend planning to keep your overall tax bill down.

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What limited companies must file every year

Every UK limited company must file annual (statutory) accounts with Companies House and a Company Tax Return (CT600) with HMRC, along with paying any corporation tax due — currently 19–25% depending on profit level, with marginal relief tapering the rate for profits between £50,000 and £250,000.

These aren't optional extras — missing the Companies House deadline (9 months after your year end for accounts, 12 months for the tax return) triggers automatic penalties starting at £150 and rising sharply the longer they're left, plus HMRC late filing and late payment penalties on top.

We prepare both filings together, calculate your corporation tax correctly (including any marginal relief you're entitled to), and file everything on time — so you're never chasing a deadline you didn't know was coming.

Director salary & dividend planning

How you take money out of your company — salary, dividends, or a mix — has a real impact on your overall tax bill, both personally and at the company level. Getting the split wrong is one of the most common ways director-shareholders overpay tax.

As part of preparing your accounts, we review your salary and dividend structure and advise on the most tax-efficient approach for your circumstances, including how the upcoming dividend rate rise in April 2026 affects your planning.

What's included

Everything a limited company needs to stay compliant, prepared properly and filed on time.

Statutory Annual Accounts

Full year-end accounts prepared in the correct format and filed with Companies House.

Corporation Tax Return (CT600)

Your Company Tax Return prepared and filed with HMRC, with corporation tax calculated correctly including any marginal relief.

Director Salary & Dividend Advice

A review of your salary/dividend split with recommendations to keep your overall tax bill as low as legally possible.

Companies House Confirmation Statement

Your annual confirmation statement filed alongside your accounts, keeping your company record up to date.

HMRC Correspondence

Any HMRC queries about your return or corporation tax handled on your behalf.

Deadline Management

We track your filing deadlines and get everything to you in good time — never a last-minute scramble.

Frequently asked questions

When are annual accounts and corporation tax due?

Statutory accounts must be filed with Companies House within 9 months of your company's year end. Your Company Tax Return and any corporation tax payment are due within 12 months of the year end for filing, but corporation tax must actually be paid within 9 months and 1 day — so the payment deadline comes before the filing deadline.

What is marginal relief?

Marginal relief gradually increases your effective corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% for profits between £50,000 and £250,000, rather than jumping straight to the main 25% rate. We calculate this correctly so you don't overpay.

Should I pay myself in salary or dividends?

Most director-shareholders take a mix of a low salary (often around the NI threshold) and dividends, since dividends aren't subject to National Insurance. The right balance depends on your specific circumstances — we review this as part of preparing your accounts.

What happens if I file late?

Companies House charges automatic penalties starting at £150, rising to £1,500 for accounts filed more than 6 months late — and penalties double if you're late two years running. HMRC also charges separate penalties for a late Company Tax Return. Filing with us on time avoids both.

Can you take over if my company already has accounts filed elsewhere?

Yes — we regularly take on companies switching accountants. We'll need your previous year's accounts and your Companies House/HMRC login details or authorisation, and we handle the transition from there.

Get your accounts and corporation tax sorted, properly

Get a free quote for your annual accounts and corporation tax return.

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