As startup founders, you’ve got a million and one things on your to do list. But, staying compliant with accounting deadlines throughout the year is non-negotiable.
In this post, we'll guide you through the most important accounting deadlines UK startups need to be aware of. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Annual Accounts Filing Deadline
| 9 months after year end |
Corporation Tax Return Payment | 9 months after year end |
Corporation Tax Return (CT600) Filing | 12 months after year end |
Confirmation Statement Filing
| 12 months after the last one |
VAT Returns and Payment | 1 month and 7 days after the end of your accounting period (either monthly, quarterly or annually)
|
PAYE filing | By the 22nd of the following month |
Read on for a detailed explanation of each, including tips and examples to help you make sense of what’s required of your business.
Annual Accounts Filing Deadline
One of the most important accounting deadlines you'll face is the filing of your annual accounts with Companies House. You must submit your company’s first annual accounts 21 months after the date of incorporation. After this, annual accounts need to be filed every year within 9 months of the company’s financial year-end.
Example:
Company A was incorporated on 1st January 2023. This means that their first set of annual accounts must be submitted before 1st October 2024.
From the second year onwards, assuming their financial year-end is 31st December 2024, their next annual accounts deadline will be: 30th September 2025 (9 months after their financial year end).
Why It Matters:
Missing the annual accounts filing deadline can result in penalties ranging from £150 to £1,500 depending on how late the accounts are submitted.
Filing accounts late for two consecutive years increases the penalty amount, so staying on top of these deadlines is crucial.
Tip:
Start preparing your financial statements early, and make sure your bookkeeping is up-to-date throughout the year to avoid last-minute panic when the deadline approaches.
Corporation Tax Return & Payment Deadline
Another key accounting deadline for UK startups is the submission of your Corporation Tax Return (CT600). This must be filed with HMRC 12 months after the end of your company’s financial year. It must be filed even if you made no profit or owe no tax to HMRC.
BUT
If you do owe corporation tax - payments must be made 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period.
So, you need to have worked out what you owe long before the return is due.
Example:
That same company, Company A, that incorporated in January 2023 and whose year-end is December 2024 has to:
Pay any owed tax by 1st October 2025
Submit the CT600 by 31st December 2025
Why It Matters:
If you miss your deadlines, in addition to late penalties, HMRC will charge interest on the amount owed. This interest accrues daily from the day after the payment deadline until the tax is paid in full.
The interest rate HMRC applies is usually higher than standard savings rates, so late payment can quickly become costly.
Tip:
Align the preparation of your Corporation Tax Return with your annual accounts to streamline the process and avoid missing either deadline.
Confirmation Statement Filing Deadline
In addition to submitting annual accounts, UK companies must file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House at least once every 12 months. This document verifies that your company information is up-to-date, including details of directors, registered office address, and shareholders.
Why It Matters:
The deadline to submit your Confirmation Statement is 12 months after the last one was filed, or after your incorporation date for new startups.
Missing this deadline can result in your company being struck off the Companies House register, which means your startup could be dissolved.
Example:
Company A would submit a new one every year on January 1st.
Tip:
Set a reminder a few weeks before your Confirmation Statement is due, and review your company’s details carefully to ensure all information is correct.
VAT Returns and Payment Deadlines
If you’re startup is VAT-registered, you’ll need to file VAT returns either quarterly, monthly, or annually, depending on your registration. Most startups will file quarterly, with the VAT return and payment due 1 month and 7 days after the end of the accounting period. You don’t have to register for VAT right away, only when you hit or are going to hit £90,000 in revenue within 12 months.
Example:
Company A took a couple of years to hit the VAT threshold, but are now registered and submit quarterly in line with their financial year:
Q1: 1st January 2024 to 31st March 2025
VAT Return and Payment Deadline: 7th May 2025 (1 month and 7 days after quarter-end)
Why It Matters:
Late VAT returns can incur penalties, and failure to pay VAT on time results in interest charges and additional penalties.
Digital record-keeping is now mandatory under Making Tax Digital (MTD) rules, so ensure your VAT submissions are compliant with these regulations.
Tip:
Use accounting software that integrates VAT reporting and payment reminders to stay on top of these deadlines.
PAYE and Payroll Deadlines
If you employ staff, your UK startup must also meet PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and payroll deadlines. Payroll information needs to be submitted to HMRC every time you pay your employees through a Full Payment Submission (FPS). Payments for PAYE must be made by the 22nd of the following month if paying electronically.
Why It Matters:
Missing PAYE deadlines can result in penalties and cause complications with HMRC.
Late submission of payroll information can affect employee tax calculations, leading to frustration and potential disputes.
Tip:
Outsource payroll to an accountant or use reliable payroll software to ensure you meet your submission and payment obligations on time.
If your startup is struggling to keep up with these deadlines or you're unsure about the filing process, seeking professional help can be a game-changer. Jump Accounting specialises in helping startups navigate compliance with ease. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you stay on top of your accounting obligations.
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