Services · Audit & accounts for foreign companies

Audit and financial statements in the UK

Updated 7 October 2026

Every company files accounts, even with no activity, and late-filing penalties are automatic. We prepare the accounts, support the audit and file returns on time.

Accounts and tax support for UK companies and partnerships. UK companies file accounts with Companies House and tax returns with HMRC on a regular basis, and this applies to companies with no activity as well. This service is for owners of UK LTDs and LLPs who want to keep the company in good standing and avoid accumulating penalties for missed deadlines.

We prepare nil accounts at a fixed price, work at an hourly rate for active companies, and provide audit support where an audit is required. On the VAT side: registration, returns, and obtaining an EORI number for cross-border trade. For partnerships we additionally prepare the partners' individual tax returns. If the company is no longer needed, we handle the strike-off from the register, and we can apostille accounts for use abroad.

When accounts are due

A private company files its annual accounts with Companies House within 9 months of the end of its accounting reference period. First accounts covering more than 12 months are due within 21 months of incorporation or 3 months from the accounting reference date, whichever is later. The same rule applies to trading and dormant companies.

Late filing penalties

Penalties are automatic under the Companies House table (updated 16 January 2026), in US dollars at the rate of 5 October 2026 (£1 = $1.32), rounded up:

If accounts are late two years in a row, the penalty is doubled.

When an audit is required

For accounting periods beginning on or after 6 April 2025, a company is exempt from audit if it meets at least two of three conditions: turnover of no more than £15 million (about $19.9 million), a balance sheet total of no more than £7.5 million (about $9.95 million), and no more than 50 employees on average. See the GOV.UK rules. The previous thresholds were £10.2 million and £5.1 million.

Corporation tax, confirmation statement and identity verification

• A company pays corporation tax within 9 months and 1 day of the end of the accounting period and files its tax return within 12 months.
• Since 1 February 2026 the annual confirmation statement to Companies House costs £50 when filed online, about $67.
• Since 18 November 2025 directors and persons with significant control must verify their identity: new ones on appointment, existing ones no later than the next confirmation statement.
• Value added tax returns are filed only through software compatible with the tax authority.
• A new company must tell the tax authority within 3 months that it has started a taxable activity.

How we work

1. We check the company's deadlines and any overdue filings.
2. We collect the bank statements and source documents for the year.
3. We prepare the accounts and the company tax return, and arrange an audit where required.
4. We file with Companies House and HMRC and remind you of the next deadlines in advance.

Common mistakes

• Not filing for a dormant company. A company with no activity files within the same 9 months, and the late-filing penalty is automatic.
• Mixing up the deadlines. Accounts go to the companies registry within 9 months, the tax return within 12 months, and corporation tax is paid within 9 months and 1 day.
• Forgetting the annual confirmation statement. It is filed once a year even if nothing has changed.
• Skipping director identity verification. Existing directors must complete it no later than the next confirmation statement.

UK company accounts and the owner's home-country rules

Many countries have controlled foreign company (CFC) rules: if the owner is tax resident there and holds a large stake, the company's profit may be taxed in the owner's hands and the company must be reported every year, usually together with its annual financial statements. Thresholds, deadlines and penalties differ from country to country.

So the UK accounts are prepared with the owner's home-country reporting in mind. We handle CFC notifications and profit calculations as part of our CFC notifications and reporting service.

What we do

We prepare and file dormant accounts for $2,500, and accounts for an active company and audit support from $90 an hour. We register for VAT for $2,900, obtain a customs number for $1,600, prepare partners' returns for $380 and strike a company off the register for $2,900. We estimate the workload up front so the quote is predictable.

If you do not have a company yet, start with company registration in the UK. Taxes are covered in our guide to taxes in the UK, and other countries in the audit and accounts for foreign companies section.

Fees

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