Key dates for limited companies after incorporation

You’ve made the leap and formed your company; congratulations. Now that you’re operating under this entity, there are a few important dates and rules that you will need to keep an eye on. These dates will be very important from here onwards, some will be very important at various points throughout the year and others you’ll simply need to remember for annual use.

1. Incorporation date

This is the date your company was incorporated and will be needed for various purposes. Most of the documents/forms you will need to fill in after incorporation will need this date, so remember to keep it fresh in your mind or written down in a secure place. 

2. Accounting reference date (ARD)

As a limited company, you will need to file your annual accounts once a year, this will be required even if you’re not yet prepared to start trading. Your ARD is on the last day of the month your company was registered with Companies House. For instance, if you registered your company on the 18th of September, your ARD will be on the 30th of September. This will be the same for every year after unless you decide to change the date. Keep in mind that should you decide to change the date, it will influence your company’s financial year.

3. Last accounts made up to date

This date shows what period your last filed annual accounts covered up to. If you have yet to file your annual accounts then there will be no date.

4. Next accounts due date

This is the date your company’s annual accounts is to be filed by. Please be aware that should you fail to file these account, Companies House can close your company. Before closing, they will give you a letter of notice, to prompt you to file your annual accounts to avoid closure. 

If you happen to file your annual accounts late (after the due date), you will receive a penalty charge, this charge will depend on how late your filing is.

5. Last confirmation statement date

As a limited company, you will need to file a confirmation statement<(link to confirmation article) (annual returns). You will need to do this at least once a year and it should cover information on:

• Directors
• Shareholders and share details
• Companies registered office
• Person with significant control

The confirmation statement does not ask for any financial information. The confirmation statement date is the period your last filed statement covered up to.

6. Next confirmation statement due date

This date simply tells you when you will need to have your company’s confirmation statement filed by. It is important to note that it is vital that you have file your confirmation statement, as it is a criminal offense not to. Companies House has the right to close your company and fine all directors if you are late to file.

Once you have formed your company, there is a plethora of advice and guides for you on Companies House. You can also sign up to have e-reminders sent to you, so you are never late for filing.