Overdue Company Accounts? Get Accountant Help in Leeds
If your company accounts are overdue, ignoring the problem will not make it disappear.
Perhaps your Companies House deadline has already passed. Maybe your previous accountant has stopped responding, your bookkeeping is incomplete, or you have simply fallen behind while concentrating on running the business.
Whatever the reason, the most important thing now is to establish what is outstanding and what needs to happen next.
Fletcher & Gill helps limited companies in Leeds deal with overdue company accounts, late accounts, outstanding bookkeeping and company tax filings.
If your accounts are already late, contact us and tell us where things currently stand.
Need help with overdue company accounts? Speak to Fletcher & Gill today.
Perhaps your Companies House deadline has already passed. Maybe your previous accountant has stopped responding, your bookkeeping is incomplete, or you have simply fallen behind while concentrating on running the business.
Whatever the reason, the most important thing now is to establish what is outstanding and what needs to happen next.
Fletcher & Gill helps limited companies in Leeds deal with overdue company accounts, late accounts, outstanding bookkeeping and company tax filings.
If your accounts are already late, contact us and tell us where things currently stand.
Need help with overdue company accounts? Speak to Fletcher & Gill today.
Fletcher & Gill Accountant
Book a FREE 30-minute call to discuss your situation
Phone
07596355888
EMail
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
Monday – Sunday
8AM to 8PM
Are Your Company Accounts Already Overdue?
Your company accounts are overdue when the filing deadline shown at Companies House has passed and the required accounts have not been delivered.
For most private limited companies, annual accounts are normally due at Companies House 9 months after the end of the company’s financial year. Different rules can apply to a company’s first accounts.
If the deadline has passed, the best approach is usually to deal with the outstanding work rather than allowing the delay to continue.
You may need help because:
• your accountant has not completed the accounts
• your bookkeeping is behind
• bank transactions have not been reconciled
• receipts or invoices are missing
• you have changed accountant
• you were unsure when the accounts were due
• the company stopped trading and the accounts were forgotten
• you tried to deal with the accounts yourself
• several accounting periods are outstanding
• your Company Tax Return may also be overdue
Whatever has caused the delay, we can start by identifying what needs to be brought up to date.
For most private limited companies, annual accounts are normally due at Companies House 9 months after the end of the company’s financial year. Different rules can apply to a company’s first accounts.
If the deadline has passed, the best approach is usually to deal with the outstanding work rather than allowing the delay to continue.
You may need help because:
• your accountant has not completed the accounts
• your bookkeeping is behind
• bank transactions have not been reconciled
• receipts or invoices are missing
• you have changed accountant
• you were unsure when the accounts were due
• the company stopped trading and the accounts were forgotten
• you tried to deal with the accounts yourself
• several accounting periods are outstanding
• your Company Tax Return may also be overdue
Whatever has caused the delay, we can start by identifying what needs to be brought up to date.
Phone
07596355888
Email
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
What Should I Do If My Company Accounts Are Overdue?
If you have discovered that your accounts are late, there are four sensible steps.
1. Check Exactly What Is Outstanding
Start with the company’s filing position.
You need to establish:
• which accounting period is overdue
• when the Companies House deadline passed
• whether more than one set of accounts is outstanding
• whether your Corporation Tax return is also outstanding
• how complete your bookkeeping records are
Do not assume that the Companies House accounts and the Company Tax Return are the same filing obligation.
Company accounts are filed with Companies House, while a Company Tax Return is filed with HMRC.
2. Gather the Accounting Records
Depending on the company, this may include:
• business bank statements
• sales invoices
• purchase invoices
• receipts
• accounting software records
• payroll information
• VAT returns
• loan information
• finance agreements
• previous accounts
• details of business assets
• director transactions
Do not delay contacting an accountant simply because everything is not perfectly organised.
Part of the first conversation can be establishing what information is available and what is still needed.
3. Get the Accounts Prepared
Once the records are available, the bookkeeping position can be reviewed and the accounts prepared.
If the bookkeeping itself is incomplete, that may need dealing with first.
4. Deal With Any Other Outstanding Filings
Late company accounts are sometimes only one part of the problem.
There may also be:
• overdue Company Tax Returns
• outstanding Corporation Tax
• VAT returns
• payroll issues
• confirmation statement matters
• earlier accounting periods requiring attention
The objective should be to understand the whole position, rather than filing one document and discovering another problem afterwards.
What Happens If Company Accounts Are Filed Late?
Companies House applies automatic late-filing penalties when company accounts are delivered after the filing deadline.
For a private limited company, the current penalty bands are:
How late the accounts are Companies House penalty
Up to 1 month £150
More than 1 month and up to 3 months £375
More than 3 months and up to 6 months £750
More than 6 months £1,500
The penalty can be doubled if the company’s accounts are late in two consecutive financial years.
That makes one thing particularly important:
If your accounts are already overdue, further delay can move the company into a higher penalty band.
There can also be more serious consequences if required company information remains outstanding. Government guidance states that a company can ultimately face enforcement action and may be struck off the register for failing to file required information.
For a private limited company, the current penalty bands are:
How late the accounts are Companies House penalty
Up to 1 month £150
More than 1 month and up to 3 months £375
More than 3 months and up to 6 months £750
More than 6 months £1,500
The penalty can be doubled if the company’s accounts are late in two consecutive financial years.
That makes one thing particularly important:
If your accounts are already overdue, further delay can move the company into a higher penalty band.
There can also be more serious consequences if required company information remains outstanding. Government guidance states that a company can ultimately face enforcement action and may be struck off the register for failing to file required information.
Book a FREE 30-minute call to discuss your situation
My Accounts Are Only a Few Days Late – Should I Still Act?
Yes.
Being only a few days late does not mean you should leave the accounts until later.
Once the filing deadline has passed, a late-filing penalty can already apply.
More importantly, Companies House penalties increase the longer the accounts remain overdue.
If your records are substantially complete, dealing with the accounts quickly may prevent a short delay from becoming a much longer one.
The useful question is not “how late am I?”
It is:
“What needs doing to get the accounts completed?”
What If My Company Accounts Are Several Months Overdue?
The same principle applies.
Start with the oldest outstanding accounting period and establish what records are available.
Some companies approach us with:
• one overdue set of accounts
• accounts several months beyond the deadline
• incomplete bookkeeping
• more than one accounting year outstanding
• an outstanding Corporation Tax Return as well
The situation may feel complicated when everything is looked at together.
Breaking it down into individual accounting periods and filing requirements makes it much easier to understand.
Start with the oldest outstanding accounting period and establish what records are available.
Some companies approach us with:
• one overdue set of accounts
• accounts several months beyond the deadline
• incomplete bookkeeping
• more than one accounting year outstanding
• an outstanding Corporation Tax Return as well
The situation may feel complicated when everything is looked at together.
Breaking it down into individual accounting periods and filing requirements makes it much easier to understand.
Phone
07596355888
Email
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
Are Your Company Tax Returns Overdue as Well?
This is an important distinction.
Companies House accounts and your Company Tax Return are separate obligations.
A company may therefore have late accounts at Companies House and a late Company Tax Return with HMRC.
HMRC currently applies separate penalties for late Company Tax Returns. The current standard schedule begins with a £200 penalty one day after the deadline, followed by another £200 after three months. Further tax-related penalties can apply after six and twelve months.
If a company has filed late repeatedly, higher fixed penalties can apply.
This is why we would want to establish both:
What does Companies House show as outstanding?
and
What does HMRC show as outstanding?
Overdue Company Accounts Because Your Bookkeeping Is Behind?
This is extremely important.
Sometimes the accounts themselves are not the real problem.
The underlying bookkeeping has never been completed.
For example, you may have:
• twelve months of unreconciled bank transactions
• business and personal payments mixed together
• missing purchase invoices
• unclear director transactions
• incomplete accounting software
• VAT records that need checking
• payroll information that has not been incorporated
In that situation, the bookkeeping may need to be brought up to date before reliable year-end accounts can be prepared.
Fletcher & Gill can discuss the current state of your records and establish what accounting work is required.
Sometimes the accounts themselves are not the real problem.
The underlying bookkeeping has never been completed.
For example, you may have:
• twelve months of unreconciled bank transactions
• business and personal payments mixed together
• missing purchase invoices
• unclear director transactions
• incomplete accounting software
• VAT records that need checking
• payroll information that has not been incorporated
In that situation, the bookkeeping may need to be brought up to date before reliable year-end accounts can be prepared.
Fletcher & Gill can discuss the current state of your records and establish what accounting work is required.
Has Your Previous Accountant Let You Down?
Perhaps you expected your previous accountant to deal with the accounts and have now discovered that the filing deadline has passed.
Or communication may have stopped entirely.
You can change accountant even when your accounts are overdue.
The important thing is to explain the situation clearly so the new accountant can establish:
• what work has already been completed
• what records the previous accountant holds
• what remains outstanding
• which deadlines have passed
• whether more than one accounting period is involved
Where appropriate, the professional handover process can then begin.
An overdue filing should not prevent you from changing accountant if you need to.
Or communication may have stopped entirely.
You can change accountant even when your accounts are overdue.
The important thing is to explain the situation clearly so the new accountant can establish:
• what work has already been completed
• what records the previous accountant holds
• what remains outstanding
• which deadlines have passed
• whether more than one accounting period is involved
Where appropriate, the professional handover process can then begin.
An overdue filing should not prevent you from changing accountant if you need to.
Fletcher & Gill Accountant
Book a FREE 30-minute call to discuss your situation
Phone
07596355888
EMail
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
Monday – Sunday
8AM to 8PM
Urgent Accountant for Overdue Company Accounts in Leeds
If you are searching for an urgent accountant in Leeds because your accounts are late, the first thing we need is information.
When contacting Fletcher & Gill, it is useful to provide:
• company name
• Companies House registration number
• accounting year-end
• how overdue the accounts are
• whether you have accounting software
• how complete your bookkeeping is
• whether your previous accountant is still involved
• whether HMRC filings are also outstanding
From there, we can establish what the situation looks like.
We will not promise a filing date before understanding the state of the accounting records.
That is important.
Completing overdue accounts properly depends on having sufficient information to prepare them accurately.
When contacting Fletcher & Gill, it is useful to provide:
• company name
• Companies House registration number
• accounting year-end
• how overdue the accounts are
• whether you have accounting software
• how complete your bookkeeping is
• whether your previous accountant is still involved
• whether HMRC filings are also outstanding
From there, we can establish what the situation looks like.
We will not promise a filing date before understanding the state of the accounting records.
That is important.
Completing overdue accounts properly depends on having sufficient information to prepare them accurately.
Phone
07596355888
Email
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
What If I Have More Than One Year of Overdue Accounts?
Do not assume the situation cannot be fixed.
The starting point is identifying every outstanding period.
For example:
Year One
Bookkeeping incomplete
Accounts overdue
Corporation Tax Return overdue
Year Two
Bank records available
Accounts not yet prepared
Current Year
Bookkeeping partly complete
Rather than treating that as one large accounting problem, it can be broken down into stages.
The objective is to work through the outstanding periods in the appropriate order and establish a better system going forward.
The starting point is identifying every outstanding period.
For example:
Year One
Bookkeeping incomplete
Accounts overdue
Corporation Tax Return overdue
Year Two
Bank records available
Accounts not yet prepared
Current Year
Bookkeeping partly complete
Rather than treating that as one large accounting problem, it can be broken down into stages.
The objective is to work through the outstanding periods in the appropriate order and establish a better system going forward.
Can I Apply for More Time to File My Accounts?
Companies House does allow companies to apply for an extension in certain circumstances where an event outside the company’s control prevents the accounts being filed.
However, the application normally needs to be made before the existing filing deadline.
If your filing deadline has already passed, do not rely on obtaining an extension retrospectively.
Instead, establish what is outstanding and deal with the late accounts.
However, the application normally needs to be made before the existing filing deadline.
If your filing deadline has already passed, do not rely on obtaining an extension retrospectively.
Instead, establish what is outstanding and deal with the late accounts.
Can I Appeal a Companies House Late-Filing Penalty?
Companies House does have an appeals process.
However, an appeal is not automatically accepted simply because the accounts were late.
Companies House says that an appeal needs to demonstrate exceptional circumstances outside the company’s control.
If you have already received a late-filing penalty, the practical priorities are therefore:
1. understand why the accounts remain outstanding
2. get the accounting work moving
3. consider separately whether there are genuine grounds for an appeal
Filing the accounts and appealing a penalty are different matters.
However, an appeal is not automatically accepted simply because the accounts were late.
Companies House says that an appeal needs to demonstrate exceptional circumstances outside the company’s control.
If you have already received a late-filing penalty, the practical priorities are therefore:
1. understand why the accounts remain outstanding
2. get the accounting work moving
3. consider separately whether there are genuine grounds for an appeal
Filing the accounts and appealing a penalty are different matters.
I Have Received a Letter From Companies House – What Should I Do?
Do not put it to one side.
Read exactly what the letter relates to.
Companies House correspondence may concern different company obligations, so first identify whether it relates to:
• overdue annual accounts
• a late-filing penalty
• a confirmation statement
• another company filing issue
If it relates to overdue annual accounts and you do not currently have an accountant dealing with them, contact us with a copy of the correspondence and details of the company.
Read exactly what the letter relates to.
Companies House correspondence may concern different company obligations, so first identify whether it relates to:
• overdue annual accounts
• a late-filing penalty
• a confirmation statement
• another company filing issue
If it relates to overdue annual accounts and you do not currently have an accountant dealing with them, contact us with a copy of the correspondence and details of the company.
My Company Is Not Trading – Do I Still Need to File Accounts?
A company that is not actively trading may still have filing responsibilities.
Dormant and small companies can qualify for different reporting requirements, but Companies House still requires eligible companies to submit the relevant accounts.
Do not assume that because no invoices were issued or very little happened during the year, nothing needs filing.
We can help establish what is required based on the company’s actual position.
Dormant and small companies can qualify for different reporting requirements, but Companies House still requires eligible companies to submit the relevant accounts.
Do not assume that because no invoices were issued or very little happened during the year, nothing needs filing.
We can help establish what is required based on the company’s actual position.
Phone
07596355888
Email
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
What Information Will an Accountant Need to Complete Overdue Accounts?
Every company is different, but typically we may need some combination of:
Banking
Business bank statements covering the accounting period.
Sales
Sales invoices or records of income received.
Purchases and Expenses
Supplier invoices, receipts and other evidence of business expenditure.
Existing Bookkeeping
Access to software such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent or other bookkeeping records where relevant.
Payroll
Payroll reports if the company employs staff or directors through PAYE.
VAT
Copies or access to VAT returns and supporting records if the company is VAT registered.
Assets and Finance
Details of vehicles, equipment, loans, hire purchase agreements and other finance arrangements.
Previous Accounts
Your previous annual accounts can help establish opening balances and understand the company’s accounting history.
If you do not have everything immediately, tell us what you do have.
How Fletcher & Gill Can Help With Overdue Company Accounts
Step 1 – Establish the Filing Position
We identify what accounting periods and returns need attention.
Step 2 – Review the Records
We establish whether the bookkeeping is complete enough to prepare the accounts.
Step 3 – Identify Missing Information
We tell you what additional records are required rather than leaving you guessing.
Step 4 – Bring the Accounts Together
The relevant accounting work can be completed using the information available.
Step 5 – Deal With Related Tax Filings
Where agreed and appropriate, related Corporation Tax responsibilities can also be considered.
Step 6 – Help Prevent the Same Problem Happening Again
Once overdue work has been dealt with, the next objective is keeping future records and deadlines under control.
That may involve:
• regular bookkeeping
• accounting software
• earlier year-end preparation
• VAT support
• payroll
• annual accounts
• ongoing accountant contact
We identify what accounting periods and returns need attention.
Step 2 – Review the Records
We establish whether the bookkeeping is complete enough to prepare the accounts.
Step 3 – Identify Missing Information
We tell you what additional records are required rather than leaving you guessing.
Step 4 – Bring the Accounts Together
The relevant accounting work can be completed using the information available.
Step 5 – Deal With Related Tax Filings
Where agreed and appropriate, related Corporation Tax responsibilities can also be considered.
Step 6 – Help Prevent the Same Problem Happening Again
Once overdue work has been dealt with, the next objective is keeping future records and deadlines under control.
That may involve:
• regular bookkeeping
• accounting software
• earlier year-end preparation
• VAT support
• payroll
• annual accounts
• ongoing accountant contact
Fletcher & Gill Accountant
Book a FREE 30-minute call to discuss your situation
Phone
07596355888
EMail
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
Monday – Sunday
8AM to 8PM
Why Deal With Overdue Accounts
There are three simple reasons.
Penalties Can Increase
Companies House penalties increase as accounts become progressively later.
Other Obligations May Also Be Outstanding
Late accounts can sometimes sit alongside late Company Tax Returns or other filing problems.
It Becomes Harder to Catch Up
The longer records remain untouched, the more likely you are to be dealing with multiple accounting years rather than one.
Taking action now gives you a clear starting point.
Overdue Accounts for Leeds Limited Companies
Fletcher & Gill supports limited company owners across Leeds who need help getting their accounting affairs back under control.
You may be:
• a small business owner
• contractor
• consultant
• tradesperson
• landlord operating through a company
• family business
• director of a company that has stopped trading
• director who has fallen behind with company administration
The reason for the delay is less important than establishing the position and deciding what needs to happen next.
You may be:
• a small business owner
• contractor
• consultant
• tradesperson
• landlord operating through a company
• family business
• director of a company that has stopped trading
• director who has fallen behind with company administration
The reason for the delay is less important than establishing the position and deciding what needs to happen next.
Phone
07596355888
Email
info@FletcherGill.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions About Overdue Company Accounts
What happens if my company accounts are one day late?
Companies House applies late-filing penalties once accounts are delivered after the filing deadline. For private companies, the first current penalty band is £150 for accounts up to one month late.
Can an accountant file overdue company accounts?
An accountant can prepare and assist with the filing of overdue accounts where they have the information required to complete the work accurately.
The first step is establishing the state of your bookkeeping and what documents are available.
My accounts are six months overdue. Is it too late?
No.
They still need dealing with.
For private limited companies, the Companies House penalty increases according to how long the accounts remain overdue, with the current highest standard band applying once accounts are more than six months late.
Can Companies House strike off my company for not filing accounts?
Continued failure to provide required company information can result in enforcement action and potential strike-off proceedings.
That is why overdue accounts should not simply be ignored.
Are Companies House accounts and Corporation Tax returns the same thing?
No.
Annual accounts are filed with Companies House, while your Company Tax Return is filed with HMRC.
They are related, but they are separate filing requirements.
Can I change accountant while my accounts are overdue?
Yes.
Having overdue accounts does not mean you must remain with your existing accountant.
A new accountant will need to establish what work has already been completed and obtain the necessary records.
What if I have lost some of my accounting records?
Contact us and explain what is missing.
It may be possible to obtain information from bank statements, accounting software, suppliers or other sources, depending on the circumstances.
We would need to understand the gaps before advising what can be done.
Can you guarantee my overdue accounts will be filed immediately?
No responsible accountant should guarantee this without first reviewing the records.
If the bookkeeping is complete, the position may be relatively straightforward.
If records are missing or several years are outstanding, additional work may be required.
Should I wait until I have organised everything before contacting you?
No.
If you know your accounts are overdue, contact us now.
We can tell you what information is likely to be required.
Companies House applies late-filing penalties once accounts are delivered after the filing deadline. For private companies, the first current penalty band is £150 for accounts up to one month late.
Can an accountant file overdue company accounts?
An accountant can prepare and assist with the filing of overdue accounts where they have the information required to complete the work accurately.
The first step is establishing the state of your bookkeeping and what documents are available.
My accounts are six months overdue. Is it too late?
No.
They still need dealing with.
For private limited companies, the Companies House penalty increases according to how long the accounts remain overdue, with the current highest standard band applying once accounts are more than six months late.
Can Companies House strike off my company for not filing accounts?
Continued failure to provide required company information can result in enforcement action and potential strike-off proceedings.
That is why overdue accounts should not simply be ignored.
Are Companies House accounts and Corporation Tax returns the same thing?
No.
Annual accounts are filed with Companies House, while your Company Tax Return is filed with HMRC.
They are related, but they are separate filing requirements.
Can I change accountant while my accounts are overdue?
Yes.
Having overdue accounts does not mean you must remain with your existing accountant.
A new accountant will need to establish what work has already been completed and obtain the necessary records.
What if I have lost some of my accounting records?
Contact us and explain what is missing.
It may be possible to obtain information from bank statements, accounting software, suppliers or other sources, depending on the circumstances.
We would need to understand the gaps before advising what can be done.
Can you guarantee my overdue accounts will be filed immediately?
No responsible accountant should guarantee this without first reviewing the records.
If the bookkeeping is complete, the position may be relatively straightforward.
If records are missing or several years are outstanding, additional work may be required.
Should I wait until I have organised everything before contacting you?
No.
If you know your accounts are overdue, contact us now.
We can tell you what information is likely to be required.
Your Accounts Are Overdue – What Happens Next?
You do not need to understand every Companies House or HMRC rule before asking for help.
You simply need to establish where the company stands.
If your company accounts are overdue, send Fletcher & Gill:
• your company name
• Companies House registration number
• accounting year-end
• approximate state of your bookkeeping
• details of your existing or previous accountant
We can then discuss the outstanding work and the next steps.
You simply need to establish where the company stands.
If your company accounts are overdue, send Fletcher & Gill:
• your company name
• Companies House registration number
• accounting year-end
• approximate state of your bookkeeping
• details of your existing or previous accountant
We can then discuss the outstanding work and the next steps.
Get Help With Overdue Company Accounts in Leeds
If your accounts are late, the best time to start dealing with them is now.
Speak to Fletcher & Gill about overdue company accounts, late filings and bringing your company accounting records back up to date.
Speak to Fletcher & Gill about overdue company accounts, late filings and bringing your company accounting records back up to date.
Phone
07596355888
Email
info@FletcherGill.co.uk