Our Guide to the "Old" Annual Return

In 2016, the Companies House Annual Return was replaced by the new Confirmation Statement

This web page continues to display information regarding the former Annual Return.

More details from GOV.UK:
Confirmation Statement / Annual Return

Former Annual Return Main Points

• The Annual Return was a once-a-year confirmation of the company's Shareholders, Directors, Share Capital and Registered Office.

• The Annual Return was filed online with a fee of £13.

• Company Directors were responsible for filing the Annual Return, although frequently they appoint the company's accountants to file it.

• The Annual Return was not the Annual Accounts.

• The Annual Return included a declaration of the company's SIC Code.

Annual Return Due Date

The Annual Return had to be delivered to Companies House within 28 days of:
• the anniversary of incorporation of a company, or
• the anniversary of the made-up date of the last annual return.

Companies House Webfiling

The Annual Return was filed by Companies House Webfiling.

Annual Return - Late Filing - No Penalty

There was no "routine" late filing penalty if the Annual Return is filed late.

If the Annual Return was not filed at all, Companies House may prosecute the company and its Directors and may strike off the company.

Please note that there are penalties if the Statutory Accounts or Corporation Tax Returns are filed late.

Links to more information

Companies House: Annual Return

Companies House: Annual Return - more details