Important: FilingFriend provides general informational guidance about UK filing requirements. It does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Always confirm requirements with HMRC or Companies House.
The four dates most directors need to separate clearly
A private limited company usually has to file annual accounts with Companies House, file a confirmation statement, pay Corporation Tax, and file a Company Tax Return with HMRC.
The payment deadline for Corporation Tax usually arrives before the Company Tax Return deadline. That is one of the most common points of confusion for new directors.
Your year end and statement date drive the calendar
Annual accounts are generally due 9 months after your company financial year ends. Corporation Tax is normally due 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period for Corporation Tax, while the return is normally due 12 months after that accounting period ends.
Your confirmation statement is different again. It is linked to your confirmation statement date and must usually be filed at least once every 12 months, within 14 days of the end of the review period.
How to stay in control of the dates
Put the year end, confirmation statement date, and tax payment date into one calendar the day they are set. Then add reminders several weeks earlier so you still have time to finish bookkeeping and gather approvals.
If the company uses an accountant, treat those earlier reminders as your internal handover dates rather than waiting for the legal deadline itself.
Key deadlines
| Action | Deadline | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| File annual accounts with Companies House | Usually 9 months after the company financial year ends | Private companies normally follow this Companies House deadline. |
| Pay Corporation Tax | Usually 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period ends | The payment date often arrives before the tax return filing date. |
| File Company Tax Return | Usually 12 months after the accounting period ends | This is the Corporation Tax return deadline with HMRC. |
| File confirmation statement | At least every 12 months and within 14 days of the review period end | The date is based on the company's confirmation statement date. |
Official references
FAQ
Is the Corporation Tax payment date the same as the return date?
No. HMRC says Corporation Tax is usually due 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period ends, while the Company Tax Return is usually due 12 months after the accounting period ends.
Do dormant companies still have Companies House deadlines?
Dormant companies can still have Companies House filing obligations. Check the official guidance for your company status before assuming a deadline does not apply.
Next step
Keep the main dates visible
Use the FilingFriend calendar as a quick reminder layer, then return to this guide when you need the fuller explanation or official source links.