Companies House have made an announcement for any company effected by Covid-19 that is if your company’s accounts are unlikely to be filed on time owing to being affected by Coronavirus then an application can be made to extend the period allowed for filing. If an application is not made and the accounts are filed late then the normal penalty regime would apply, so it is important to make the application ahead of the deadline!
If your company cannot file accounts on time
If COVID-19 has affected your company and you need more time to file your accounts, you should act before your filing deadline.
All companies must send their accounts, reports and confirmation statements to Companies House every year. If a company’s accounts are filed late, the law imposes an automatic penalty.
Your company should take appropriate measures to make sure accounts are filed on time. You should also file your accounts online if you’re able to.
If, immediately before the filing deadline, it becomes apparent that accounts will not be filed on time due to your company being affected by COVID-19, you may make an application to extend the period allowed for filing.
Late filing penalties
If you do not apply for an extension and your accounts have been filed late, an automatic penalty will be imposed. The registrar has very limited discretion not to collect a penalty.
Each appeal is treated on a case-by-case basis, and Companies House already has policies in place to deal with appeals based upon unforeseen poor health. Appeals based upon COVID-19 will be considered under these policies.
Applying for more time to file your company’s accounts
When to apply
You can apply to extend your accounts deadline if you cannot send your accounts because of an event that’s outside of your control – for example, because of an unexpected illness or if a fire has destroyed company records a few days before your filing deadline.
You must apply for the extension before your filing deadline.
How to apply
You can apply to extend your accounts filing deadline online.
To apply online you’ll need:
• your company number
• information about why you need more time
• any documents to support your applications
Applying by post
You can write to Companies House to apply for an extension. You must send your complete application to the office where the company is registered.
You’ll need to include:
• the reasons for the extension, in as much detail as possible
• your company number
• an email address
• any documents that support your application (optional)
Companies House England and Wales
Crown Way
Cardiff
CF14 3UZ
DX 33050 Cardiff
Companies House Scotland
4th Floor
Edinburgh Quay 2
139 Fountainbridge
Edinburgh
EH3 9FF
DX ED235 Edinburgh 1
Companies House Northern Ireland
2nd Floor
The Linenhall
32-38 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BG
DX481 N.R. Belfast 1
What happens next
Companies House will review your application and make a decision about your extension request. Accepted applications normally receive an extension of 30 days.
It’s important that you file your accounts by the due date if possible. You should not wait for a decision about your extension request.
Companies House will contact you by email within 5 working days to tell you if your application has been successful or not. They may also contact you if they need more information.
If it is agreed to extend your filing deadline, you must file your accounts before the new due date or the company will get a late filing penalty.
Please note this will not change the due dates for your future accounts.
If you are in need of help with this SRC-Time can sort this out for you. Please contact the office on 01273 326 556 or email your account manager who will be able to assist with the extension request. Alternatively drop us an email at info@src-time.co.uk
Here at SRC-Time, we will endeavour to keep you updated with all the latest information regarding financial aid at this testing time. Please note that the Government makes fresh announcements every day so please ensure that you have the latest information.
SRC-Time Ltd
2nd Floor
Stanford Gate
South Road
Brighton
BN1 6SB
T: +44 (0) 1273 326 556
F: +44 (0) 1273 733 827
E: info@src-time.co.uk
