What are Companies House late filing penalties?
By DormantFile · Updated 28 March 2026
Companies House charges automatic, fixed penalties when a company files its annual accounts late. There is no grace period and no discretion — the penalty is triggered the day after the deadline.
Penalty amounts (private companies)
| How late | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1 to 3 months | £375 |
| 3 to 6 months | £750 |
| More than 6 months | £1,500 |
Public companies face significantly higher penalties (£750 to £7,500). If you file late in two consecutive years, the penalty doubles. Our free late filing penalty calculator shows your exact figure, including the double-penalty rule.
Why dormant companies get caught out
These penalties apply even if your company is dormant with nothing to report. The filing obligation exists regardless of activity. Many directors forget about the deadline because the company does nothing — and the filing slips their mind.
HMRC also charges separate penalties for late CT600 returns, starting at £100 per day.
How to avoid them
- Know your deadline: accounts are due 9 months after your accounting reference date.
- File early — there is no benefit to waiting.
- Set up reminders. We send automatic email reminders before every deadline — see how it works.
Dormant companies need to file accounts to Companies House and (if registered for Corporation Tax) a CT600 to HMRC. We handle both from £19/year.
Read the full guide: What happens if you don't file your dormant company accounts