How to send accounts to Companies House

The United Kingdom Companies Act 2006 sets out the rules and regulations relating to the filing of accounts at Companies House. All UK companies, whatever their size and status (public or private), are required by law, under the Companies Act 2006, to send accounts to Companies House each year. If you send your accounts late, automatic penalties apply: private company from £150 to £1,500, public company from £750 to £7,500. These can be doubled if you send your accounts late the subsequent year. To avoid these penalties, ensure your accounts are ready on time and you know how to send them to Companies House.

Send your accounts to the Companies House using the UK Companies House web filing system (see Resources). It's the quickest, easiest and most secure method.

Read the welcome page then click "Continue." If you are already registered for web filing, enter your e-mail address and login details and then click "Sign In." Otherwise, click "Register" to register for web filing.

Complete section one of the registration form. Click "Continue To Step Two." Enter your UK company registration number, then click "Continue To Step Three." Complete the final registration page and click "Submit." Registration is complete.

Follow the online instructions on how to upload your accounts. Ensure you complete each step carefully, otherwise your accounts may be rejected.

Click "File Accounts" to send your accounts directly to Companies House. You will receive confirmation that delivery is successful.

Choose the most convenient way to send your accounts to Companies House: via mail service or attend in person. There are three UK locations where you can attend in person -- London, Edinburgh or Cardiff. The two mailing addresses are Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Go to your chosen location with your accounts if you're attending in person. The addresses are England, Companies House Executive Agency, 21 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3XD; Wales, Companies House, Crown Way, Maindy, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ; Scotland, Companies House, Fourth Floor, Edinburgh Quay 2, 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9FF.

You can usually deliver accounts to Companies House at any time including outside office hours and weekends. You need to get a receipt so be sure to take an extra copy of your covering letter and a prepaid envelope with you, and your receipt will be mailed to you.

Mail your accounts to your nearest Companies House if it's more convenient. Ensure you enclose a copy of your covering letter and a prepaid envelope with your accounts, otherwise you will not get a receipt.

If your company is registered in England or Wales send to Companies House, Crown Way, Maindy, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.

If your company is registered in Scotland send to Companies House, Fourth Floor, Edinburgh Quay 2, 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9FF.