Late company accounts trigger automatic Companies House penalties.
For private companies, the current bands rise from £150 to £1,500 as lateness increases. Prevention depends on earlier review and rejection-resolution dates.
Current private-company penalty bands
Companies House guidance updated in January 2026 states that a private company is charged £150 when accounts are no more than one month late, £375 when more than one month but no more than three months late, £750 when more than three but no more than six months late, and £1,500 when more than six months late.
The penalty applies when acceptable accounts arrive late
Starting an upload or generating accounts before the deadline does not complete the statutory filing. Allow time for validation, authorisation, transmission and the resolution of a rejection.
Build a deadline buffer
A practical control schedule separates preparation from the legal cut-off.
- Confirm the deadline directly against the company record
- Request missing records well before accounts preparation
- Set a reviewer completion date
- Obtain director approval before the submission window narrows
- Submit early enough to resolve a technical rejection
Extensions must be obtained before the deadline
Companies House provides a process to apply for more time in certain circumstances. An application is not the same as an approved extension, and the statutory deadline remains controlling unless Companies House grants a new date.
Accounts and tax penalties are separate
A Companies House accounts penalty does not settle an HMRC late-return or late-payment consequence. Keep the accounts, payment and Company Tax Return controls linked but separately evidenced.
Where professional judgement is needed
This guide explains a filing workflow, not the accounting treatment, tax position or legal duties of a particular company. Confirm the applicable accounting framework, reliefs, disclosures and filing obligations against current official guidance and, where needed, a qualified accountant or tax adviser.
FAQ
What is the penalty when private-company accounts are up to one month late?
The current Companies House band is £150.
What is the highest standard private-company band?
Accounts more than six months late currently attract a £1,500 penalty, before considering rules that can increase penalties for repeated lateness.
Does generating accounts before the deadline count as filing?
No. The accounts need to reach Companies House in an acceptable filing.
Can a company apply for more time?
Companies House has an extension process for qualifying circumstances, but the company should apply before the deadline and wait for the official decision.
Official sources
Checked on 2026-08-11. Official guidance takes priority if rules change.
- Late filing penalties from Companies HouseCompanies House
- Preparing and filing Companies House accountsCompanies House