Dormant Company Accounts & CT600 Filing Made Simple

What are Dormant Company Accounts?

A company is considered dormant if it has ceased to trade and has no significant accounting transactions. This status must be reported to both Companies House and HMRC. Even if a company is dormant, it still has filing obligations to maintain its legal status and avoid penalties. These obligations include filing annual accounts and a Company Tax Return (CT600).

Filing Dormant Company Accounts with Companies House

Companies that are dormant must still file accounts with Companies House each year. The type of accounts required depends on the company's status. Typically, a dormant company will file a confirmation statement and a set of dormant accounts. These accounts are simplified and reflect the company's dormant status, showing no transactions. The deadline for filing dormant accounts is the same as for active companies, usually nine months after the financial year-end.

Dormant Company CT600 Filing with HMRC

Even if a company is dormant and has no taxable profits, it must still submit a Company Tax Return (CT600) to HMRC. This return informs HMRC that the company has been dormant for the entire accounting period. The CT600 for a dormant company will typically show zero income, zero expenses, and zero tax liability. It's crucial to file this return by the deadline to avoid penalties. If the company later becomes active, this dormant status must be formally ended with both Companies House and HMRC.

Key Considerations for Dormant Companies

Maintaining dormant status requires careful adherence to regulations. If a dormant company receives any income or conducts any trading activity, it must immediately inform both Companies House and HMRC. Failure to do so can result in penalties and the company being treated as active, with full filing obligations. It's essential to keep records of the company's dormant status and ensure all filings are made on time.

Manage Your Dormant Company Filings

Taxvie helps you prepare and manage your dormant company accounts and CT600 filings efficiently. Ensure compliance with Companies House and HMRC.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make my company dormant?

To make your company dormant, you must inform both Companies House and HMRC. You will need to file a confirmation statement and a Company Tax Return (CT600) indicating the company's dormant status. Ensure there are no significant accounting transactions before declaring dormancy.

What happens if a dormant company trades?

If a dormant company undertakes any trading activity or receives income, it must immediately notify Companies House and HMRC. The company will then be treated as active, and it will need to comply with all standard filing requirements for active companies, including full accounts and Corporation Tax returns.

What is the deadline for filing dormant company accounts?

The deadline for filing dormant company accounts with Companies House is the same as for active companies, typically nine months after the financial year-end. The CT600 for a dormant company also has a filing deadline, usually 12 months after the end of the accounting period.

Can I file dormant accounts myself?

Yes, you can file dormant company accounts and the CT600 yourself. However, it's important to ensure you understand the requirements and deadlines for both Companies House and HMRC. Using accounting software like Taxvie can help streamline this process and ensure accuracy.

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