Accounts, tax and compliance for UK and US businesses

Dormant company accounts and filings

A company that is not trading can still owe accounts and a confirmation statement. We prepare and file them so the company stays in good standing and no penalties build up.

What's included

Dormant accounts

Short-form accounts for a company with no significant accounting transactions in the period.

Dormancy check

We confirm the company really was dormant, since some transactions end dormancy and others, such as Companies House fees, do not.

Confirmation statement

Filed on time, with any changes to directors, shareholders or addresses reported.

HMRC position

We check what HMRC expects, so no return or notice is missed while the company is quiet.

Restarting

When the company begins trading, we help with the move from dormant to trading accounts and with registering for the taxes that apply.

Deadline tracking

Accounting dates watched for you, so nothing lapses.

Who this is for

Companies waiting to start trading

Set up for a future business and not yet active.

Holding and name-protection companies

Kept in place for a brand, an asset or later use.

Companies that have stopped trading

Not closed yet, and still required to file.

What we need from you

Send what you have. If anything is missing, we tell you exactly what to send.

  • The company number and Companies House authentication code
  • Confirmation that there was no trading or other significant transaction in the period
  • Bank statements, if the company has a bank account
  • Names of the current directors and shareholders

Common questions

Straight answers to what clients usually ask about this service.

Does a dormant company have to file accounts?

Yes. A dormant company still files annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House. The accounts are shorter than trading accounts, but the deadline is the same.

What happens if I ignore a dormant company?

Late filing penalties are charged automatically, and repeated failure to file can lead to Companies House starting strike-off action. The directors remain responsible even when there is no activity.

Would it be better to close the company?

It depends on whether you plan to use it again. If not, closing it can be simpler than filing every year. We can walk you through the options and what each involves.

Need help with Dormant company accounts?

Tell us about your situation and we will reply within one business day with a clear quote, or the questions we need answered first.

Response timeWithin one business day