Compliance
The deadlines that catch new UK businesses out
Late filings or payments can lead to penalties. An organised calendar helps new businesses prepare for their responsibilities.
4 August 2026 · 5 min read
Most compliance penalties are not caused by dishonesty or complexity. They are caused by a date passing quietly while an owner is busy running the business. Here is the calendar that matters in your first year.
Companies House
- Confirmation statement: due at least once every 12 months, confirming your company details are correct.
- Annual accounts: due nine months after your accounting reference date (21 months after incorporation for a first set).
- Changes to directors, registered office, shares or people with significant control: notifiable within set periods, usually 14 days.
HMRC
- Corporation tax payment: due nine months and one day after the end of your accounting period.
- Company tax return (CT600): due 12 months after the end of the accounting period, later than the payment, which surprises people.
- Self assessment: register by 5 October after the tax year you started; file and pay by 31 January.
- VAT returns: normally one month and seven days after each quarter ends.
- PAYE: RTI submissions on or before each pay date; payment by the 22nd of the following month if paying electronically.
How to make deadlines a non-event
Put every date in one calendar with a reminder a month ahead, not a week. Keep your bookkeeping current so nothing depends on a last-minute reconstruction. Set money aside for tax as it is earned rather than as it becomes due.
For clients who engage us for administration support, we track the agreed filing deadlines and share reminders. You remain responsible for supplying information, approvals and meeting your obligations.
This article is general information, not advice for your specific circumstances. Check current requirements before acting. Our team can help you understand how the topic relates to your business and agree any support you need.