If you are running a limited company in the UK, you might be wondering: do I need an accountant to file company accounts?
The answer is no. You don’t legally need to hire an accountant to prepare or file your company accounts. A company director can prepare and manage the company’s filing responsibilities themselves, provided the accounts meet the relevant legal and reporting requirements. However, you remain legally responsible to ensure that the company prepares the correct accounts and meets its filing and tax obligations.
If your company has more complicated finances, an accountant can help ensure the company meets its obligations. This guide explains how filing company accounts UK works, current Companies House and HMRC requirements, and whether you need an accountant to file company accounts.
Stop worrying about deadlines and penalties. Our expert accountants file accurately and on time — every time.
What Are Annual Accounts?
Before we delve into “do I need an accountant to file company accounts”, first let’s understand what annual accounts are.
Annual accounts are also known as statutory accounts. In some contexts, they are also known as financial statements. They provide information about a company’s financial performance during its financial year and its financial position at the end of that year.
Annual accounts are prepared from the company’s accounting records and generally cover 12 months. However, a company’s first accounts, or a changed financial year, may cover a different period.
If you are a limited company, you must understand that preparing and filing annual accounts is an important legal requirement. Generally, you need to file your accounts with Companies House. The accounts also provide information used when preparing the company’s Corporation Tax return for HMRC.
However, filing accounts with Companies House and filing a Corporation Tax Return with HMRC are separate obligations.
Do I Need an Accountant to File Company Accounts?
No, appointing an accountant to file your company accounts is not legally required. You can either file your company’s accounts yourself or hire a professional accountant to file them on your behalf.
Can I File Accounts Myself?
If you are confident and know how to file your annual accounts, you can choose to complete your own accounts. However, preparing company accounts can be complex if you are not familiar with current legislation. Mistakes can happen and can lead to penalties or incorrect tax filings, affecting your business.
For this reason, many company directors search for “do I need an accountant to file company accounts”
To avoid any issues in your annual accounts, you can hire an accountant. It is sometimes more cost-effective and time-saving to work with a professional accountant.
Who Do I Submit My Annual Accounts To?
You must provide your annual accounts to the following:
Companies House
Generally, you need to file your annual accounts with Companies House. Dormant companies also need to file their annual accounts with Companies House, although certain exemptions can apply.
HMRC
Companies normally provide their accounts to HMRC as part of the Company Tax Return. However, filing accounts with Companies House and filing a Company Tax Return with HMRC are separate legal obligations and may have different deadlines.
The Companies House accounts and Company Tax Return have separate filing requirements and different filing deadlines.
People often confuse the Company Tax Return with Companies House accounts, but they are different. This is why many directors wonder: do I need an accountant to file company accounts?
Shareholders & Guarantors
You must send a copy of your company’s annual accounts to every member. For a company limited by shares, these are generally the shareholders. For a company limited by guarantee, the members are generally the guarantors.
People Entitled to Attend Annual General Meetings
You must provide accounts to people who are entitled to receive notice of its general meetings.
Note: The exact requirements can vary depending on the type and circumstances of the company.
What is the Deadline For Filing Company Accounts?
After the end of your private limited company’s financial year, you must prepare full annual accounts and a Company Tax Return. Your accounts and tax return must meet deadlines for filing with Companies House and HMRC.
For most private limited companies in the UK, annual accounts must be filed with Companies House within nine months of the end of the company’s financial year.
First-company accounts can have different filing deadlines. If the first accounts cover more than 12 months, a private company will generally have up to 21 months from incorporation to file them. However, different deadlines may apply when the first accounts cover 12 months or less or when the accounting reference date has been changed.
Corporation Tax deadlines are different. Normally, you need to pay your Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period for Corporation Tax ends.
Why I Might Need an Need an Accountant to File Company Accounts?
You can choose to handle the company’s accounting and filing responsibilities yourself. The UK government specifically confirms that company directors can appoint an accountant or other professional to help. However, the director remains legally responsible for the company’s records, accounts and compliance responsibilities.
Whether you should hire an accountant depends on your company’s circumstances. You may find an accountant particularly useful if your company has complicated income or expenditure, employees and payroll, VAT obligations, international transactions, and complicated Corporation Tax issues.
Moreover, you may also need an accountant if your company has more complex accounting requirements or potential audit requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Accountant to File Company Accounts?
To answer the question, “Do I need an accountant to file company accounts?”, let’s look at the benefits they provide:
Working with a qualified accountant can help reduce errors, meet filing deadlines, and deal with HMRC and Companies House where authorised. They may also identify legitimate tax reliefs and allowable expenses that could reduce the company’s tax liability.
Furthermore, professional support can be particularly useful as your company grows or its financial affairs become more complex.
What Are Statutory Accounts vs Management Accounts?
As mentioned above, statutory accounts are mandatory annual financial reports required by UK law for limited companies. On the other hand, management accounts are optional, frequent internal reports used to guide business decisions.
Statutory accounts provide a summary of the company’s financial performance and are designed for external users like lenders and shareholders. In contrast, management accounts are designed for internal use by company directors and managers.
Can I File Company Accounts and My Company Tax Return Online in 2026?
Affter getting an answer to your query “do I need an accountant to file company accounts” you should know the filing methods. You can file your company accounts online, but the process has changed.
From 1 April 2026, the joint HMRC service for filing accounts and a Company Tax Return closed. Now, commercial software is required for online Company Tax Return filing.
What Accounting Records Must a Company Keep?
A limited company must keep accounting records sufficient to show and explain its transactions and disclose its financial position.
These records should include details like:
- Money received and spent by the company
- The company’s assets and liabilities
- Details of goods bought and sold, where applicable
- Stock records (if the company’s business involves dealing in goods)
- Supporting documents needed to prepare the company’s accounts and tax calculations
How Long Should Company Records be Kept?
Under company law, private companies must keep accounting records for at least 3 years from the date they are made. Public companies, however, generally keep them for at least 6 years. However, Corporation Tax rules may require company records to be retained for longer.
HMRC generally requires records to be kept for 6 years from the end of the relevant company financial year, with longer retention periods applying in certain circumstances.
From bookkeeping to VAT returns, we manage it all so you can focus on growing your business.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the answer to your question “do I need an accountant to file company accounts?” is no. You are not legally bound to hire an accountant to file your company accounts. If your limited company has straightforward financial matters, you may be able to prepare and file your accounts yourself.
However, if you have complex accounts, Corporation Tax matters, or filing requirements and you are unsure about them, getting professional advice can be helpful. But you need to maintain proper records, understand the accounting requirements, and meet the separate Companies House and HMRC obligations.
At Cheap Accountants In London, we have experienced accountants who can help you remain compliant while optimising your tax position and reducing stress.
So, if you need help preparing and filing your company accounts, contact us today!