31/10/2025
Lately, I’ve been helping a few of company directors who set up a *limited company*, didn’t appoint an accountant, and thought they could handle the filings themselves.
Two common (and costly) scenarios keep coming up:
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*1️⃣ The “Dormant” Company.
- Director filed *dormant accounts* to Companies House.
- Thought no tax return was due to HMRC.
- Fast forward nearly 2 years — they received *penalties for TWO missed CT600s* (because the first year is split into two tax periods).
- Now they’re paying *£400+ in penalties*, plus accountant fees to clean it up and submit the CT600.
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*2️⃣ A Few Transactions? Still Not Dormant*
- Another director submitted *non-dormant accounts* with minor transactions — no big deal, right?
- But skipped the CT600 completely.
- HMRC sent a *penalty notice + estimated tax bill* totalling *£1,400*.
- I’m now preparing revised accounts and filing overdue CT600s to reduce the damage.
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💡 *Key Takeaway:*
Filing with Companies House is only *part* of your responsibility.
HMRC expects *corporation tax returns (CT600)* — even with no profit or low activity.
Without proper guidance, a small oversight can turn into a big expense.
*If you're unsure, speak to a professional early. It'll save you time, stress, and money.*
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