What Are the Reporting Deadlines for Solicitor Firms

Introduction

Running a law firm means balancing client work with ongoing compliance obligations. The SRA Accounts Rules, anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, and tax reporting requirements all carry strict deadlines.

Understanding what needs to be submitted and when helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures your firm remains in good standing with regulators and tax authorities.

Key reporting deadlines for solicitor firms

1. SRA Accountant’s Report

Solicitor firms that hold or manage client money must obtain an accountant’s report every accounting period. The report must be delivered to the SRA within six months of the end of the firm’s accounting period if it is qualified (meaning breaches have been identified).

If the report is unqualified, it does not need to be submitted, but it must still be prepared and kept on file for at least six years.

Example:
If your firm’s accounting year ends on 31 March 2025, and your report is qualified, you must submit it to the SRA by 30 September 2025.

Firms that do not hold client money or are exempt under Rule 12 of the SRA Accounts Rules are not required to obtain a report.

2. Annual practising certificate renewal

All solicitors and law firms must renew their practising certificates each year during the SRA’s renewal window. This typically runs from October to November, with exact dates announced by the SRA annually.

The renewal includes:

Individual practising certificates for solicitors.

Firm authorisation renewal.

Payment of the SRA’s annual fee and Compensation Fund contribution.

Failure to renew before the deadline can result in practising restrictions or suspension.

3. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance reviews

Under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, firms within scope (such as conveyancing or corporate practices) must:

Conduct a firm-wide risk assessment and keep it updated.

Review AML policies and controls at least annually.

File a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) with the National Crime Agency (NCA) whenever necessary.

While there is no fixed national deadline for AML reviews, the SRA expects firms to maintain continuous compliance and evidence annual reviews as part of internal audits.

4. VAT returns

If your firm is VAT registered, you must submit VAT returns through Making Tax Digital (MTD) software. Most solicitor firms file VAT returns quarterly, with deadlines falling one month and seven days after the end of each VAT period.

Example:
If your VAT quarter ends on 31 March, your VAT return and payment are due by 7 May.

Monthly or annual VAT schemes have different reporting frequencies, but the same one-month-and-seven-day rule applies.

5. Corporation Tax returns

Limited company law firms must file a Corporation Tax return (CT600) each year within 12 months of the end of their accounting period.

The tax itself must be paid nine months and one day after the accounting period ends.

Example:
If your firm’s accounting year ends on 31 December 2024, your Corporation Tax payment is due by 1 October 2025, and your CT600 return must be filed by 31 December 2025.

Partnerships and sole practitioners instead report profits through Self Assessment (see below).

6. Self Assessment for partners and sole practitioners

Partners and sole practitioners must file their Self Assessment tax returns by:

31 October (paper returns).

31 January (online returns) following the end of the tax year.

Tax payments are also due by 31 January, with a second payment on account often required by 31 July.

7. Companies House filing deadlines

If your solicitor firm is incorporated as a limited company, you must also meet Companies House deadlines, including:

Annual accounts within nine months of the accounting year end.

Confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, within 14 days of the review date.

Failure to file on time can result in penalties or the firm being struck off the register.

8. SRA transparency rules and website compliance

Firms must ensure that their website complies with the SRA Transparency Rules, which require clear information about:

Costs and pricing for common services.

Who carries out the work and their qualifications.

Complaints procedures and the firm’s regulatory status.

While there is no single deadline, compliance must be maintained continuously, with reviews carried out at least once a year or whenever services or fees change.

9. Professional indemnity insurance renewal

Solicitor firms must maintain professional indemnity insurance (PII) that meets SRA minimum terms. Most policies renew annually on 1 October, aligning with the common renewal cycle for law firms.

Firms should begin renewal discussions with their broker at least three months before the deadline to avoid lapses in cover, which could lead to serious regulatory consequences.

10. Payroll and PAYE reporting

If your firm employs staff, you must report employee pay and deductions to HMRC through Real Time Information (RTI) each time you run payroll.

In addition, you must submit:

P60 forms by 31 May each year.

P11D forms for employee benefits and expenses by 6 July each year.

All associated PAYE and National Insurance contributions must be paid monthly by the 22nd (or by the 19th if paying by post).

Best practices for managing reporting deadlines

To stay compliant and avoid missing deadlines:

Use practice management software or accounting systems that track submission dates automatically.

Maintain a compliance calendar listing all recurring deadlines.

Assign responsibility for each report to specific individuals (for example, the COFA, COLP, or finance manager).

Conduct quarterly internal audits to ensure all reporting obligations are up to date.

Schedule reminders well before each deadline to allow time for reviews and corrections.

Example scenario

A medium-sized law firm’s accounting year ends on 31 March. Its key reporting deadlines are:

VAT returns: 7 May, 7 August, 7 November, and 7 February.

Accountant’s report (if qualified): 30 September.

Corporation Tax payment: 1 January.

Corporation Tax return: 31 March.

Companies House accounts: 31 December.

Practising certificate renewal: October to November.

By maintaining a calendar and using accounting software, the firm ensures every obligation is met on time.

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing SRA submission deadlines due to poor communication between finance and compliance teams.

Failing to renew professional indemnity insurance before the policy expires.

Forgetting to update VAT or Corporation Tax records when changing accounting periods.

Neglecting to review AML policies annually.

Conclusion

Solicitor firms must meet a range of reporting deadlines each year, covering regulatory, tax, and compliance obligations. While the SRA requires an accountant’s report within six months of the year-end, firms must also manage VAT, tax, and Companies House filings throughout the year.

Establishing a clear compliance timetable, supported by digital tools and regular internal checks, helps avoid late submissions and ensures your firm remains fully compliant with SRA and HMRC requirements. Consistent planning and proactive management keep your practice running smoothly and safeguard its professional reputation.