What is Companies House?

If you’ve ever looked into starting a business in the UK, chances are you’ve come across the name Companies House. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important for limited companies?

Understanding how Companies House works is just one part of managing a limited company properly. From incorporation to confirmation statements and annual accounts, directors have a legal obligation to ensure filings are correct and submitted on time. Our team of limited company accountants supports business owners at every stage—from setting up a new company to ongoing compliance and year-end reporting. We’ll make sure your accounts are accurate, deadlines are never missed, and your company remains in good standing with both Companies House and HMRC.

In this article, we’ll explain what Companies House is, what it does, who needs to deal with it, and how it fits into the wider legal and financial obligations of running a business in the UK. Whether you're a new entrepreneur, a sole trader considering incorporation, or a director of an existing limited company, understanding the role of Companies House is essential.

What is Companies House?

Companies House is the official registrar of companies in the United Kingdom. It is an executive agency of the UK Government, operating under the Department for Business and Trade. Its primary function is to incorporate and dissolve companies, and to maintain a public register of company information that is accessible to anyone.

When you register a company in the UK, whether it's limited by shares, limited by guarantee, or an LLP, you do so through Companies House. It provides the legal framework for setting up, managing, and closing down companies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the UK business environment.

What Does Companies House Do?

Companies House has several key responsibilities, including:

• Registering new companies in England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland

• Maintaining public records of company information, including directors, shareholders, registered office addresses, and filing history

• Receiving and storing annual filings, such as confirmation statements, company accounts, and changes to key company details

• Dissolving companies that are no longer active or have failed to meet their filing obligations

• Providing free online access to company records so that investors, creditors, and members of the public can view essential company data

This centralised register is a cornerstone of business transparency in the UK.

Who Needs to Deal With Companies House?

If you operate as a limited company (Ltd), a limited liability partnership (LLP), or a public limited company (PLC), you are legally required to interact with Companies House. This includes:

• Submitting your Confirmation Statement annually

• Filing annual accounts

• Notifying Companies House of any changes to directors, registered office address, or share structure

• Informing them of company name changes or a decision to close the company

If you’re a sole trader, you do not need to register with Companies House, as you are not running a separate legal entity.

Is Companies House the Same as HMRC?

No, Companies House and HMRC are two different government bodies, although they often work together.

• Companies House handles company formation, public records, and regulatory compliance

• HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) handles tax matters, including Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE

After you register your company with Companies House, HMRC will usually be notified automatically, and your company will be set up for Corporation Tax.

However, you may still need to register separately for VAT, PAYE, or Self Assessment if relevant.

What Information is Public on Companies House?

One of the unique aspects of Companies House is that most of the information it collects is publicly available. This includes:

• Company name and number

• Registered office address

• Director names and service addresses

• Shareholder details

• Filing history (accounts, confirmation statements, changes)

• Insolvency notices or dissolution dates

This helps foster trust in the UK business environment by allowing customers, suppliers, and lenders to check the legitimacy of a company before working with it.

How Much Does It Cost to Register with Companies House?

The cost depends on how you register:

• Online incorporation (via Companies House or a formation agent): £12

• Paper registration by post: £40

• Same-day registration (by paper): £100

Annual filings, such as the Confirmation Statement, currently cost £13 online or £40 by post.

What Happens if You Don’t File?

Failure to file documents with Companies House on time can have serious consequences. These include:

• Fines for late submission of annual accounts (starting at £150 and increasing with time)

• Striking off the company from the register if filings are persistently missed

• Legal action against directors who fail to meet their statutory obligations

In extreme cases, failure to comply can result in a director being disqualified from running companies in the future.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you set up a limited company on 1 June 2024. Companies House will expect you to file your first Confirmation Statement by 1 July 2025, and your first set of company accounts no later than 28 February 2026 (assuming a 12-month financial year ending 30 June 2025).

Miss either deadline, and Companies House may issue fines or begin the process of striking off your company from the register.

Final Thoughts

Companies House plays a vital role in maintaining the UK’s business landscape. If you operate a limited company, it’s your responsibility to keep your records up to date and comply with all filing requirements.

By understanding how Companies House works and staying on top of your obligations, you can avoid unnecessary penalties, build business credibility, and keep your company in good legal standing.

For smaller businesses and single-director companies, it can be easy to overlook the administrative side of running a limited company. But mistakes like missing a confirmation statement or failing to report a director change can lead to penalties or even dissolution. Our small company accountant service is designed for micro-businesses and start-ups that want peace of mind without unnecessary complexity. We’ll take care of your Companies House obligations in the background, so you can focus on building your business with confidence.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.

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