How to make the HMRC Annual Return easy work

How to make the HMRC Annual Return easy work

When you see the HM Revenue & Customs or Companies House brand at the top of a letterhead, do you get shivers down your spine?

If you do, you are certainly not alone.

We often get calls where clients phone us up in a panic after receiving an ‘Annual Return Reminder’.

What is an Annual Return?

The annual return is not referring to the accounts as such, but a form that can be submitted online or hard copy via the post, which basically confirms any changes to the shareholders, directors and registered office.

In normal circumstances, nothing will have changed and it is a relatively simple task.  You have to complete it every year and it is on the anniversary of the incorporation date.  You have 28 days to complete it. You can check out the date by looking your company up on the Companies House website – which is free.

Why not put a reminder in your diary or calendar system now?

Annual return fines

It may well seem a little OTT for Companies House to send out a letter reminding the company of an annual return threatening fines of £5,000 for non-compliance. 

Actually, we have known no company fined for late submission of an annual return but we have known plenty where they haven’t filed the company accounts on time; this misdemeanour carries fines of £150, £375 or £750, depending on how late you are.

If you need any help just ask, but it is relatively easy and straightforward to file the annual return online - the cost is £13.00 for an online filing (£40.00 if hard copy via post).

So if you do get a letter like this, or any other HMRC letter for that matter – don’t panic, give us a call a call on 01902 837 408 or request a free of charge call back from our website.

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