CT603 - Notice to deliver a Company Tax Return

[smnpukbmf]

I setup a new Ltd company in the middle of 2024. I shortened the filing date at Companies House to 31st Dec 2024 (so I can have 1st Jan-31st Dec accounting year). Accounts have been filed with Companies House for that six month period.

I've now had a CT603 asking for accounts from 25 MAY 2024 to 24 MAY 2025. From what I understand this is HMRC (not Companies House) - so how do I tell them I want to change my accounting year.

Thanks!

 

[DontAsk]

Talk to your accountant.

 

[Ozzy]

so how do I tell them I want to change my accounting year.

HMRC does not follow Companies House accounting year ends, HMRC follow their own timelines so you will need to file the CT600 as they state. You cannot change the accounting year with HMRC as I understand it.

 

[MikeJ]

Accounting periods for Corporation Tax

Your accounting period for Corporation Tax and Company Tax returns - financial years and accounting periods, changing accounting periods

www.gov.uk

 

[MikeJ]

You'll need to complete that first year's return, then declare again from May-Dec 2025.

 

[MikeJ]

However, you may want to consider following the tax year. It's much simpler that way, as if there's a change in tax rates at the start of a tax year, you'll have to do part of the year at the old rate and the rest at the new rate. Life is much simpler when you go April-April.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I setup a new Ltd company in the middle of 2024. I shortened the filing date at Companies House to 31st Dec 2024 (so I can have 1st Jan-31st Dec accounting year). Accounts have been filed with Companies House for that six month period.

I've now had a CT603 asking for accounts from 25 MAY 2024 to 24 MAY 2025. From what I understand this is HMRC (not Companies House) - so how do I tell them I want to change my accounting year.

Thanks!

A quick call to HMRC will sort that.

HMRC will always assume the first accounting period is for 12 months - if you call them they will amend their records and change the accounting period.

 

[smnpukbmf]

A quick call to HMRC will sort that.

HMRC will always assume the first accounting period is for 12 months - if you call them they will amend their records and change the accounting period.

Ah brilliant Nicola - thank you!

(I have been trying to ring their corporation tax helpline for the last three days and have given up each time after being on hold for 30 mins+!) Will try again next week

 

[DontAsk]

Ah brilliant Nicola - thank you!

(I have been trying to ring their corporation tax helpline for the last three days and have given up each time after being on hold for 30 mins+!) Will try again next week

First thing Monday morning, check when they open.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Ah brilliant Nicola - thank you!

(I have been trying to ring their corporation tax helpline for the last three days and have given up each time after being on hold for 30 mins+!) Will try again next week

You're very welcome

That's sadly quite normal - once you do get to speak to someone you should have it sorted in a few minutes.

 

[Bobbo]

HMRC does not follow Companies House accounting year ends, HMRC follow their own timelines so you will need to file the CT600 as they state. You cannot change the accounting year with HMRC as I understand it.

Absolute rubbish

 

[Ozzy]

Absolute rubbish

Don’t mince your words

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

If your accounts cover less than 12 months​

Your accounting period normally ends on the same day, so will also be shorter than 12 months.

If you use HMRC’s online service to file your Company Tax Return, contact HMRC to update your accounting period dates before you file your return.

If you use accounting software to file your Company Tax Return, enter the new dates for your accounting period before you file your return.

Accounting periods for Corporation Tax

Your accounting period for Corporation Tax and Company Tax returns - financial years and accounting periods, changing accounting periods

www.gov.uk

 

[Daybooks]

HMRC does not follow Companies House accounting year ends, HMRC follow their own timelines so you will need to file the CT600 as they state. You cannot change the accounting year with HMRC as I understand it.

HMRC may wish to do things their way but the accounting period is by reference to the Accounting Reference Date (ARD) at Companies House. Unless changed the year end (ARD) is twelve months from incorporation. That is why HMRC request that period and they are not known for keeping up with Companies House filings. Deadlines ordinarily follow this ARD. If the ARD is shortened then the deadline is based on the new period. The CT600 must then be for the same shortened period.

In circumstances where the ARD is extended such that the first period of account is greater than one year it is worth remembering that a tax return can only be for twelve months so two returns will be required from the one set of accounts. This is achieved normally through time apportionment. Thus in this case the first CT600 will be for the first twelve months as requested by HMRC; the second for the remaining period. The two separate tax liabilities ( I.e. first twelve months and then remaining period ) have their own respective payment date deadlines!


Whilst you can wait an hour or so on the phone trying to speak with HMRC usually filing the returns on time solves the issue (not that there is one). The requirement is for a company to assess its taxes and pay them on time. When the ARD is shortened if you file before its applicable deadline HMRC are forced to play catch up.