Filling accounts under 12 month before closure

[ktsotr]

Hi, just trying to get some clarifications regarding submission of final accounts when closing company less than 12 months into its current accounting period.

The online web filling service to submit accounts and CT600 does not allow changing of the year end date. Funny enough Company house is telling me no CH submission is required when closing company and accounting period is less than 12 month. Is that even a sound advice?

Will a Paid software allow my final submissions with account period under 12 months without changing Accounting Reference date at Companies house? I tried FreeAgent which comes free with one of company bank accounts but that just throws an error telling me I cant go through year end process under 12 months.

Is the only solution changing the reference date with CH first and then going back through the web filling service for both account and CT600 submissions? Or still require a paid software to open up all pathways that are not exposed in the web filling service?

Thanks

 

[Scalloway]

You could try changing the company year end first.

 

[Ziggy2024]

Companies House is correct. You need to report (& pay) to HMRC any tax due or more likely that no profit has been made therefore there is no tax due then strike the company off if it meets the requirements.

 

[ktsotr]

You could try changing the company year end first.

Yes, looks like the only option

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Funny enough Company house is telling me no CH submission is required when closing company and accounting period is less than 12 month. Is that even a sound advice?

If the company is struck off before the due date of the next accounts yes that's possible. You still need to send HMRC the final accounts and tax return though.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I tried FreeAgent which comes free with one of company bank accounts but that just throws an error telling me I cant go through year end process under 12 months.

I believe you'll need to charge the accounting date with Companies House and amend the date set in FreeAgent but I'd ask FreeAgent support first - they are very good.

 

[Devis Smits]

Accounting software's such as Xero will be able to submit your accounts, just need accountant to act on your behalf, it will cost you in region of £150 though, need help, get in touch!

 

[ktsotr]

I believe you'll need to charge the accounting date with Companies House and amend the date set in FreeAgent but I'd ask FreeAgent support first - they are very good.

I changed the ARD at CH but the Filling service would still not work for once I choose options to file CT600.

I called HMRC Corp tax helpline and was told I also needed to inform them as well but they will sort it out so I should wait 24hrs and the filling service should work.

It was not working 2 days later so decided to try FreeAgent in the end.

Changing the ARD worked and I was able to file accounts & CT600

Thanks all!

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I changed the ARD at CH but the Filling service would still not work for once I choose options to file CT600.

I called HMRC Corp tax helpline and was told I also needed to inform them as well but they will sort it out so I should wait 24hrs and the filling service should work.

It was not working 2 days later so decided to try FreeAgent in the end.

Changing the ARD worked and I was able to file accounts & CT600

Thanks all!

Glad you got it sorted.

 

[GriffithAccts]

When a company is being wound up or is about to be closed, the final accounts will need to cover the period up to the date of cessation. Make sure to notify Companies House and HMRC properly, file any outstanding returns, and ensure that all liabilities (tax, PAYE, VAT) are calculated up to the closure date. Also, keep records for the legally required retention period even after closure. If there are assets to distribute or debtors/creditors still outstanding, these must be accounted for. Getting professional advice ahead of the closure avoids nasty surprises.

Hi, just trying to get some clarifications regarding submission of final accounts when closing company less than 12 months into its current accounting period.

The online web filling service to submit accounts and CT600 does not allow changing of the year end date. Funny enough Company house is telling me no CH submission is required when closing company and accounting period is less than 12 month. Is that even a sound advice?

Will a Paid software allow my final submissions with account period under 12 months without changing Accounting Reference date at Companies house? I tried FreeAgent which comes free with one of company bank accounts but that just throws an error telling me I cant go through year end process under 12 months.

Is the only solution changing the reference date with CH first and then going back through the web filling service for both account and CT600 submissions? Or still require a paid software to open up all pathways that are not exposed in the web filling service?

Thanks

Hi, this trips a lot of people up. Companies House and HMRC don’t always line up:

• CH is right in saying they may not need another set of accounts if you’re under 12 months and already up to date.
• HMRC will still want a final CT600 + accounts up to your cessation date, even if that’s a short period.

The snag is the free filing tools (including FreeAgent) can’t cope with odd year-ends or periods under 12 months. Paid software (TaxCalc, Iris, etc.) or an accountant’s filing software will handle this properly without you needing to change the ARD at Companies House.


So no, you don’t always need to change the reference date — but you will need better software or an accountant to get the final submission through cleanly.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

...

The snag is the free filing tools (including FreeAgent) can’t cope with odd year-ends or periods under 12 months. ..

....

That's what I'd thought previously but I believe FreeAgent does now have an option to change an ARD (and that can be a short or long period) provided its matches Companies House data.