At the end of your first year, most companies receive a notice to file a company tax return. Your company must file a Corporation Tax Return if you have received this notice. Failure to do so will result in HMRC issuing with a penalty/fine up to £100. This penalty will increase the longer the CT600 return and company accounts go unfiled. Please see visit our article for further details on penalties and late filings.
I have made loss for this period- do I still need to file?
A common misconception is that you do not have to file a company tax return if your company has made a loss or is not liable for Corporation Tax, but please note that HMRC still requires the filing of the tax return despite this.
What if my company is dormant?
You may have received a notice to file even if your company is registered as dormant. Although dormant status means there is no need to file to HMRC, if you receive a notice to file a company tax return, you will need to file (This is applicable only if you have received a notice to file your company tax returns). You should contact HMRC to advise of your dormant status.
However, please note that Companies House always expects dormant annual accounts and confirmation statements to be filed every year, even if your company is dormant.
What does HMRC expect for a trading company:
HMRC expects a company tax return/s and full company accounts(profit and loss and balance sheet) in IXBRL format for the period.
HMRC will not accept a CT600 Return that is over a period of 12 months, so if you have an extended period (period longer that a year), it is important to note that you will be required to file 2 CT600s to cover the full period, However the Company accounts can cover a period longer than 12 months. This is usually applicable if it is your first of filing.
