Do Dormant Companies Need to File Accounts? (Official Answer) - (updated March 2026)
Yes — dormant companies must file annual accounts with Companies House every year, even if the company has never traded, has no income, no expenses, and zero activity.
Updated March 2026: Dormant companies file simplified dormant accounts (a basic balance sheet only) within 9 months of their accounting reference date (or 21 months for first accounts). Failure to file triggers automatic late filing penalties starting at £150, rising to £1,500, and can ultimately lead to the company being struck off the register.
At Filing Accounts, we specialise in dormant accounts filing for UK limited companies. We handle everything quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with the latest Companies House rules (including director ID verification). Contact us today for a fast, fixed-price quote and peace of mind.
What Is a Dormant Company According to Companies House?
Companies House defines a company as dormant if it has had no “significant” accounting transactions during the financial year.
Significant transactions do NOT include:
- Filing fees or penalties paid to Companies House
- Money paid for shares on incorporation
- Late filing penalties
This is different from HMRC’s definition of dormant for Corporation Tax purposes (which may allow you to skip the CT600 return).
Important 2026 note: Even if your company is dormant for both Companies House and HMRC, you still have filing obligations with Companies House.
Do Dormant Companies Need to File Accounts? (Official Answer)
Yes. Official GOV.UK guidance is crystal clear:
“All companies must file annual accounts with Companies House. This includes dormant companies.”
You cannot avoid this requirement simply because the company is inactive.
What Must Dormant Companies File in 2026?
| Filing Requirement | What It Is | Deadline (2026) | Cost (Digital) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dormant Company Accounts | Simplified balance sheet only | 9 months after ARD (21 months first year) | Free | Online template via WebFiling |
| Confirmation Statement (CS01) | Updates directors, shareholders, PSC | Within 14 days of review period (annual) | £50 | Must include verified director ID |
| Corporation Tax Return | Usually not required if truly dormant | N/A (notify HMRC of dormancy) | N/A | Confirm status with HMRC |
Key change in 2026: From 1 April 2026, accounts and CT returns are filed separately (the old joint service has closed).
Step-by-Step: How to File Dormant Accounts with Companies House in 2026
- Confirm your company qualifies as dormant Review your records — no significant transactions in the year.
- Check director ID verification status All directors and PSCs must be verified (mandatory since November 2025). If not verified, your filing will be rejected.
- Prepare the dormant accounts
- Simple balance sheet (usually shows only share capital).
- No profit & loss account or detailed notes required.
- Directors’ statement confirming dormancy and exemption from audit.
- File online via Companies House WebFiling
- Log in with your authentication code.
- Select “Dormant company accounts”.
- Upload or complete the online template.
- Submit before the deadline.
- File your Confirmation Statement (CS01) at the same time or separately.
- Notify HMRC (if needed) Tell HMRC your company is dormant so they don’t expect a CT600.
Pro tip: Filing dormant accounts is quick and free when done correctly online — but many directors still miss deadlines or make small errors that trigger penalties.
Deadlines & Penalties for Dormant Accounts Filing
| How Late | Penalty (Private Company) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 |
| 1–3 months | £375 |
| 3–6 months | £750 |
| Over 6 months | £1,500 |
Penalties double if you’re late two years in a row. Repeated failure can lead to compulsory strike-off.
Official source: Companies House late filing penalties guidance
Common Mistakes Directors Make with Dormant Companies
- Thinking “dormant = no filing” — this is the #1 error.
- Forgetting the Confirmation Statement (£50 fee).
- Missing ID verification (filings rejected).
- Not notifying HMRC of dormancy.
- Using paper forms instead of online (slower and error-prone).
Why Use a Professional Service for Dormant Accounts Filing?
While you can do it yourself, using an expert service like Filing Accounts gives you:
- Guaranteed on-time filing
- Full compliance with 2026 ID verification rules
- Peace of mind (no risk of penalties or strike-off)
- Fixed, affordable pricing
We’ve helped hundreds of directors keep their dormant companies in good standing.
What Our Clients Say on Trustpilot
- “Filing Accounts sorted my dormant company accounts in minutes. No stress, no penalties. Brilliant service!” – Anonymous, March 2026 (5 stars)
- “Super quick and professional. Handled everything including CS01 and ID verification. Highly recommend.” – David P., February 2026 (5 stars)
- “Saved me from late filing headaches. Excellent value for dormant accounts.” – Sarah M., January 2026 (5 stars)
Our consistent 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating reflects the trust directors place in us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a full set of accounts if my company is dormant? No — just the simplified dormant accounts (balance sheet only).
What if my dormant company has never traded? You can use the simple online WebFiling template — it’s the easiest option.
Do I still need to file a Confirmation Statement? Yes — every year, regardless of dormancy.
What happens if I don’t file? Automatic penalties + risk of company strike-off.
Can Filing Accounts handle this for me? Absolutely. Get your free quote here.
Official GOV.UK guidance:
Ready to File Your Dormant Accounts Without Stress?
Don’t risk penalties or strike-off. Let Filing Accounts take care of your dormant company filings in 2026 — quickly, compliantly, and affordably.
Contact us today or book a free consultation and we’ll handle everything for you.