What does my accountant need to do for my limited company each year — and what am I paying for?
Direct Answer
A limited company accountant handles six core obligations every year: (1) annual accounts filed at Companies House, (2) corporation tax return (CT600) to HMRC, (3) your personal Self Assessment tax return, (4) confirmation statement at Companies House, (5) VAT returns (quarterly if applicable), and (6) payroll and RTI submissions. Missing any of these has automatic financial penalties. Most contractors pay £70–£130/month for all of this included in a fixed monthly fee.
The six core annual obligations
Annual Accounts — Companies House 9 months after year end
Statutory accounts showing profit/loss and balance sheet. Late filing penalty starts at £150, escalating to £1,500 for over 6 months late.
Corporation Tax Return (CT600) — HMRC 12 months after year end
Reports your taxable profits to HMRC. Corporation tax payment is due 9 months and 1 day after year end — earlier than the CT600 filing deadline.
Personal Self Assessment Tax Return 31 January
Reports your salary, dividends, and any other income. Tax year: 6 April to 5 April. Payment also due 31 January (plus payments on account in July).
Confirmation Statement — Companies House Within 14 days of anniversary
Confirms your company's registered details are correct. Fee: £34 online. Not the same as annual accounts — a separate, simpler filing.
VAT Returns (if VAT registered) 1 month + 7 days after quarter
Usually quarterly, submitted online via MTD-compatible software. Points-based penalty system — accumulate 4 points = £200 fine.
Payroll and RTI On/before each pay date
Real Time Information (RTI) Full Payment Submission to HMRC each time you run payroll. Year-end P60 issued to all employees by 31 May.
Deadlines at a glance
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Corporation tax payment | 9 months + 1 day after year end |
| Annual accounts (Companies House) | 9 months after year end |
| CT600 (HMRC) | 12 months after year end |
| Confirmation statement | Within 14 days of anniversary |
| Self Assessment filing | 31 January |
| Self Assessment payment | 31 January + 31 July (payments on account) |
| P60 to employees | By 31 May |
| VAT return | 1 month 7 days after quarter end |
What should be included in a monthly fee?
Standard inclusions (£70–£130/month)
Annual accounts preparation and filing
CT600 preparation and filing
Self Assessment tax return (director)
Confirmation statement
Payroll for 1 director
Software licence (FreeAgent/Xero)
Unlimited email queries
Usually charged as extras
Additional employees on payroll
VAT return preparation (+£20–£30/month)
IR35 contract reviews
Company formation
P11D (benefits in kind reporting)
Why it matters who you use
Unqualified "accountants" can file returns legally in the UK — no qualification is required by law.
Look for ACCA, ACA/ICAEW, or CIMA qualified firms — regulated and insured.
Niche contractor accountants know IR35, dividends, and contractor-specific rules far better than general bookkeepers.
Now you know what you should be getting.
Autobooks includes all six obligations in our fixed monthly fee. No surprises, no extras. From £89+VAT/month.