Company Formation FAQ - Annual Return

What is an annual return?

An annual return is a snapshot of certain company information at the made-up date. It is a separate document from a company's annual accounts. An annual return must contain the following information: -

• The name of the company;
• Its registered number;
• The date to which the annual return is made-up (the made-up date);
• The principal business activities of the company;
• The type of company it is, for example, private or public;
• The registered office address of the company;
• The address (single alternate inspection location - SAIL) where the company keeps certain company records if not at the registered office, and those records held there;
• The details of the company secretary (corporate or individual), where applicable; and
• The details of all the company's directors (corporate or individual).

If the company has share capital, the annual return must also contain: -

• A marker to indicate whether the company was a 'Traded company' at any time during the return period;
• A statement of capital; and
• Details of the shareholders.

What is the made-up date?

This is the date at which all the information in an annual return must be correct. The made-up date is usually the anniversary of: -

• The incorporation of the company; or
• The made-up date of the previous annual return registered at Companies House.

Where can I get an annual return?

Companies House and Coddan CPM Ltd will send a letter to your company's registered office to remind you when your annual return is due. It advises on how to file the form electronically by using our Software Filing or WebFiling services, as this is the easiest and cheapest option.

Which companies must send an annual return to Companies House?

Every company must deliver an annual return to Companies House at least once every 12 months. The company's director(s) and the secretary (where applicable), are responsible for ensuring that they deliver the annual return to Companies House within 28 days after the anniversary of incorporation of a company or of the anniversary of the made-up date of the last annual return.

If you do not deliver the company's annual return, the Registrar might assume that the company is no longer carrying on business or in operation and take steps to strike it from the register.

Remember: It is a criminal offence not to deliver the company's annual return within 28 days of the made-up date, for which Companies House may prosecute the company and its officers.