Businesses will be given an additional 3 months to file accounts with Companies House to help companies avoid penalties as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.

From today (25 March 2020), businesses will be able to apply for a 3-month extension for filing their accounts.

This joint initiative between the government and Companies House will mean businesses can prioritise managing the impact of Coronavirus.

There are approximately 4.3 million businesses on the Companies House register, and all companies must submit their accounts and reports each year. Under normal circumstances, companies that file accounts late are issued with an automatic penalty.

As part of the agreed measures, while companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues around COVID-19 will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which will take just 15 minutes to complete.

To apply use this link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-more-time-to-file-your-companys-accounts

When to apply

You can apply to extend your accounts deadline if you cannot send your accounts because of an event that’s outside of your control – for example, because of an unexpected illness or if a fire has destroyed company records a few days before your filing deadline.

How to apply

To apply online you’ll need:

• your company number
• information about why you need more time
• any documents to support your applications (optional)

Why are you applying for an extension?

You can add more reasons later

Illness

COVID-19

Accounting issues

I’m applying for another reason

If your application is based on issues around COVID-19, you’ll be automatically and immediately granted a 3 month extension.

Extension reason

COVID-19

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