UK Limited-Company Accounting Guide
Understand the records, accounts and recurring compliance tasks of a UK private limited company.
Quick answer
A limited company must maintain accounting and company records, prepare annual accounts, meet Companies House obligations and handle Corporation Tax requirements with HMRC.
Records to maintain
- Sales, purchases, expenses and bank transactions.
- Assets, liabilities, stock and financing records.
- Payroll and director transaction records.
- Share, officer and statutory company information.
- Supporting documents and reconciliations.
Recurring workflow
- Reconcile accounts monthly and review director or shareholder balances.
- Prepare year-end accounts from clean ledgers.
- Submit accounts and confirmation information by the relevant deadlines.
- Prepare and file the Company Tax Return and pay Corporation Tax.
- Retain records for the required period.
Director responsibility
Directors remain responsible for records and filings even when an accountant prepares them. Review submissions, keep access to source documents and monitor deadlines in a shared compliance calendar.
Educational information only: Rules and thresholds can change. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before acting.
