Key Deadlines Every Limited Company Director Must Know
If you run a limited company, your diary is just as important as your accounts. Missing key dates can lead to penalties, interest, and unwanted attention from HMRC or Companies House.
These deadlines are not optional. They are part of your legal responsibilities as a director, and staying on top of them keeps your business compliant and avoids needless stress.
Here are the dates every UK company director needs to know and track properly.
Company Year End (Accounting Reference Date)
Your year end is the foundation for all other deadlines.
It marks the end of your financial year, and everything from accounts to corporation tax is based on this date.
If you are unsure what your year end is, you can find it on Companies House or ask your accountant.
Annual Accounts Deadline
Your limited company must file statutory accounts with Companies House within 9 months of your year end.
If you file late, Companies House will issue automatic penalties. These increase quickly depending on how overdue the accounts are, and late filing can create long-term compliance issues.
Corporation Tax Payment Deadline
Your corporation tax must be paid 9 months and 1 day after your year end.
Interest begins to apply immediately if you miss this date. Even if your return is not filed yet, the tax still needs to be paid.
Corporation Tax Return (CT600) Filing Deadline
You must file your CT600 within 12 months of your year end.
Missing this deadline can lead to penalties and may prompt HMRC to open enquiries into your company tax affairs.
Confirmation Statement
Every limited company must file a Confirmation Statement at least once every 12 months.
It is a simple filing that updates Companies House on your:
Shareholders
Registered address
Officers
People with significant control
It may be simple, but it is still compulsory.
Director Self Assessment Tax Return
If you take dividends or earn income outside PAYE, you must file a Self Assessment tax return by 31 January each year.
This applies to most company directors. Failing to file leads to instant penalties, even if you owe no tax.
Payments on Account (if applicable)
If your previous Self Assessment tax bill was over £1,000, HMRC may require advance payments for next year’s bill.
These are due:
31 January
31 July
Missing them leads to interest charges and can make the following year’s bill more stressful.
PAYE and Payroll Deadlines
If your company runs payroll, there are several dates to keep in mind.
Monthly PAYE payments must reach HMRC by the 22nd of each month (19th if paying by post).
RTI submissions must be sent on or before payday.
Late payroll submissions can trigger penalties and increase scrutiny.
P11D and Benefits Reporting
If you or your employees receive benefits in kind, you must file P11Ds by 6 July each year and pay any associated Class 1A National Insurance by 22 July.
Missing these deadlines creates tax issues that can affect both the company and the individuals receiving the benefits.
VAT Returns (if VAT registered)
VAT returns are usually filed quarterly.
Each return must be submitted no later than 1 month and 7 days after the end of your VAT quarter.
Late VAT submissions can lead to interest charges and, under the new penalty system, points that eventually add up to a fine.
Autumn Budget and Spring Statement
These are not formal deadlines but essential events for directors.
Each announcement can bring tax changes that affect:
Dividends
Corporation tax
VAT
Business reliefs
Allowances
Staying informed means you can plan ahead and adjust your strategy early.
Dividend Paperwork
Every time your company pays a dividend, you must produce:
Board meeting minutes
A dividend voucher
These records must be stored safely and made available if HMRC ever reviews your company.
Skipping the paperwork can cause problems during tax enquiries, especially with the new dividend reporting rules coming in.
The Bottom Line
Running a limited company comes with responsibilities, and knowing your deadlines is one of the most important parts of staying compliant.
When you stay ahead of these dates, you avoid penalties, protect your company’s reputation, and stay in control of your finances.
If you want help managing these deadlines, staying compliant, or planning ahead for the next financial year, send us a message. We are here to make the process simple and stress free.
Meet Lewis
Lewis is a professional accountant and founder of Rhombus Accounting. He regularly shares his knowledge and best advice here on his blog and on other channels such as LinkedIn.
Book a call today to learn more about what Lewis and Rhombus Accounting can do for you.
