If your company has been inactive all year with no accounting transactions, dormant filing is your straightforward, compliant solution. One fixed price covers everything from preparation through Companies House submission.
Complete dormant company filing service with no hidden costs
For inactive companies with no transactions
Understanding Companies House dormant status requirements
Understanding the significant differences in compliance requirements
| Requirement | Dormant Company | Active Company |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Preparation | Abridged dormant accounts (2 pages) | Full accounts with P&L, balance sheet, notes |
| iXBRL Complexity | Minimal tagging (dormant taxonomy) | Extensive tagging (full taxonomy) |
| Directors' Report | Not required | Usually required |
| Profit & Loss Account | Not required | Required |
| Accounting Notes | Not required | Required |
| Corporation Tax Return | CT600AA (simplified dormant form) | CT600 (full return with computations) |
| HMRC Deadline | 12 months after period end | 12 months after period end |
| Companies House Deadline | 9 months after period end | 9 months after period end |
| Audit Requirement | Exempt | Exempt if qualifying (most SMEs) |
| Typical Cost | £300 | £595 - £1,800+ |
Real-world situations where dormant filing is the right choice
Company incorporated for future business but hasn't started trading yet. Common for property purchases, IP holding.
Business ceased trading temporarily due to market conditions, personal circumstances, or strategic pause.
Company holds property, IP, or investments with no transactions during year. Asset values unchanged.
Previous business wound down but company retained for potential new venture or strategic flexibility.
What happens when your company starts trading again
Inform Companies House within 3 months of first transaction using Form AA02. No fee required. Can be done online via Companies House WebFiling.
Register for Corporation Tax if not already active. If previously dormant for tax, HMRC needs notification within 3 months of starting to trade. Government Gateway required.
Following year accounts must be full format, not dormant. Move to appropriate single entity or group pricing tier based on turnover and complexity.
How dormant filing compares to other company types
Optional extras for complete compliance and planning
Annual Companies House update confirming company details, shareholders, directors, PSCs. Required even when dormant.
Professional UK address for Companies House registration. Mail forwarding and scanning. Ideal for dormant companies without physical office.
Close company permanently via DS01 strike-off application. Alternative to ongoing dormant filings. Consult on closure implications first.
Common queries about dormant filing and company status
Yes, you can maintain a bank account, but any interest earned means you're no longer dormant for tax purposes (though still dormant for Companies House). Banks may charge fees, and these must be accounted for. If you earn even £1 interest, you must file a CT600 instead of CT600AA with HMRC. Many dormant companies keep accounts with zero balance or in directors' personal names to avoid this issue. Consider closing unused accounts to maintain clear dormant status.
Yes, absolutely. You must stay compliant with all filing requirements right up until Companies House officially dissolves your company (typically 3 months after DS01 application). Missing deadlines during dissolution process results in late filing penalties even if company is being closed. If your accounts deadline falls during the dissolution period, you still must file. Only once the company is struck off the register does the obligation cease. Many directors incorrectly assume applying for dissolution removes filing duties—it doesn't. We recommend completing all outstanding filings before starting dissolution to avoid penalties.
This is a serious compliance breach. Companies House may reject the filing and require full accounts, potentially triggering late filing penalties (£150-£1,500). HMRC may investigate and assess tax based on estimated profits, plus interest and penalties. Directors can face personal liability for knowingly filing incorrect accounts. If discovered later, you may need to file revised accounts at significant cost. Always be completely honest about company activity. If there's any doubt about whether transactions disqualify dormant status, file full accounts to be safe. The cost difference is minimal compared to penalties and reputational damage from incorrect filing.
There's no legal limit—companies can remain dormant indefinitely as long as you continue filing dormant accounts annually and maintain your confirmation statement. Some companies stay dormant for decades holding property or IP rights. However, if dormant for several years with no prospect of trading, consider whether dissolution makes more sense to avoid ongoing compliance costs (minimum £300/year for dormant filing + £88/year confirmation statement + any registered office fees). Also be aware that banks may close dormant company accounts after prolonged inactivity. Companies House won't automatically strike off a dormant company provided you keep filing, but they will if you miss deadlines.
Abridged accounts, iXBRL tagging, Companies House submission, and CT600AA guidance. Fast 3-5 day turnaround with full email support.
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