Limited Company Accountancy

What does a limited company accountant actually do?

They prepare statutory accounts, file the CT600, submit the confirmation statement, and keep the books that those filings rest on. Payroll and VAT are usually extra. They do not replace a registered auditor if you need a statutory audit.

Most owner-managed companies buy a monthly package that covers the year-end bundle plus bookkeeping on cloud software. Ask who actually touches the file — a named accountant, a processing team, or a partner you met once. Authorise them as your HMRC agent so they can see what HMRC sees.

• Annual accounts to Companies House
• CT600 corporation tax return and computation
• Confirmation statement
• VAT and payroll when those are in the letter

Do I need an accountant for a limited company?

It is not a legal requirement. Most directors should hire one for accounts, the CT600 and the confirmation statement. Skip a monthly package only if the company is dormant and you will file on time yourself — and you know those dates.

Corporation tax is due nine months and one day after the period ends; the return is due within 12 months. An accountant who misses those dates costs more than a dearer firm that files. MTD for VAT is already live if you are VAT-registered. HMRC has said it does not intend to introduce MTD for Corporation Tax.

How much does a limited company accountant cost?

Most UK accountants charge £83–£227 per month for a micro limited company on our editorial benchmarks. Annual-only packages typically range from £960–£1,800. VAT and payroll are usually add-ons. Confirm the current quote with the firm.

The low end is a simple owner-managed company on cloud software. The high end is VAT, payroll and several directors. London and the South East often sit 10–20% above regional cities. Compare three written quotes on the same scope — not a monthly headline against an annual one.

What is usually included in a limited company package?

A typical monthly package covers bookkeeping review, year-end accounts, the CT600 and the confirmation statement. VAT returns, payroll, personal self assessment for dividends, and R&D claims are commonly extra. Read the engagement letter, not the website tile.

A director may need a personal Self Assessment return if they have untaxed income or dividends that cannot be handled through a tax code. It is not required solely because someone is a director. Ask whether a return, if needed, is in the company fee or separately quoted. Check what software is included too.

• Usually in: accounts, CT600, confirmation statement, basic bookkeeping
• Often extra: VAT, payroll, director self assessment, R&D, advisory calls

When are Companies House and corporation tax due?

Private company accounts are usually due nine months after the accounting reference date. Corporation tax payment is due nine months and one day after the period ends; the CT600 is due within 12 months. Those are different clocks — missing the payment date costs interest even if the return is still open.

The confirmation statement is due annually. Late accounts penalties start at £150 and can double on repeat offences. Large companies pay corporation tax in quarterly instalments instead of the nine-month date. Confirm current rules on GOV.UK — our dates are from the 17 July 2026 review.

Can I file limited company accounts myself?

Yes, if the company is dormant or very simple — one director, no VAT, no staff, tidy records, and you will hit every deadline. Hire an accountant the moment VAT, payroll, or a director's loan appears. DIY software still has to produce accounts that follow the right standard.

You can switch to an accountant mid-year. Expect a catch-up fee close to a deadline. The new firm should request professional clearance from the old one. A cheap monthly package is usually cheaper than one missed Companies House penalty plus the weekend you spend learning iXBRL.

How should I choose a limited company accountant?

Start with a professional-body register — ICAEW, ACCA, AAT, or ICAS in Scotland — then compare written fees on the same scope. Check who will handle the file, which cloud software they use, and whether VAT and payroll are included. Do not sign until the engagement letter names the filings.

Online and local firms file the same CT600. Pick local if you want meetings; pick online if the quote is cheaper for the same work. Verify membership on the public register — anyone can use the word accountant.

1. Check ICAEW, ACCA, AAT or ICAS for the firm you shortlist
2. Ask for three written quotes covering accounts, CT600 and confirmation statement
3. Confirm VAT, payroll and director self assessment as in or extra
4. Authorise the firm as your HMRC agent only after you have signed

Do I also need a statutory audit?

Almost no small owner-managed company does. For financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025, a private company may be exempt if it has at least two of: turnover no more than £15 million, assets no more than £7.5 million, 50 or fewer employees. Earlier years used £10.2 million / £5.1 million / 50.

Groups, public-interest entities and some regulated businesses still need an audit regardless of size. An audit is a separate engagement by a registered auditor — it is not a thorough bookkeeping review. Use the statutory audit page if you are near those tests.