If you are running a small limited company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) that may qualify as a micro-entity, you need to understand micro entity accounts filing. It determines what financial information you must prepare and what needs to be submitted to Companies House and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
UK micro-entities benefit from simplified accounting and certain exemptions, but you still have statutory filing obligations. The rules have also changed in recent years, and the micro-entity size thresholds increased for accounting periods beginning on or after 6 April 2025. Further Companies House filing changes are planned for 2028.
This guide explains the current rules for micro entity accounts UK, including micro entity accounts filing requirements, who qualifies as a micro-entity, filing deadlines, and HMRC requirements.
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What Are Companies House Micro Entity Accounts?
Before discussing the rules and requirements for micro entity accounts filing, let’s understand what micro-entities are. Micro-entity accounts are simplified statutory accounts.
Who Qualifies for Micro Entity Accounts?
To qualify as a micro-entity, a company must satisfy at least two of three size criteria:
- £1 million or less of annual turnover
- £500,000 or less on balance sheet total
- 10 employees or fewer
Generally, a company needs to meet at least two of these conditions to qualify. Remember that the rules are different for accounting periods that began before 6 April 2025. Previously, the thresholds were £632,000 turnover, £316,000 balance sheet total and 10 employees.
So, businesses searching for micro entity accounts filing guidance should check which accounting period the accounts relate to before applying the thresholds.
Who Cannot Qualify As A Micro Entity?
You should know that not every company can use the micro-entity regime, even if it meets the relevant size thresholds. Certain companies are strictly excluded from the micro-entity regime by law.
The micro-entity regime is meant exclusively for very small private businesses. Here are the details of the types of businesses that cannot qualify.
- Charitable company
- Public limited companies
- Certain regulated financial and Insurance companies
- An overseas company
- An unregistered company
- Financial institutions like banks and insurance companies
Additional restrictions can apply depending on the company’s circumstances.
What Do Micro-Entity Accounts Include?
For micro entity accounts filing, it is crucial to differentiate the micro-entity regime from the small-company regime. A micro-entity must prepare statutory accounts consisting of:
- A balance sheet that contains the required information for a micro-entity.
- Profit and loss account (can be skipped from the Companies House filing).
- Notes to the accounts as required.
Currently, a qualifying UK micro-entity files only a reduced-information balance sheet with Companies House. It does not typically file its profit and loss account or a directors’ report. However, your company must still prepare the full statutory accounts and meet its separate HMRC obligations.
From 1 April 2028, micro-entities in the UK will need to deliver their profit and loss account to Companies House. However, they can opt out of its publication on the public register.
When Is the Micro Entity Accounts Filing Deadline?
The Companies House filing deadline for most private limited companies, including eligible micro-entities, is 9 months after the end of the accounting period. The micro entity accounts deadline may sound complex, so let’s understand it with an example:
So, if your company’s accounting period ends on 31 December, its accounts are normally due by 30 September of the following year.
The deadline for a public company is generally 6 months after the end of its accounting period. If you are filing your first accounts, you can have different deadlines depending on whether you are filing accounts covering more or less than 12 months.
For micro entity accounts filing, you should submit accounts early rather than relying on the deadline. Note that if the deadline falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you still need to submit your accounts by that date. Additionally, you remain responsible for ensuring acceptable accounts are delivered on time.
Companies House Accounts vs HMRC Company Tax Return
Taxpayers often confuse Companies House accounts filing with HMRC company tax return. Remember, they are separate requirements and have different deadlines.
Typically, Companies House accounts are due 9 months after the company’s financial year-end for a private company. In contrast, the company tax return is due 12 months after the end of the accounting period. Moreover, your statutory accounts are used as part of your company tax return to HMRC.
How to File Micro-Entity Accounts Online?
You can currently file micro-entity accounts online through Companies House WebFiling or use compatible commercial software. The previous joint Companies House/HMRC service closed on 31 March 2026. However, this did not end Companies House online filing.
To complete your online micro entity accounts filing, you need your:
- Company authentication code
- Correct accounting period
- Correct accounts prepared in accordance with the applicable micro-entity requirements.
For a straightforward micro entity accounts filing, follow these practical steps:
- Check if you qualify as a micro-entity.
- Prepare accounts and ensure they have been prepared for the correct accounting period.
- Get your authentication code, as you need it to file online.
- Log in to the official Companies House WebFiling service and choose the appropriate micro-entity accounts filing option.
- Enter the required information, such as the balance sheet and other details requested by the filing service.
- Check your information and file your accounts online before the statutory deadline.
From 1 April 2026, you need to use commercial software to file annual accounts and Company Tax Returns with HMRC. Filing a paper Company Tax Return CT600 is only allowed if you have a reasonable excuse or are filing in Welsh.
What Are the Common Mistakes When Filing Micro-Entity Accounts?
Here are some of the common mistakes that can cause problems with micro entity accounts filing.
Using Outdated Size Thresholds
For accounting periods beginning on or after 6 April 2025, the thresholds are £1 million or less of annual turnover, £500,000 balance sheet total, and 10 employees. To qualify as a microentity, you must meet at least two of these.
Confusing Deadlines
Generally, Companies House accounts are due within 9 months of the financial year-end, and the Company Tax Return is typically due within 12 months.
Assuming Simplified Accounts Mean No Filing
Some companies assume that straightforward accounting does not require the company’s annual filing, which is wrong. Micro-entities are still obligated to file micro entity accounts.
Filing at the Last Minute
Companies House must receive micro entity accounts filing by the deadline. If accounts are rejected and the corrected accounts are submitted after the deadline, you may receive a late-filing penalty. Therefore, filing early can be effective as it gives you time to correct any errors before the deadline.
Can I Prepare Company Accounts Myself?
Yes, you can prepare and file eligible micro-entity accounts yourself. There is no general requirement to appoint an accountant. However, your company accounts must comply with the relevant statutory and accounting requirements, and you remain responsible for filing them correctly and on time.
You can hire an accountant if your company has more complex accounting or tax affairs. Professional support can reduce the risk of errors and save time.
From Paperwork to Peace of Mind – Trust Micro Entity Accounts.
Summary
Micro entity accounts filing is simpler for qualifying UK companies. However, this does not remove the company’s annual filing obligation. Statutory accounts and filing obligations still apply.
For 2026, all UK registered companies should keep their Companies House accounts filing separate from their HMRC Corporation Tax Return, as these have different requirements and deadlines. From April 2028, companies will need to file accounts using commercial software. Furthermore, micro-entities will need to file a profit and loss account with Companies House, with the option to opt out of public disclosure.
Need help with your micro entity accounts filing? We are here to help. At MicroEntityAccounts, qualified UK accountants can help you prepare your accounts, check your eligibility, and meet Companies House deadlines. They can also help you with your HMRC Corporation Tax Return.
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