Companies House has today (25 March) announced that businesses will be given an additional three months to file accounts with Companies House to help companies avoid penalties as they deal with the disruption caused by COVID-19.
This is a joint initiative between the government and Companies House. In order to take advantage of this three month extension, companies must apply for it (they can do so from 25 March). Those companies citing COVID-19 issues or “health" matters will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which takes 15 minutes to complete. However, companies that have already extended their filing deadline, or shortened their accounting reference period, may not be eligible for an extension.
The update has been added to Companies House general Guidance on applying for more time to file your accounts.
Kathryn Saunders