| How late | Standard penalty | If late 2 years in a row |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 | £300 |
| 1 to 3 months | £375 | £750 |
| 3 to 6 months | £750 | £1,500 |
| Over 6 months | £1,500 | £3,000 |
The HMRC late payment interest rate is the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5%, currently 7.25% per annum (base rate 4.75%). This rate is updated by HMRC when the base rate changes.
Late filing is not just a financial penalty. Persistent late filing can result in the company being struck off the register, which dissolves the company and transfers its assets to the Crown. Directors can also be disqualified for up to 15 years for persistent failure to file on time.
Use the Companies House deadline calculator to track all your upcoming deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Penalties for private companies are: £150 for up to 1 month late, £375 for 1 to 3 months, £750 for 3 to 6 months, and £1,500 for more than 6 months late. These are automatic civil penalties. If accounts are filed late in two consecutive years the penalties double to £300, £750, £1,500, and £3,000 respectively.
Yes. Companies House will consider an appeal only if there was an exceptional circumstance beyond your control, such as a sudden serious illness, a fire destroying all records, or a postal failure. Administrative errors, pressure of work, or reliance on a third party are not accepted grounds. You must submit the appeal in writing after paying the penalty.
HMRC charges late payment interest from the day after the payment due date (9 months and 1 day after the accounting period end for small companies) until the date you pay. The interest rate is the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5%. Interest accrues daily and is not deductible as a business expense.
Yes. Filing a corporation tax return (CT600) late incurs a £100 penalty if up to 3 months late, rising to £200 if more than 3 months late. If the return is more than 6 months late HMRC may issue a tax determination that you must pay immediately. Further penalties of 10% of outstanding tax apply at 6 and 12 months late.
Yes. Overdue accounts filing triggers a public note on the Companies House register which is visible to credit reference agencies, lenders, and prospective clients. Persistent late filing can lower your company's credit score, making it harder to obtain trade credit, business loans, or favourable payment terms from suppliers.