We love working with our clients, but let’s be real – nobody enjoys chasing emails about deadlines. So, to keep things running smoothly, here’s a handy guide on when you can expect your accounts, tax returns, payroll, and everything in between to be completed.
Key to Timelines
✅ Timelines below are based on receiving all necessary information on time – help us help you by getting your documents in promptly!
⏳ These are estimates, and during peak times (like January madness), things may take a little longer.
⚠️ If we need more information from you, the clock stops until we get it.
Accounts (Annual financial statements)
📅 Turnaround: Within 8 weeks of receiving all your records
🛑 Deadline: 9 months after your year-end to avoid Companies House fines
Every limited company must prepare year-end accounts that comply with the Companies Act. We will:
- Prepare a full set of statutory accounts
- Produce an abridged version for Companies House
- Complete your Corporation Tax computation and return
- Meet with you (in person or via Zoom) to discuss your accounts
Once approved and signed electronically, we’ll file everything with Companies House and HMRC.
Corporation Tax Return (CT600)
📅 Turnaround: Within 8 weeks of receiving all records
🛑 Deadline: 12 months after your year-end
This form reports your company’s profits, gains, and tax liabilities. We will:
- Gather and analyse all relevant financial data
- Identify allowable deductions and reliefs
- Prepare and submit the return to HMRC
- Handle any HMRC queries on your behalf
VAT Returns
📅 Turnaround: Within 14 days of receiving all VAT records
🛑 Deadline: Usually 1 month and 7 days after the quarter-end
Our VAT service includes:
- Preparing and reviewing VAT returns
- Ensuring compliance with HMRC rules
- Sending a draft for your approval before submission
- Handling HMRC queries and investigations if needed
Payroll (Monthly & Weekly, including P11Ds)
📅 Turnaround: 2-3 days before payday (if we have all info!)
🛑 Deadline: On or before payday
We handle payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate payments. Including the preparation of P11D forms to report benefits and expenses provided to employees. (To avoid penalties, these must be submitted to HMRC by 6th July each year.) Our service includes:
- Calculating wages, deductions, and taxes
- Managing PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions
- Submitting Real Time Information (RTI) returns to HMRC
- Offering an employee portal for payslip access (extra cost)
Self-Assessment Tax Return (Directors)
📅 Turnaround: Within 4 weeks of receiving all income details
🛑 Deadline: 31st January (file early to avoid stress!)
We complete your tax return by:
- Gathering all relevant income details (salary, dividends, rental income, etc.)
- Calculating your tax liability and advising on payments
- Identifying potential claims and elections to reduce tax bills
- Submitting your return and managing HMRC correspondence
Confirmation Statement
📅 Turnaround: Within 10 days of due date
🛑 Deadline: Every 12 months after company formation
We handle this simple yet essential filing, ensuring:
- Your company details are up to date
- The correct filing fee is paid to Companies House
- Any changes are reported accurately
Registered Office service
📅 Turnaround: Documents scanned and emailed within 3 working days
We can act as your company’s registered office if you prefer not to use your home or business address. We will:
- Receive official HMRC and Companies House correspondence
- Scan and email important documents to you
Bookkeeping review
📅 Turnaround: Ongoing, with monthly reconciliations
We keep your records in check throughout the year by:
- Reviewing transactions and reconciling bank accounts
- Checking aged payables and receivables
- Ensuring VAT and tax liabilities align with HMRC records
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
📅 Turnaround: Monthly submission to HMRC
🛑 Deadline: 19th of each month
We will prepare and submit your monthly CIS returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Our service includes:
- Verifying subcontractors with HMRC
- Calculating CIS deductions
- Preparing and submitting monthly returns
- Advising on payments due to HMRC
Financial forecasts
📅 Turnaround: Within 2-4 weeks of receiving all relevant data
Planning ahead is crucial! We provide:
- A 3-year financial budget to guide business growth
- A rolling 12-month forecast covering profit & loss, cash flow, and balance sheet
- Regular updates to adjust for real-time business changes
Help us help you!
To keep things running smoothly, remember:
✅ Send us everything on time – the sooner we have it, the sooner we can complete the work!
✅ Ask questions early – don’t wait until deadlines are looming.
✅ Stay organised – use digital tools like Hubdoc or Xero to make record-keeping easier.
We’re here to keep things simple and stress-free – and sticking to these timelines helps us do just that! Got questions? Drop us a message, and we’ll be happy to help.
