Executive Summary
A foreign-owned UK company has the same annual filing obligations as any other UK-incorporated company.
Most private UK subsidiaries must:
- File a confirmation statement with Companies House;
- File annual statutory accounts;
- Pay Corporation Tax; and
- Submit a Company Tax Return to HMRC.
These filings have separate deadlines. Filing accounts does not replace the tax return, and the confirmation statement does not contain financial information.
| Filing | Normal deadline |
| Confirmation statement | Within 14 days after the review period |
| Private-company accounts | Nine months after the year-end |
| First accounts | Normally within 21 months of incorporation |
| Corporation Tax payment | Nine months and one day after the tax period |
| Company Tax Return | Twelve months after the tax period |
1. Confirmation Statement
The confirmation statement confirms that the information held by Companies House is correct.
The company should review:
- Registered office;
- Registered email;
- Directors;
- Shareholders;
- Share capital;
- People with significant control;
- Business activity codes; and
- Statutory-register information.
It must generally be filed at least once every 12 months.
Foreign-owned companies should also ensure that overseas directors and people with significant control have completed any required Companies House identity verification.
2. Annual Statutory Accounts
Every UK company must generally prepare annual statutory accounts, including dormant companies.
The accounts may include:
- Balance sheet;
- Profit and loss account;
- Notes;
- Directors’ report; and
- Auditor’s report, where required.
Private-company accounts are normally filed within nine months of the financial year-end.
A reporting package prepared for the overseas parent does not replace the UK statutory accounts. Adjustments may be needed where the group uses IFRS, US GAAP or another reporting framework.
3. Corporation Tax
The Company Tax Return is submitted separately to HMRC.
It normally includes:
- The CT600;
- Statutory accounts;
- Tax computations;
- Supporting schedules; and
- Relevant claims or elections.
The return is normally due twelve months after the end of the Corporation Tax accounting period.
Corporation Tax is usually payable earlier, normally nine months and one day after the end of the period.
Large companies may need to pay Corporation Tax through quarterly instalments.
Confirmation Statement vs Accounts vs Tax Return
| Requirement | Filed with | Purpose |
| Confirmation statement | Companies House | Confirms company information |
| Statutory accounts | Companies House | Reports financial performance and position |
| Company Tax Return | HMRC | Reports and calculates Corporation Tax |
| Corporation Tax payment | HMRC | Pays the tax liability |
| Group reporting package | Foreign parent | Supports consolidated reporting |
Each filing must be managed separately.
Other Recurring Obligations
Depending on the company’s activities, additional filings may include:
- VAT Returns;
- Payroll submissions;
- Pension reporting;
- Benefits reporting;
- Transfer-pricing documentation;
- R&D claim forms;
- Audit requirements; and
- FCA or other regulatory returns.
These deadlines may not align with the company’s year-end.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the confirmation statement with annual accounts.
- Assuming the foreign parent’s timetable applies in the UK.
- Forgetting dormant-company filings.
- Paying Corporation Tax only when the tax return is filed.
- Failing to reconcile intercompany balances.
- Missing identity-verification requirements.
- Assuming the accountant is legally responsible for deadlines.
- Believing consolidated group accounts replace UK accounts.
- Ignoring separate VAT and payroll deadlines.
- Starting the accounts process too close to the deadline.
Risks and Penalties
Late or inaccurate filings can result in:
- Companies House penalties;
- HMRC penalties and interest;
- Compulsory strike-off;
- Director enforcement;
- Audit delays;
- A poor public compliance record; and
- Problems during banking, investment or due diligence.
Directors remain legally responsible even where accountants or company-secretarial providers handle the filings.
Action Plan
- Confirm the accounting year-end.
- Check the confirmation statement date.
- Verify directors and PSCs.
- Maintain a UK compliance calendar.
- Reconcile intercompany balances regularly.
- Confirm whether an audit is required.
- Prepare the tax calculation before the payment deadline.
- File Companies House accounts and the tax return separately.
- Monitor VAT and payroll deadlines.
- Set internal deadlines before the statutory dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foreign-owned companies have different UK deadlines?
No. UK-incorporated companies generally follow the same deadlines regardless of overseas ownership.
When is the confirmation statement due?
It must normally be filed at least once every 12 months, within 14 days after the review period ends.
When are private-company accounts due?
Normally nine months after the financial year-end.
When is the Company Tax Return due?
Normally twelve months after the end of the Corporation Tax accounting period.
When must Corporation Tax be paid?
Usually nine months and one day after the end of the accounting period.
Must a dormant company still file?
Generally yes. Dormant accounts and confirmation statements are normally still required.
Can foreign consolidated accounts replace UK accounts?
No. The UK subsidiary must generally prepare and file its own statutory accounts.
Who is responsible for filing?
The directors remain legally responsible.
Conclusion
Foreign ownership does not reduce a UK company’s annual compliance obligations.
Most UK subsidiaries must separately manage:
- Confirmation statements;
- Annual accounts;
- Corporation Tax payments;
- Company Tax Returns; and
- VAT, payroll or regulatory filings where applicable.
A clear UK compliance calendar is essential to avoid missed deadlines and penalties.
Professional UK Compliance Support
FKGB Accounting assists foreign-owned UK companies with:
- Annual statutory accounts;
- Confirmation statements;
- Corporation Tax Returns;
- Companies House compliance;
- Audit preparation;
- Group reporting;
- VAT and payroll; and
- Compliance calendars.
Book a consultation here
Email us: David.levy@fkgb.co.uk
Suggested Lead Magnets
- UK Subsidiary Compliance Calendar
- Companies House Filing Checklist
- Year-End Accounts Checklist
- Corporation Tax Deadline Guide
Important Notice
This article provides general information and does not constitute accounting, tax or legal advice. Requirements depend on the company’s size, activities, accounting period and regulatory status.
