Overdue Annual Returns –
Aware Of The Consequences?
The annual return is a snapshot of general information about a company’s directors, registered office address, principal activity via a SIC code*, shareholders and share capital.
The annual return (form 363a) must be completed on an annual basis usually twelve months from the anniversary of the incorporation of your company.
The company director(s) and where applicable, the secretary, are responsible for ensuring that the annual return:
• Is delivered to Companies House within 28 days after the anniversary of incorporation or the anniversary of the made up date of the last return: and
• Gives a true picture of the management structure and capital of the company at the made up date.
Failure to deliver the company’s annual return could lead to legal proceedings against the company directors. This would lead, on conviction, to a criminal record and could result in a fine of up to £5,000 for each offence.
In addition to this, Companies House could remove the company from the register passing the company’s assets to the crown.
*A list of the most common SIC codes used can be found by clicking here.
Should you have any queries or wish to discuss any of the points raised, please contact Peter Edwards on 0161 477 6789.
Date of Article: 14th January 2009
