Dormant Company Accounts Guide UK 2024
Even if your company is dormant, you still have legal obligations. Learn what you need to file and how to stay compliant with Companies House and HMRC.
In This Guide
1. What is a Dormant Company?
A dormant company is one that has had no significant accounting transactions during a financial period. The definition differs slightly between Companies House and HMRC.
Transactions That Do Not Count
- - Payment for shares on formation
- - Companies House filing fees
- - Companies House late filing penalties
Transactions That DO Count
- - Bank charges and interest
- - Professional services (accountant fees)
- - Any trading activity
- - Receiving income
2. Companies House vs HMRC Definitions
A company can be dormant for one body but not the other.
| Criterion | Companies House | HMRC |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | No significant accounting transactions | Not trading, no income |
| Bank fees impact | Company NOT dormant | Still dormant |
| Filing required? | Yes - dormant accounts | Can request exemption |
Important
If your dormant company has a business bank account with ANY transactions (even just bank fees), it is not dormant for Companies House purposes. You will need to file micro-entity accounts instead.
3. Filing Requirements
Companies House Requirements
Dormant companies must still file:
- Dormant accounts - within 9 months of year end
- Confirmation statement - annual, 13 GBP online
Source: Gov.uk - Dormant company accounts
Step-by-step (copy-paste checklist)
- Confirm you are dormant for Companies House purposes (no significant transactions).
- Get your company authentication code (needed to file online).
- File dormant accounts online with Companies House (as soon as possible).
- File the confirmation statement separately (at least once every 12 months).
- If you have bank fees/interest: do not file dormant accounts — switch to micro-entity accounts.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking no filing is required
Dormant companies must still file accounts and confirmation statements.
Confusing CH and HMRC dormancy
Your company may be dormant for one but not the other.
Forgetting bank fees count
Bank charges mean you are not dormant for Companies House.
5. Quick FAQ (bank account, expenses, meaning)
Can a dormant company have a bank account?
Yes, a dormant company can have a bank account. But be careful: bank charges, interest, or any other transactions can break dormancy (for Companies House), meaning you may need to file micro-entity accounts instead.
Can a dormant company have expenses?
Usually no (for Companies House dormancy). Many expenses count as significant accounting transactions (including bank fees), so the safer approach is to assume dormancy is broken unless you are clearly within the dormant route.
If you are unsure, use the Dormant checker tool to triage, then follow the appropriate filing path.