Companies House in the UK – what is it?

Under company law, a director holds responsibility for filing certain documents with Companies House in the UK.

Companies House needs to be informed whenever a new director (or company secretary) is appointed or when a director steps down and resigns. They will also need to be told if a director’s personal details have altered (a change in address, for example). This must be done within 14 days.

Other documents that must be filed include the annual return, the annual report and accounts, and changes to the registered company address.

The late filing of accounts can involve penalties of up to £1,500 for private companies and up to £7,500 for public companies.