Confirm the exact deadline and period
Check the company record, accounting reference date and period that remains outstanding. A first accounting period may not align neatly with a Corporation Tax period.
Gather a file-ready handover
Put the core records in one place before contacting an accountant.
- Company number and filing date
- Bookkeeping export or trial balance
- All business bank statements
- Debtor, creditor, asset and loan schedules
- Payroll and VAT records
- Previous accounts and tax return
Keep approval time available
A director still needs to answer queries and approve the final accounts. Tell the accountant who can respond and when.
Ask for a feasibility decision
An experienced accountant should tell you quickly whether the file can be completed in time, what is missing and what the realistic alternative is.
Important
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice for your circumstances. Filing requirements and deadlines should be checked for the relevant person, company and period.