Accounts Template

Changes to HMRC’s filing service for company tax returns and accounts

HMRC is replacing its existing free filing software with a new online service designed for unrepresented companies with straightforward affairs.

You can use the existing Adobe template software until 31 December 2016 to file company tax returns and accounts for accounting periods ending on or before 31 December 2015, but not for later accounting periods.

The new online service is available now and you can use it if it suits your circumstances.

Accounts Exceptions

The accounts service does not suit everyone. It is aimed at small companies with straightforward circumstances.

You will NOT be able to use the service to file accounts for:

  • a Public Limited Company (PLC)
  • A Community Interest Company (CIC)
  • a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
  • a Private Company Limited by Guarantee (no share capital) – unless you are using HMRC’s new online service

You will NOT be able to use the service if the accounts:

  • are to be submitted in a currency other than Sterling
  • are to be submitted in Welsh
  • require an audit, including:
    • companies requiring an audit by member(s) holding at least 10% nominal value of issued share capital or 10% of any class of share
    • a flat (residents) management company required to prepare audited accounts to comply with the terms of their lease

You will NOT be able to use the service if you need to report:

  • turnover greater than £6.5 million or a gross balance sheet total of more than £3.26 million
  • group accounts (whether you prepare group accounts or are a member of a group)
  • cash flow statements
  • nominal share capital for amounts other than whole pounds

Or the following transactions and their related accounting policies or disclosures:

  • exceptional items
  • prior year adjustments
  • profit or loss on disposal or fixed assets of a material nature
  • financial instruments
  • capital instruments
  • share based payments
  • prior year adjustments
  • defined benefit pension scheme (e.g. final salary schemes)

Or the following balance sheet items / other disclosures:

  • fixed asset investments
  • current asset investments
  • share categories consisting of more than on class of share
  • share premium
  • other reserves
  • contingent assets

You will NOT be able to file Audit Exempt Accounts if the company is:

  • an authorised insurance company, a banking company, an e-money issuer, a MiFID (i.e. Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) investment firm, a UCITS (i.e. Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) management company or a company that carries on insurance market activity
  • a special register body as defined in section 117(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52) or an employers' association as defined in section 122 of that Act or Article 4 of the Industrial Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1992

A typical sample of accounts which can be filed using the accounts service is available to view via links within the accounts template.