Companies House keeps a public register that anyone can rely on, so the law requires companies and LLPs to keep their information current and accurate. As a solicitor advising businesses, you will constantly deal with these obligations: filing the right form, hitting a tight deadline, and warning clients about the consequences of missing one. Getting a filing wrong can mean automatic penalties, personal liability for officers, or a security losing its priority altogether.
This lesson takes you through the filing regime in a logical order:
- Framework and the Confirmation Statement — who carries filing duties, and the annual return that confirms the register is up to date.
- Filing Changes to Officers, Constitution and PSCs — the forms and deadlines for changes to directors, registered office, resolutions, and persons with significant control.
- Filing in Relation to Share Capital — what to file when shares are allotted or capital is reduced, and the statement of capital.
- Annual Accounts and Late Filing — the deadlines for private and public companies, and the civil and criminal consequences of being late.
- Striking Off and Registration of Charges — the Registrar's strike-off power and the critical 21-day rule for charges.
- LLP Filing Obligations — how the regime applies to LLPs and where it differs.