Appeal a penalty for filing your company accounts late

Use this service to appeal a penalty your company received for not filing its annual accounts on time.

It takes around 30 minutes.

You’ll need:

  • your company number
  • your company authentication code that you use for online filing
  • the penalty reference
  • a reason for your appeal

You may want to include evidence like:

  • a doctor’s note or a hospital admission form or certificate if the company director or accountant experienced an unexpected illness, including coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • insurance forms or photographs resulting from extreme damage like a flood or fire
  • financial documents like bank statements or copies of accounts that explain accounting issues
  • documented advice you’ve received from someone like a solicitor or doctor
  • a copy of a letter from Companies House rejecting your previous appeal

Start now

Other ways to appeal

You can also appeal your penalty by emailing Companies House or posting a letter.

You’ll usually get a decision within 30 working days of sending your appeal.

Appeal by email

Send your email with any supporting evidence attached to Companies House.

Companies House enquiries
enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk

Appeal by post

Send your letter and any supporting evidence to Companies House.

Late filing penalties
PO Box 710
Crown Way
Cardiff
CF14 3UZ

If you cannot appeal by email or post

You can phone Companies House if you cannot appeal by email or post.

Telephone: 0303 1234 500
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges