Company accounts accountant Reading
Managing your company accounts is one of the most important obligations you have as a UK business owner. At Asmat & Co Accountants, we provide a professional and reliable service for preparing and filing company accounts in Reading and the surrounding areas. Whether you run a small limited company or a growing business, our experienced team is here to ensure you remain fully compliant with Companies House and HMRC.
We work with businesses of all sizes across Reading and Berkshire, offering clear, fixed-fee accountancy services that take the stress out of year-end filing. Our team handles everything from bookkeeping reviews through to final submission, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
How we help you prepare company accounts in Reading
When you work with us to prepare company accounts in Reading, we manage the entire process from start to finish. Our approach is straightforward and transparent, so you always know exactly what is happening with your accounts.
Our service includes:
- An initial review of your business records and bookkeeping
- Preparation of your statutory accounts in line with UK GAAP or FRS 102 / FRS 105
- Calculation and submission of your Corporation Tax return (CT600)
- Filing with Companies House within your statutory deadline
- A plain-English summary of your financial position and key figures
- Year-round support and advice for any queries that arise
We use secure, up-to-date accounting software and keep detailed records at every stage, giving you easy access to your accounts whenever you need them.
Limited company accounts Reading: what you need to know
If you operate a limited company, your filing obligations are more extensive than those for a sole trader. Limited company accounts in Reading must meet specific formatting requirements set by Companies House, and the deadline for filing is typically nine months after your company’s accounting reference date.
Key obligations for limited companies include:
- Annual accounts filed with Companies House
- Corporation Tax return filed with HMRC, usually 12 months after your accounting period ends
- Corporation Tax paid within nine months and one day of your accounting period end
- A confirmation statement filed with Companies House each year
Failing to meet these deadlines can lead to automatic late filing penalties from Companies House, interest charges from HMRC, and in serious cases the company being struck off the register. Our team at Asmat & Co ensures your limited company accounts are prepared accurately and submitted well within your deadlines.
Why choose Asmat & Co as your accountants for company accounts in Reading?
Experience you can rely on
Our team has extensive practical experience preparing accounts for limited companies across a wide range of sectors including retail, construction, professional services, hospitality, and healthcare. We know what HMRC and Companies House expect, and we ensure your accounts reflect that.
Clear, fixed-fee pricing
We believe you should always know what you are paying before we start. We offer transparent, fixed-fee packages so there are no surprise invoices at year end. The full scope of work is agreed upfront before any work begins.
Proactive tax advice
Preparing your accounts is only part of what we do. We also review your figures to identify opportunities to reduce your Corporation Tax liability, ensure you are claiming all allowable expenses, and advise on efficient profit extraction strategies such as salary and dividend planning.
Responsive communication
We pride ourselves on being easy to reach and quick to respond. Whether you have a question about your accounts or need guidance on a business decision, our team is on hand to help via phone, email, or in person at our Reading office.
Fully qualified professionals
All work is carried out or supervised by qualified accountants. We adhere to the professional standards required by our membership body and carry full professional indemnity insurance, giving you complete peace of mind.
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Company accounts deadlines and penalties
Missing a filing deadline is one of the most common and avoidable problems we see. Here is a quick overview of the key dates every limited company in Reading needs to be aware of:
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Annual accounts (Companies House) | 9 months after accounting reference date |
| Corporation Tax return (CT600) | 12 months after accounting period ends |
| Corporation Tax payment | 9 months and 1 day after accounting period ends |
| Confirmation statement | 14 days after the review period ends |
If you are approaching a deadline and are not yet prepared, or if you have already missed one, contact us straight away. In some cases we can help mitigate penalties by liaising directly with HMRC or Companies House on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have a company accounts accountant in Reading?
The cost varies depending on the size and complexity of your company, the quality of your bookkeeping records, and the level of support you need. At Asmat & Co, we offer competitive fixed-fee packages for limited company accounts with pricing agreed before any work begins. We are happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote after an initial consultation.
Can I prepare my own limited company accounts in Reading?
Technically, yes. As a company director you are permitted to prepare your own accounts. However, the process is complex and time-consuming, and errors can lead to costly penalties from HMRC or Companies House. Most business owners find that working with a qualified accountant more than pays for itself through saved time, reduced tax liabilities, and the confidence that everything has been done correctly.
What records do I need to prepare company accounts in Reading?
To prepare your company accounts accurately, we typically need:
- Bank statements for the full accounting period
- Sales invoices and purchase invoices
- Payroll records if applicable
- Details of any loans or finance agreements
- Records of business assets purchased or disposed of during the year
- VAT records if your company is VAT registered
We can advise you on how to organise your records to make the preparation process as smooth and efficient as possible.
What is the difference between micro-entity accounts and full accounts?
Micro-entity accounts are a simplified format available to very small companies that meet at least two of the following criteria: turnover of no more than 632,000 GBP, a balance sheet total of no more than 316,000 GBP, and no more than 10 employees. Micro-entity limited company accounts require less detail to be disclosed publicly, which can be an advantage for business owners who prefer to keep financial information private. We will advise you on which format is appropriate for your company.
What happens if I miss my company accounts deadline?
Missing your filing deadline with Companies House will result in an automatic penalty. The amount increases the longer the delay:
- Up to 1 month late: 150 GBP
- 1 to 3 months late: 375 GBP
- Â 3 to 6 months late: 750 GBP
- Â More than 6 months late: 1,500 GBP
These penalties double if you file late for two consecutive years. HMRC may also charge interest if Corporation Tax is paid late. If you are close to a deadline, contact us immediately.
Do I need an accountant if I already use accounting software?
Accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent can be very helpful for day-to-day bookkeeping, but it does not replace the judgement of a qualified accountant. Statutory accounts must comply with UK GAAP, and software alone will not ensure your accounts are filed correctly or that your Corporation Tax has been calculated accurately. A professional accountant will also identify tax planning opportunities that software is not designed to flag.
How long does it take to prepare company accounts?
Where records are well-organised, we can often complete the process within two to three weeks. More complex businesses or those with incomplete records may take longer. We recommend starting the process at least two to three months before your filing deadline to leave plenty of time to resolve any queries.
