What to do if you want to change your accounting year-end
Why you might want to change your year-end, the rules, and how to change it
Your accounting year-end is the date on which your company's financial year closes each year. It can be changed, but there are rules and timing considerations to be aware of.
Why you might want to change your year-end
- To align with a natural quiet period in your business
- To give yourself more time to prepare records before the year-end process begins
- To align with a co-shareholder or holding company year-end
The rules
- You can shorten your accounting year to any length at any time
- You can extend your accounting year up to a maximum of 18 months, but only once every five years
- A change must be notified to Companies House and takes effect from the current or a future accounting period
How to change it
Do not apply to change your year-end without speaking to us first. A change affects your Corporation Tax filing deadlines, VAT return periods, and the timing of your year-end accounts. We assess whether a change is beneficial, calculate the implications, and handle the Companies House application on your behalf.
💡 Good to know: Changing your year-end simply to delay a filing deadline is not straightforward and HMRC will scrutinise extensions. Speak to us before deciding. There are usually better ways to manage a tight year-end timeline.
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