Running a UK company from abroad is common - but the compliance workload is easy to underestimate.
Missed filing dates, incomplete bookkeeping, or submissions that don't reconcile can lead to late penalties, rejected filings, HMRC determinations, and reputational issues with banks and counterparties.
Our service is built specifically for overseas founders, expats, and international entrepreneurs who want UK-ready bookkeeping services, year-end accounts, and tax accounting support that keeps everything consistent.
We provide a structured compliance workflow that covers your core UK obligations - including annual accounts filing,
confirmation statement submissions, CT600 preparation, and Corporation Tax support.
If you're VAT registered or employ staff/contractors, we can also handle VAT returns and PAYE payroll services.
You stay informed. We keep you compliant.
What does a non-resident director need to file in the UK?
The exact requirements depend on your company's activity (trading vs dormant), VAT registration, payroll, and year end - but most UK limited companies must keep proper records and file on time with both Companies House and HMRC.
If you're unsure what applies, start with our Maintaining Good Standing guide and Filing Deadlines page.
Non-resident directors often also need guidance around cross-border tax concepts such as tax residency and double taxation.
We support the UK-side compliance and can coordinate with your overseas adviser where needed.
UK compliance calendar (at-a-glance)
A simple calendar is the easiest way to avoid "last minute" filings. Below is a practical overview of typical UK deadlines.
For tailored dates, see Filing Reminders and we'll build your exact compliance schedule.
| Obligation |
Typical timing |
What we deliver |
Related service |
| Companies House annual accounts |
Usually 9 months after company year end (first accounts can have longer filing windows) |
Year-end accounts prepared, reviewed, filed & tracked |
Annual Accounts Filing |
| Confirmation statement (CS01) |
At least once every 12 months; must be filed shortly after the review period ends |
Review register data, prepare CS01, file & confirm acceptance |
Confirmation Statement |
| Corporation Tax payment |
Usually 9 months + 1 day after accounting period end (varies for larger companies) |
Tax computation support & payment readiness |
Corporation Tax |
| CT600 Company Tax Return |
Usually 12 months after accounting period end |
CT600 preparation, iXBRL accounts where applicable, submission management |
CT600 Tax Return |
| VAT returns (if VAT registered) |
Usually 1 month + 7 days after your VAT period end (quarterly/monthly) |
MTD-compliant VAT return preparation & filing |
VAT Returns |
| Payroll RTI submissions (if running PAYE) |
FPS submissions typically on or before payday |
Payroll processing, RTI filing & compliance support |
Payroll & PAYE UK |
Tip for overseas directors
Keep a "UK compliance pack" ready: company authentication code, Companies House personal code (for identity verification),
VAT/agent services credentials (if applicable), your UTR, and a clean bookkeeping trail.
If you need admin support, consider Company Secretary, Virtual Office or Nominee Director services.
Late penalties & compliance risk (why deadlines matter)
Late filing penalties are often avoidable, but they can add up quickly - especially where repeated late filing triggers higher outcomes.
Our aim is simple: keep submissions accurate, on time, and accepted first time.
Companies House late filing penalties (accounts)
| How late are the accounts? |
Typical penalty (private company/LLP) |
| Up to 1 month |
£150 |
| 1 to 3 months |
£375 |
| 3 to 6 months |
£750 |
| Over 6 months |
£1,500 |
HMRC late filing penalties (CT600)
| Time after CT600 deadline |
Typical HMRC penalty approach |
| 1 day |
£100 |
| 3 months |
Another £100 |
| 6 months |
HMRC may estimate the Corporation Tax bill and add a penalty of 10% of unpaid tax |
| 12 months |
Another 10% of any unpaid tax |
If you've missed a deadline already, see our compliance recovery pages:
Maintaining Good Standing,
HMRC Interactions & Risk Management for Expats,
and Close or Strike Off a UK Company (if you're no longer trading).
Companies House identity verification (non-resident director essentials)
Companies House identity verification is being rolled out with a transition period beginning from 18 November 2025.
In practice, overseas directors should plan early to avoid disruptions to filings, especially around confirmation statements and company changes.
- We explain what's required for directors and PSCs and how to store your personal code securely.
- We align your filing cycle so you're not blocked from submitting key documents.
- We tidy Companies House records (officer details, PSC entries) to reduce rejections and compliance flags.
For broader support, explore Company Compliance and
Company Compliance Services.
Digital filing & software: staying compliant in 2026+
UK compliance is becoming increasingly digital - which can be challenging when you manage everything remotely.
We help you choose and set up a streamlined workflow using accounting software and MTD-compliant processes.
Important (Companies House accounts filing update)
The online accounts and Company Tax Return service is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026.
If you currently rely on that route, this is a key reason to shift to an accountant-led filing process or approved commercial software.
MTD for VAT
If you're VAT registered, returns are submitted digitally using compatible software.
We provide MTD VAT accountant for small business support - including fixing issues and reconciling VAT data to your bookkeeping.
Remote bookkeeping
We set up a clean, scalable bookkeeping system for overseas directors - ideal for ecommerce bookkeeping,
multi-currency trading, and remote admin. This reduces "year-end rush" and supports faster investor/bank reporting.
If you're planning growth, our Virtual Finance Office and Management Accounts can provide ongoing reporting and forecasting.
What we do for non-resident directors
Think of this as a compliance "operating system" for your UK company. We keep everything organised, filed, and consistent - while you run the business.
What we need from you (simple checklist)
We keep the process lightweight and remote-friendly. Here's what helps us keep your accounting for small business clean and compliant.
| Item |
Why it matters |
How you provide it |
| Bank feeds / statements |
Core audit trail for bookkeeping and reconciliations |
Secure upload or software feed (accounting software setup) |
| Sales invoices / platform reports |
Accurate revenue recognition (especially ecommerce) |
Monthly export (Shopify/Amazon/Stripe, etc.) |
| Supplier invoices & receipts |
Correct expense capture and tax deductibility |
Email-forwarding or upload folder |
| VAT data (if registered) |
Correct VAT returns and MTD compliance |
Quarterly pack + reconciliations (VAT returns) |
| Payroll inputs (if PAYE) |
Correct RTI submissions and payslips |
Monthly changes list (payroll services) |
| Director/shareholder actions |
Dividends, loans, and director pay must be recorded correctly |
Simple "director decisions" note each month |
We also help you keep a clean compliance pack for audits and checks. If your company goes inactive, we can file dormant company accounts and keep submissions current.
Why Choose Accusolve for Compliance & Accounting for Non-Resident Directors?
We are an AAT AML supervised practice focused on practical, high-clarity compliance for international directors.
We are not chartered accountants - and we're transparent about that - but we deliver strong UK compliance processes, accurate bookkeeping, and deadline-led management.
- Non-resident friendly workflow (time zones, remote onboarding, clear document requests)
- Compliance calendar built around your year-end, VAT quarters, and payroll cycles
- Submissions prepared early (reduce rejections and last-minute panic)
- Strong audit trail and record-keeping discipline (ideal for banks and payment processors)
- Add-on growth support via Virtual Finance Office and Financial Forecasting
Helpful UK compliance note (record keeping)
UK limited companies must keep company and accounting records for a defined period and be able to evidence transactions.
A strong bookkeeping trail makes year-end accounts faster, reduces tax risk, and supports audit / AML / bank reviews - which is particularly important when directors are overseas.
If you're building a UK presence from abroad, our related guidance may help:
HMRC registration,
accounting software,
and Making Tax Digital guidance.
Compliance & Accounting for Non-Resident Directors FAQ's
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Can a non-UK resident be a director of a UK limited company?
Yes. UK companies can have directors who live overseas. The company must still meet UK filing requirements with Companies House and HMRC. We manage those requirements with a remote-friendly process.
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What are the main Companies House filings I need to keep up with?
Most companies must file annual accounts and a confirmation statement each year, plus maintain up-to-date director/PSC details. We handle annual accounts filing and confirmation statement submissions and keep your register data consistent.
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When are Companies House accounts usually due?
For many private companies, accounts are due 9 months after the company year end (with different rules for first accounts). We confirm your exact deadline and plan backwards so accounts are accepted on time.
-
How do Corporation Tax payment and CT600 deadlines work?
Corporation Tax payment is typically due 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period ends, while the CT600 tax return is usually due 12 months after the period end. We manage both deadlines and ensure your bookkeeping supports the figures.
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What happens if I file accounts late?
Companies House applies automatic late filing penalties for accounts. We reduce risk by preparing early and checking acceptance (a submission close to deadline can still be penalised if rejected and corrected after the deadline).
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When is the confirmation statement due?
A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months, and it must be filed shortly after the review period ends. We handle the preparation, checks, and filing so it's completed on time.
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Do non-resident directors need Companies House identity verification?
Yes. Identity verification requirements are being rolled out with a transition period starting 18 November 2025. We guide you through the process and help you store and use your personal code so filings are not blocked.
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Do you support VAT and Making Tax Digital (MTD) filing?
Yes. If your company is VAT registered, VAT returns are filed digitally using compatible software. We provide MTD-compliant VAT return preparation and help reconcile VAT to your bookkeeping.
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Can you run payroll if I pay myself or staff from overseas?
Yes. Where PAYE is required, we can run payroll and manage RTI submissions. Overseas circumstances can add complexity, so we'll confirm what applies and keep filings consistent.
-
Do I still have to file if my company is dormant?
Usually, yes. Dormant companies typically still have Companies House filing requirements and may need to notify HMRC of dormancy. We can manage dormant company accounts and keep the record current.
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Is this legal or tax advice?
We provide accounting, tax compliance support, and practical guidance. Cross-border tax can be complex, so where specialist legal or overseas tax advice is required, we can coordinate with your adviser and ensure the UK compliance position is correct.
