As a result of Covid-19, Companies House has confirmed that companies will be able to apply for an immediate three-month extension period to file their accounts.
Businesses were able to apply to make such an extension application from 25th March 2020. There are some exceptions where COVID-19companies have previously applied for an extension to their filing deadline or have shortened their accounting reference date.
Companies House have confirmed that the application process is efficient and straight forward, merely requiring companies to complete an online application citing the Coronavirus as the reason for their extension application. To make an application businesses should use the following link; applications should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. 
Companies House: Apply Before Your Filing Deadline
It is important that companies apply for this extension prior to their filing deadline and preferably as soon as possible as failing to do so may result in an automatic fine.
Following submission of an application, Companies House will contact businesses within 5 working days to confirm whether their application has been successful or to request further information.
This is, of course, a welcome extension which will help companies avoid facing automatic fines which would usually be issued as a result of late filings. It should also assist in enabling businesses to concentrate on dealing with the impact of the virus during these challenging times.
If you require any assistance in relation to your compliance obligations or any other matter, please get in touch with a member of our Corporate team.
