What is the annual return?

Definition of the annual return

The annual return was a document that companies had to file at Companies House each year on the anniversary of the company’s incorporation. It contained details of the company’s directors, shareholders and registered office address.

When all limited companies are set up they must be registered (or incorporated) with Companies House in order to begin trading. The annual return provided a yearly snapshot of the company to Companies House and ensured that they always had up-to-date information about its management and ownership. The annual return carried a filing fee of £13 online or £40 by post.

Changes to the annual return

At the end of June 2016 the annual return was replaced by the confirmation statement.

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