Running a limited company in the UK means staying on top of tax deadlines, bookkeeping, and compliance requirements. Missing something small can lead to penalties, unnecessary tax, or avoidable stress.
This practical 2026/27 checklist will help limited company directors stay organised, compliant and tax-efficient throughout the year.
If you are unsure whether you are fully compliant, contact us for a quick review
1. Confirm Your Key Deadlines
Every limited company must meet statutory deadlines. These typically include:
Annual accounts must be filed with Companies House within 9 months of your year end.
Paying Corporation Tax within 9 months and 1 day
Filing your Company Tax Return within 12 months
Submitting VAT returns (if registered)
Running payroll and filing RTI on time
If you are unsure of your dates, review them now and set reminders. Late filing penalties are avoidable.
You can check official filing and payment deadlines on the HMRC website.
2. Keep Your Bookkeeping Up to Date
Accurate bookkeeping is the foundation of good tax planning.
You should:
Reconcile bank accounts monthly
Keep digital copies of invoices and receipts
Review debtor and creditor balances regularly
Ensure your software is MTD compliant
- VAT-registered businesses must comply with Making Tax Digital requirements.
Outdated bookkeeping leads to rushed year-end work and missed tax-saving opportunities.
Read our guide on common bookkeeping mistakes small businesses make
3. Review Director Salary and Dividends
How you take money from your company matters.
Most directors use a combination of salary and dividends. The right structure depends on:
Available profits
Personal tax thresholds
National Insurance limits
Future investment or pension plans
Dividends must be paid from retained profits in line with UK company law.
If you would like help structuring your salary and dividends for 2026/27, speak to our team
4. Plan for Corporation Tax
Corporation Tax should never come as a surprise.
During the year you should:
Estimate projected profit
Calculate expected Corporation Tax
Set funds aside monthly
Consider timing of major purchases
A proactive approach improves cash flow and prevents last-minute pressure.
See our article on improving small business cash flow
5. Run a Pre-Year-End Tax Review
The best time to reduce tax legally is 2–3 months before your year end.
At this stage you can still:
Adjust salary or dividends
Make pension contributions
Purchase qualifying equipment
Claim capital allowances
Review bonus payments
Once the year has closed, most planning opportunities are gone.
Book your pre-year-end tax review here.
Why This Checklist Matters for Sussex & Surrey Directors
Local business owners face the same national tax rules, but cash flow pressure, growth plans and staffing decisions vary from business to business.
A structured annual review ensures you:
Avoid penalties
Stay compliant with HMRC
Reduce tax legally
Make informed financial decisions
Proactive directors are always in a stronger position than reactive ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Corporation Tax due?
Corporation Tax must be paid within 9 months and 1 day after your company’s year end. The return must be filed within 12 months.
Do I need to file accounts with Companies House?
Yes. Annual accounts must be filed within 9 months of your company’s year end to avoid penalties.
How should I pay myself as a director?
Most directors take a mix of salary and dividends. The right structure depends on profits and personal tax thresholds.
Can I take dividends at any time?
Only if your company has enough retained profits and the dividend is properly documented.
What records must I keep as a limited company director?
You must keep accurate records of income, expenses, VAT, payroll and dividends. These records must generally be retained for at least six years.
What is Making Tax Digital and does it apply to me?
Making Tax Digital requires VAT-registered businesses to maintain digital records and submit returns using approved software. Most limited companies in Sussex and Surrey that are VAT registered must already comply.
When should I review my tax position?
Ideally 2 to 3 months before your financial year end, when changes can still be made to reduce tax legally.
Need Support With Your 2026/27 Planning?
If you are looking for a small business accountant in Sussex or Surrey to help with year-end planning, bookkeeping or tax efficiency, we are here to help.
Proactive tax planning today prevents costly mistakes tomorrow.
If you’re newly incorporated, read our limited company starter guide
Contact us to arrange a review of your limited company’s position for 2026/27.