Companies House

Companies House Overview

Definition

Companies House is the United Kingdom’s registrar for companies, responsible for incorporating and dissolving companies, and storing corporate information that is made publicly accessible. Companies with a registered office in England or Wales are served by the registry at Cardiff, and those in Scotland by the registry in Edinburgh.

Key Functions of Companies House

1. Incorporation of Companies: Handles the legal formalities for the creation of new companies.
2. Dissolution of Companies: Manages the process of formally dissolving companies.
3. Registration of Company Changes: Keeps records of changes in company structure, directors, secretaries, and registered offices.
4. Document Inspection: Certain documents lodged at Companies House are available for public inspection, including accounts, annual returns, prospectuses, memoranda, and articles of association.
5. Maintenance of Charges: Holds records of some types of company charges.
6. Liquidation Notices: Maintains records regarding company liquidation notices.

Examples

1. Incorporation: A startup tech company lodges its incorporation documents with Companies House, including the memorandum and articles of association.
2. Annual Return: An established retail company files its mandatory annual return providing an overview of its finances and activities.
3. Change in Directors: A manufacturing company’s appointment of a new director is recorded at Companies House.
4. Inspection: An investor inspects the financial statements of a potential investment target via Companies House records.
5. Liquidation: A service company undergoing voluntary liquidation notifies Companies House to update public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information must be lodged with Companies House?

Documents such as the accounts, annual returns, prospectuses, memoranda, articles of association, details of directors and secretaries, registered office, certain company charges, and liquidation notices must be lodged.

Can anyone inspect the documents lodged at Companies House?

Yes, certain documents held by Companies House are open to public inspection.

What happens if a company does not file returns with Companies House?

Failure to file mandatory documents such as annual returns and accounts can result in penalties, prosecution, or the company being struck off the register.

How can I access information from Companies House?

Information can be accessed through the Companies House area of the Gov.uk website.

Who must register with Companies House?

Almost all companies operating in the UK must register with Companies House, including limited companies and some partnerships.

Related Terms

• Accounts: Financial records and statements a company must file annually.
• Annual Return: A yearly document providing essential details about a company.
• Prospectus: A formal document inviting the public to invest in the company.
• Memorandum: A document prescribing the company’s proposed structure and purpose.
• Articles of Association: Rules governing the company’s internal affairs.
• Registered Office: The official address of a company registered with Companies House.
• Company Charge: Security interest or collateral for a debt registered against company property.

Online References

1. Companies House - Gov.uk
2. Companies House Guidance - Gov.uk
3. Companies House Data - Gov.uk

Suggested Books for Further Study

1. “Accounting and Finance: An Introduction” by Eddie McLaney and Peter Atrill
2. “Company Law: Theory, Structure, and Operation” by John Lowry and Arad Reisberg
3. “Guide to Limited Liability Companies” by Tom Cody
4. “Corporate Finance” by Jonathan Berk and Peter DeMarzo
5. “Smith and Keenan’s Company Law” by Charles Wild and Stuart Weinstein

Accounting Basics: “Companies House” Fundamentals Quiz

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