What does accounts category mean?

Accounts Category is the type of accounts that a company files with Companies House. The type and size of the company will determine the type of accounts that it files.

Main Accounts Categories:

1. Full Accounts:
   • Complete set of financial statements
   • Includes: Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Notes, Directors' Report
   • Required for: Large companies, PLCs
   • Most detailed financial information
2. Small Company Accounts (Abbreviated):
   • Reduced disclosure requirements
   • Balance Sheet and limited notes
   • No Profit & Loss required for Companies House
   • For companies meeting 2 of: Turnover ≤£10.2m, Assets ≤£5.1m, Employees ≤50
3. Micro-Entity Accounts:
   • Simplest form of accounts
   • Very limited balance sheet
   • Minimal notes required
   • For companies meeting 2 of: Turnover ≤£632k, Assets ≤£316k, Employees ≤10
4. Dormant Company Accounts:
   • For companies with no significant transactions
   • Simplified balance sheet only
   • Minimal compliance burden
5. Group Accounts:
   • Consolidated accounts for company groups
   • Shows group financial position
   • Parent company may file these

Filing Requirements:

• Private companies: 9 months after year-end
• Public companies: 6 months after year-end
• First accounts: 21 months from incorporation

What This Tells You:

• Full Accounts: Most transparency, easier to assess financial health
• Small/Micro: Limited information, harder to evaluate
• Dormant: Not trading, minimal activity
• No Accounts Filed: Check if overdue - potential compliance issues

Additional Considerations:

• Companies can choose to file more detailed accounts voluntarily
• Audit requirements depend on size thresholds
• Late filing attracts penalties and is a warning sign
• Some companies file abbreviated accounts to Companies House but full accounts to HMRC

The accounts category helps you understand how much financial information is publicly available and can indicate the company's size and complexity.