Company services
Change your accounting reference date
Need a different year end? Tell us the new accounting reference date, and we check your answers and file the AA01 with Companies House.
Who needs it and when it is due
Your accounting reference date (ARD) sets the end of your company's financial year and so when your accounts are due. You can change it, for example to line up with a parent company.
Shortening an accounting period is generally allowed. Extending one is more limited: there are limits on how often it can be done and on extending once a filing deadline has passed. We check your answers and tell you if the change is not allowed.
File before the deadline for the period you want to change.
What we file for you
- The AA01 notice for the current or previous accounting period
- Whether the period is being shortened or extended
- The new accounting reference date
- A summary to check, and your company record updated on acceptance
How it works
How it works
- 01
Open your company
Sign in and choose the company from My companies. If it was not formed with us, add it first with its company number and Companies House authentication code. - 02
Start the filing
Choose the filing and answer the questions. We check your answers as you go and show you a summary before you submit. - 03
Pay and confirm
Pay the service price online and tick the declarations. Any Companies House fee is shown separately before you pay. - 04
We review and file
Our team reviews your answers and files with Companies House. If anything needs correcting we tell you, and you can edit and resubmit. - 05
Your record is updated
When Companies House accepts the filing we update your company record in your account and email you. If it is rejected we tell you why.
What you need to provide
- Whether you are changing the current or previous accounting period
- The new accounting reference date
- The reason or rule you rely on, if you are extending the period
Can I extend my year end?
Sometimes. Extensions are restricted, so we check the rules for your company and period.
Does this change when my confirmation statement is due?
No. The confirmation statement runs on its own 12-month cycle.
Do I still have to file accounts?
Yes. Changing the date changes when accounts are due. It does not remove the obligation.
My company was not formed with Sure Formation. Can you still file for it?
Yes. Add the company to your account with its company number and Companies House authentication code, then start the filing from the company page. The authentication code is your proof of authority to file.
Do I need to be signed in?
Yes. Filings are made from your account so your answers, declarations and documents stay private. If you are signed out you are asked to sign in and are then brought back.
Ready when you are
Change your year end
Choose your company and give us the new date.