What is an annual return?

Companies House requires that every company (even those that are dormant) must submit an annual return. The annual return shows key information about the company, such as directors, secretary and shareholders.

The annual return is completed to a particular date known as the 'made-up date'. This is a date not later than:

• 12 months after the date of the made-up date of the previous annual return; or
• in the case of a company's first annual return, the anniversary of the date of incorporation.