If you have ever been a few days late with your company tax return, you likely remember the £100 "nudge" from HMRC. However, from 1 April 2026, the cost of being forgetful has officially doubled.

For the first time in over 25 years, the government has significantly increased the penalty regime for Corporation Tax filings to account for decades of inflation. At CoreAcc Accountants, we want to ensure our clients aren't caught out by these automated fines, which can escalate quickly.

The New Penalty Brackets

The flat-rate penalty for filing your return late has risen from £100 to £200. If you are more than three months late, that figure now jumps to £400.

For companies that are persistently late—defined as missing the deadline for three consecutive accounting periods—the penalties are even more severe. HMRC now has the power to charge a £1,000 penalty, which doubles to £2,000 if the return is more than three months late. These fixed penalties apply even if your company has made a loss or has no tax to pay.

Avoiding the Trap

The best way to avoid these doubled penalties is to move away from last-minute filing. By working with CoreAcc Accountants to prepare your accounts well in advance, you ensure that even if there is a technical glitch or a missing piece of information, you have a comfortable buffer. Remember, even a dormant company must file a return on time to avoid these charges.

How CoreAcc Accountants Can Help

We pride ourselves on being proactive rather than reactive. To help you stay ahead of the new penalty regime, we offer:

● Automated Deadline Tracking: We monitor all your filing dates and send early reminders so you never have to worry about the calendar.

● Direct Digital Filing: Our software links directly to HMRC, reducing the risk of manual errors or submission delays.

● Pre-deadline Reviews: We aim to complete your accounts months before they are due, giving you total peace of mind and avoiding the "March rush."

Contact CoreAcc Accountants today to ensure your filings are always on time and your business stays penalty-free.

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