The Registrar of Companies may delete a company from the register if the company failed to file its annual return (form 363) or accounts and it is long overdue. A company may be removed from the register if
No up-to-date information about the company has been filed. On each of the anniversary of the company’s incorporation, an annual return (form 363) is required to be filed at Companies House giving updated details of principal activities of the company, directors and secretary, shareholders and shareholdings. The form 363 must be filed to Companies House within 28 days of the anniversary of the company and failed to do so or not file at all is also a criminal offence.
- There are no effective officers of the company, or
- Reminders sent to registered office of the company is returned undelivered, or
- Information is received that the company has ceased trading.
The Registrar will take reasonable steps to get in touch with the company’s directors by writing to the company at its registered office address to make enquiries. If the company failed to response, the Registrar will publish notice in the Gazette, of the intention to strike off the company after three months unless there are objections from creditors. The Registrar may delay taking action in order to allow the creditors to pursue their claims and petition to wind up the company. Notice of striking off will then be published in the Gazette. If there are assets they are bona vacantia, that is, they belong to either the Crown or the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duchy of Cornwall, depending on the location of the registered office.
The annual return and maintenance of up-to-date details of directors, secretary and shareholders are part of statutory books.
Canterbury Accountancy offers company secretarial services to companies to take care of the company’s statutory books. Our service include filing of relevant documents and forms to Companies House within due date.
Canterbury Accountancy - UK Chartered Accountants for businesses
