Opened the company but never traded

**Gittins Gal** · 19 February 2014, 20:47

Originally posted by tigerinhunt View Post

Hi, I opened a company with companies house and have never traded it. I do want to keep it open until I ever start trading under the company. How can I go about this? what are the formalities that I need to do it? does it costs a lot in terms of money and botheration?

I may start trading may be next year.

Thanks,

You just have to file dormant company accounts with Companies House.

They even have a video explaining what do do.

I did it a few years ago myself and it was really simple. They charge £15 for the service.

**Jeremiah@RHJAccountants** · 19 February 2014, 21:20

Very well explained above the companies house duties

Don't forget to give HMRC a call and let them know your company is dormant as they may be expecting you to file a corporation tax return.

Have a read of the link below from HMRC which explains what a dormant company is in their terms.

HM Revenue & Customs: Trading and non-trading for Corporation Tax explained

Hope that helps

Jeremiah

**Clare@InTouch** · 20 February 2014, 13:26

Just to clarify the Companies House side of things - you'll need to file a DCA each year, which is the dormant accounts. You'll also have to file an Annual Return, which is a summary of the directors and shareholders. It's the Annual Return that costs £13 to file, if you file online. Just set up a webfiling account at Companies House and you can do both online.

Then also drop HMRC a line each year to let them know nothing is due because you're still dormant.

**VectraMan** · 20 February 2014, 13:59

You could just do the normal return with zeros on it.

**Clare@InTouch** · 20 February 2014, 14:18

Originally posted by VectraMan View Post

You could just do the normal return with zeros on it.

You'd need at least a 1 in a couple boxes for paid or unpaid share capital & the double entry to that though. Then 0 in the rest.

Opened the company but never traded