Companies House is urging limited companies to submit their final accounts using the online filing service before the deadline on 31 December.

Filing accounts online instead of via post will help businesses meet the deadline and avoid late penalties.

Penalties for filing accounts less than a month late range from £150 to £750, whereas filing accounts between one and three months late could result in a fine ranging from £375 to £1,500.

Limited company directors are responsible for keeping company records up to date and filing accounts each year. Failing to deliver annual accounts on time could result in a criminal record, fine or disqualification.

The online service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and includes inbuilt checks to help prevent errors.

Companies House advised that directors should only send paper accounts if their company cannot file online. Postal delays will not be accepted as a reason to appeal a late filing penalty.

Companies House said:

"If you need to file your accounts on paper, you should send them to us well before the deadline. This will give you plenty of time to correct your accounts and resend them if they are rejected."

Talk to us about your annual accounts.