Changing a company's year end

The rules

• A year can be shortened as many times as the company likes, by as little as one day.
• A year can be lengthened to a maximum of 18 months, and only once every five years. The exceptions are a company in administration, lining up with a parent or subsidiary, or with Companies House's permission.
• A company cannot change its year end while its accounts are overdue.
• If the change brings a deadline that has already passed, a late filing penalty applies.

In Accountin

A trial balance import accepts a period of up to 18 months. Change the year end at Companies House first, then import the trial balance for the new period.