Mar 2020
Paper processing is going to be difficult for Companies House with a skeleton staff in the office and delays are to be expected. The main message is to file online where you can as this will help Companies House and your businesses.
Companies House are still expecting filings to be received by the deadline. However, you can make an application online to extend your filing deadline by 3 months on the basis that your business has been interrupted by Covid-19. If you do not make this application in time you will face penalties in the usual way.
There are also a number of other changes being put in place. HMRC have set up an online system for dealing with Stamp Duty and any secure applications are being dealt with by email and through electronic bank transfers although there is an additional admin charge in some instances. More details ca be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-guidance-for-companies-house-customers-employees-and-suppliers.
If you are already a member of the PROOF Scheme you can carry on as normal and if not they are still accepting applications but a delay is advised. The government announced that further guidance would be published in due course about filings and how to best to deal with delayed AGMs due to the virus.
If you are experiencing any problems or have any concerns about your Companies House filings or any other business matter please do get in touch with our Corporate & Commercial here at Downs who can happily navigate you through this situation.
