accounting reference date

The accounting reference date of a company indicates the annual date by which company accounts must be filed. Every company in the United Kingdom has an accounting reference date. Unless the accounting reference date has changed, it will take the date at the end of the month that the company was incorporated. Form 225 is used to change the accounting reference date, and must be received by Companies House prior to the due date for the accounts. This date indicates the financial year for the company.

The accounting reference date may be readily shortened, however it may not be extended such that accounts would not be filed for more than 18 months, and the date cannot be extended more than once in a 5 year period unless special circumstances apply. This rule however does not apply to foreign corporations.

Usage: The accounting reference date of the company was shortened by 2 months to coincide with the accounting reference date of its parent company.

Related Words: company; annual returns; company accounts; directors; company secretary.