Electronic filing to be compulsory
IT revolution. Companies House (CH) is the latest government department to commit to an all electronic filing system. Currently, you have a choice of how to send documents, but when the new procedure comes into force, reccurring documents, e.g. annual returns, will have to be submitted via the Internet. Most other forms, e.g. for appointment or resignation of directors will also have to be electronically transmitted.
Still time. The good news is that there’s still plenty of time before electronic filing becomes mandatory. CH boss, Gareth Jones, says that it will be in force by March 2013. He’s given no clue as to what penalties there might be if you don’t comply, but if they are in keeping with other CH fines they’ll be pretty stiff.
Options. If you submit CH forms direct, you’ll either have to register for electronic submission, which can be done now (see The next step), or appoint someone else to do it for you, for instance the company’s accountant. Of course, the latter option will cost.
Tip. Register with CH for electronic filing now; you don’t have to use the system yet but you’ll be ready to go when the time comes. Your option to appoint someone else to submit forms for you won’t be lost by registering.
For how to register with CH for electronic filing, visit http://companydirector.indicator.co.uk (CD 12.19.09).
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