Abbreviated Accounts

'Abbreviated accounts' is the name many directors still use, but the rules changed in 2016. Small companies now prepare accounts under FRS 102 Section 1A and can file a 'filleted' version at Companies House that leaves out the profit and loss account and directors' report. The goal is unchanged: less of your business on public display, less time spent on compliance, and no late filing penalties. With the small company thresholds raised by around 50% from April 2025, far more companies now qualify for this lighter-touch regime — including, possibly, yours.

From Abbreviated to Filleted Accounts

Abbreviated accounts were abolished for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2016. Small companies today have two ways to limit what the public sees: - Filleted accounts: you prepare full small company accounts for your shareholders and HMRC, but file a version at Companies House without the profit and loss account or directors' report - Abridged accounts: a simplified balance sheet and profit and loss account, prepared with the consent of all members

We advise on which option fits your business, prepare both the full and the filing versions, and handle the submission. Competitors, customers and suppliers see the minimum; your board and HMRC get the complete picture.

Do You Qualify as a Small Company?

For financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025, a company is small if it meets at least two of the following for two consecutive years: - Turnover: £15 million or less - Balance sheet total: £7.5 million or less - Average employees: 50 or fewer

These thresholds rose by roughly 50% in April 2025, so thousands of companies that previously counted as medium-sized are now small — with lighter reporting and, in most cases, no statutory audit. Some companies are excluded regardless of size, such as public companies and certain regulated businesses. We review your eligibility each year so you never file the wrong regime.

What We Prepare and File

Our small company accounts service covers everything from trial balance to filed accounts: - Full FRS 102 Section 1A accounts for shareholders and HMRC - Filleted or abridged accounts filed at Companies House - iXBRL tagging and alignment with your corporation tax return - Deadline management with reminders, so the 9-month filing window is never missed - Annual eligibility reviews as your business grows

Companies House Reform: What Is Changing

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House had planned to require software-only filing and public profit and loss accounts for small and micro companies from April 2027. In January 2026 the government paused these reforms and placed them under review, promising businesses at least 21 months' notice before any change. For now, filleted and abridged filing options remain available. We monitor the reforms closely and will move your filing approach at the right moment — you will not need to track any of this yourself.

What You Get With Acumon

• Eligibility check against the new £15m / £7.5m / 50-employee small company thresholds
• Minimum-disclosure filleted filing at Companies House
• Full accounts prepared for shareholders, lenders and HMRC
• iXBRL tagging and corporation tax return alignment
• Deadline tracking and reminders, so penalties never arise
• Proactive advice as Companies House filing reforms develop
• Smooth transition support if you outgrow the small company regime

Why Acumon for Abbreviated Accounts?

• On-demand, UK-based delivery from a team of 90+ UK staff
• ICAEW-registered firm of chartered accountants
• Integrated tax and accounts expertise, so filings and tax returns always align
• Xero Gold Partner, with Sage and QuickBooks support for your underlying records

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll come back within one business day with a clear scope and a fixed price — no hourly-rate surprises. Call 020 8567 3451 or use the form and we'll be in touch.