Financial Reporting Framework: Companies in the UK must prepare their statutory accounts in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework. The financial reporting framework depends on the size, nature, and type of the company. Companies are required to disclose any material departures from accounting standards in the notes to the financial statements.
Reporting Period: Statutory accounts are prepared annually, typically covering a reporting period of 12 months, commonly known as the company's financial year.
Content of Statutory Accounts: Statutory accounts generally include a balance sheet, profit and loss, and notes to the financial statements, and directors' report. The balance sheet provides a snapshot of the company's financial position at the end of the reporting period, including its assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity. The profit and loss shows the company's financial performance during the reporting period, including its turnover, expenses, and profit or loss. Notes to the financial statements provide additional information and disclosures about the company's accounting policies, financial instruments, and other relevant information.
Auditor's Report: If the company is required to have an audit under the Companies Act 2006, the statutory accounts must also include an auditor's report. The auditor's report provides an independent opinion on the fairness and accuracy of the financial statements.
Filing Requirements: Statutory accounts must be filed with Companies House within nine months of the end of the company's financial year. Companies House makes the statutory accounts publicly available on its website. In addition, the company must also submit the statutory accounts along with the company's tax return to HMRC.