What is the Accounting Reference Date?

The Accounting Reference Date (ARD) is the date on which a company's financial year ends, and when it has to submit its annual accounts.

The Accounting Reference Date (ARD) is an important date for businesses in the United Kingdom, as it is used to determine when a company’s financial year begins and ends. It is also used to determine when companies must file their annual accounts with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

The ARD is set by the company’s directors and must be the same every year unless the directors decide to change it. The ARD is usually the same as the company’s year-end date, but it can be any date within the financial year.

For example, if a company’s ARD is 31st December, its financial year will run from 1st January to 31st December. However, if the directors decide to change the ARD to 30th June, the financial year will run from 1st July to 30th June.

The ARD is important for businesses because it helps them to plan their finances and keep their accounts in order. It also helps them to understand their tax obligations, as the tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April each year.

When setting up a business, it is important to consider the ARD carefully, as it will determine when the company’s financial year begins and ends. The ARD should be chosen to suit the company’s needs, as it can be changed at any time.

When setting up a business, it is important to register with Companies House. This is done by submitting a Form 10, which includes the company’s ARD. This form must be submitted within one month of the ARD.

Once the ARD has been set, the company must file its annual accounts with Companies House within nine months of the ARD. This includes a balance sheet, profit and loss account, and notes to the accounts.

The ARD is an important date for businesses in the UK, as it determines when their financial year begins and ends, and when they must file their annual accounts with Companies House. It is important to consider the ARD carefully when setting up a business, as it can be changed at any time.