Understandably, CICs are concerned about the business and community impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Regulator's approach to registration and regulation will be as flexible and pragmatic as possible during this period.
In response to the spread of the virus the Regulator's office is following Public Health guidelines. The situation is dynamic and may change quickly so we're preparing for a number of situations.
The Regulator's priority is to protect the welfare of employees. Therefore, paper documents may not be processed as quickly as previously. The Regulator is investigating alternative methods of considering any paper filings and payments. We're doing this urgently to ensure we can maintain services for CICs.
File Online
Use our online services to help us process your information as quickly as possible. You can:
- Incorporate a CIC
- File your accounts
- File your confirmation statement
- Many other online filings can also be completed online via the Companies House website:
- Directors and company secretaries - new appointments, resignations & changes to personal details
- Changing a company name
- Changing a registered office address
- Changing an accounting reference date
- Changes to 'people with significant control' (PSC) information
- Changes to a company's share structure
- Details of new mortgages or mortgages paid
What if I'm unable to deliver Community Benefit during this time?
The Regulator recognises that some CICs will have a period of time where they may be unable to provide normal services and meet the community benefit that they were set up to serve. This can be reported in the Annual CIC report, filed with CIC Accounts, to explain any change in the delivery of the community interest company.
What if I can't meet the deadline to file my Accounts and Annual Report?
Companies House is responsible for account filing and late filing penalties:
- CICs, affected by COVID-19, may be eligible to apply for an extension to their filing deadline.
