Keeping Adequate Accounting Records  is really important and a legal requirement for businesses to keep their records for a period of 6 years from the end of the last company financial year they relate to.

HMRC suggests that companies should keep records of all money received and spent, including grants and payments from coronavirus support schemes.

https://www.gov.uk/running-a-limited-company/company-and-accounting-records#:~:text=You%20must%20keep%20records%20for,years%2C%20like%20equipment%20or%20machinery

The Insolvency Service recently conducted an investigation, leading to the imprisonment of the sole director of a Leicester clothing manufacturer for six months. This occurred due to their failure to provide adequate company accounting records.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/clothing-boss-jailed-for-failing-to-keep-adequate-accounts

In addition, the company failed to pay tax liabilities of more than £300,000. The director was found to be taking contributions from employees without passing on National Insurance and PAYE payments, which partly explains the situation.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court has banned the defendant from acting as a company director for five years. This disqualification prohibits the director from participating, directly or indirectly, in the formation, promotion, or management of a company without court permission for the specified period.

This case serves as an important reminder that a company director must ensure that they meet their responsibilities. Directors are duty-bound to keep adequate records to demonstrate their company’s financial position and to prepare accounts.

If you are looking to know more and see how we could help, feel free to book a free consultation with us.