Understanding UK Company Account Types on Companies House
Inside Track uses Companies House data to help you quickly assess an organisation’s size, structure and financial reporting obligations. One way we do this is by filtering companies based on their account type. This can give you early insight into a business’s likely complexity, resourcing and growth potential.
Below is a guide to the different Companies House account types used on Inside Track. Each type gives you information about the company, how it operates, and what information it must make public.
Micro Entity
Who is required to use this type?
Very small companies that meet at least two of the following;
○ Turnover of no more than £632,000,
○ Balance sheet total of no more than £316,000,
○ No more than 10 employees.
What this tells us about the company:
Micro entities are typically new or niche businesses. The level of financial detail they report is minimal, often covering only basic balance sheet items.
Small
Who is required to use this type?
Companies that meet at least two of the following;
○ Turnover of no more than £10.2 million,
○ Balance sheet total of no more than £5.1 million,
○ No more than 50 employees.
What this tells us about the company:
These businesses are often growing but still retain simplified reporting obligations. The reduced disclosure means you may need to use additional indicators on Inside Track to build a fuller picture.
Medium
Who is required to use this type?
Companies that meet at least two of the following;
○ Annual turnover of no more than £36 million,
○ Balance sheet total of no more than £18 million,
○ No more than 250 employees.
What this tells us about the company:
These companies are established and relatively mature. Their accounts offer more insight than small businesses but remain less detailed than full accounts.
Full
Who is required to use this type?
Large companies that do not qualify for exemptions must file full accounts. This is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006.
What this tells us about the company:
These companies are generally substantial in size. They often have over 250 employees, large turnovers, and significant assets. Their accounts offer detailed insight into financial health, business structure, and strategy.
Group
Who is required to use this type?
Parent companies preparing consolidated accounts for a group of subsidiaries.
What this tells us about the company:
The business sits at the top of a corporate group. These companies tend to be larger and more complex, and they may operate across multiple regions or sectors. Their reporting reflects performance across the whole group.
Account Types that Indicate Exemptions
The following account types reflect companies that qualify for some form of exemption from auditing or full disclosure requirements.
Unaudited and Unabridged
Who is required to use this type?
Small companies that are not legally required to conduct an audit but still file full (unabridged) accounts.
What this tells us about the company:
These businesses balance limited statutory obligation with a willingness to share a complete financial view. This may signal a customer-focused or partnership-driven culture.
Total Exemption Full
Who is required to use this type?
Small companies that are exempt from audit but choose to file full accounts.
What this tells us about the company:
Although exempt from audit, these businesses opt to provide more transparency. This may indicate confidence in their financial standing or a desire to demonstrate credibility to investors or suppliers.
Audit Exemption Subsidiary
Who is required to use this type?
This applies to subsidiary companies that qualify for exemption from audit. To qualify, the parent company must guarantee the subsidiary’s liabilities and meet other conditions.
What this tells us about the company:
It is part of a larger group structure. The company itself may appear small or medium, but its connection to a wider group often means shared services, internal investment, and strategic backing.
Still Not Sure Which Account Type to Use?
Inside Track is designed to make it easier to understand the organisations you’re engaging with. But if you’re unsure what an account type means for your analysis, we’re here to help.
Ask us a question or request more guidance any time. Our team can provide clarity, examples and suggestions tailored to your goals.
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