Do you need a UK
statutory audit?
Answer up to five questions to understand whether your company has a legal obligation to have its accounts audited under the Companies Act 2006.
UK Companies Act 2006 · Updated April 2025
Find out in minutes whether your company needs a statutory audit
This tool follows the exact decision logic of the Companies Act 2006, incorporating the updated size thresholds effective for periods commencing on or after 6 April 2025. Your result will include the relevant statutory references.
Question 1 of 5
Is the company registered in the UK?
This tool applies to companies incorporated under the Companies Act 2006. UK-registered companies include those incorporated in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Question 2 of 5
Is the company public, listed, or regulated?
This includes: public limited companies (PLCs), companies listed on a stock exchange, banks, authorised insurers, e-money issuers, and MiFID investment firms. These entities are excluded from audit exemptions regardless of size (CA 2006 s.478).
Question 3 of 5
Does the company meet 2 or more of these 3 size thresholds?
For periods commencing on or after 6 April 2025 (CA 2006 s.382):
· Annual turnover exceeding £15 million
· Total assets exceeding £7.5 million
· Average headcount exceeding 50 employees
Answer Yes if 2 or more of these apply to your company.
· Annual turnover exceeding £15 million
· Total assets exceeding £7.5 million
· Average headcount exceeding 50 employees
Answer Yes if 2 or more of these apply to your company.
Question 4 of 5
Is the company part of a group?
A company is part of a group if it has a parent company (it is a subsidiary) or has subsidiaries of its own. Group membership triggers additional audit rules under CA 2006 s.479.
Question 5 of 5
Is the company part of an ineligible group?
An ineligible group is one that either:
· Contains a public company, traded company, authorised insurer, banking company, e-money issuer, or MiFID investment firm — or
· Exceeds the small group aggregate thresholds (CA 2006 s.383) — meeting 2 or more of: aggregate turnover over £18m gross (£15m net), aggregate assets over £9m gross (£7.5m net), or average headcount over 50 employees.
· Contains a public company, traded company, authorised insurer, banking company, e-money issuer, or MiFID investment firm — or
· Exceeds the small group aggregate thresholds (CA 2006 s.383) — meeting 2 or more of: aggregate turnover over £18m gross (£15m net), aggregate assets over £9m gross (£7.5m net), or average headcount over 50 employees.
Out of scope
The Companies Act 2006 does not apply to your company. UK audit obligations arise only for companies incorporated under UK law. Your company may have audit or reporting obligations under the laws of its country of incorporation — you should seek local professional advice.
CA 2006 does not apply
This result is based on the information provided and is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. Contact Black Maple for a definitive assessment.
Audit required
Your company is excluded from audit exemptions under CA 2006 s.478. Public, listed, and regulated entities — including PLCs, banks, authorised insurers, e-money issuers, and MiFID investment firms — must have their accounts audited by a statutory auditor, regardless of size.
CA 2006 s.477 — s.478
This result is based on the information provided and is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. Speak to Black Maple to confirm your specific obligations.
Audit required
Your company exceeds the small company size thresholds and cannot claim the audit exemption under CA 2006 s.477. A statutory audit by a registered auditor is required for your annual accounts.
CA 2006 s.477 — size thresholds
This result is based on the information provided and is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. Speak to Black Maple to confirm your specific obligations and discuss your audit requirements.
Audit not required
Your company qualifies for the small company audit exemption under CA 2006 s.477. As a standalone company below the size thresholds, you are not required to have your accounts audited under the Companies Act 2006.
CA 2006 s.477 — small company exemption
Note: Shareholders holding 10% or more of shares may still request an audit under s.476. Certain lenders or investors may also require audited accounts contractually. This result is for general guidance only — contact Black Maple to confirm.
Audit not required — subject to conditions
Your company may qualify for audit exemption as part of a small, eligible group under CA 2006 s.477 / s.479. However, specific conditions must all be met:
· All members of the group must agree to the exemption
· The parent company must provide a statutory guarantee (s.479C)
· The company must be included in consolidated group accounts
· The parent's consolidated accounts must be audited
· The parent must disclose the guarantee in its notes
· The parent company must provide a statutory guarantee (s.479C)
· The company must be included in consolidated group accounts
· The parent's consolidated accounts must be audited
· The parent must disclose the guarantee in its notes
CA 2006 s.477 / s.479 / s.479A–C
This exemption has strict requirements. Failure to meet all conditions means the exemption is lost and an audit is required. We strongly recommend speaking to Black Maple to confirm your eligibility and ensure all conditions are properly satisfied.
Audit required
Your company is part of an ineligible or large group and cannot claim audit exemption under CA 2006 s.479. Because the group either contains a regulated entity or exceeds the small group size thresholds, a statutory audit is required.
CA 2006 s.479 — ineligible group
This result is based on the information provided and is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. Speak to Black Maple to understand your specific obligations and discuss your audit requirements.