What is the accounting reference date (ARD)?

A company’s accounting reference date (ARD) is the date that signifies the end of its financial year and so the date that the company’s annual accounts should be made up to.

Companies House provides all companies with an ARD after incorporation which usually falls on the last day of the month one year after the company’s formation.

For example, if you formed your company on 15/02/2020, your accounting reference date will be 28/02/2021 on the first year and 28/02/<subsequent-years>.