Limited Company Accounts

Juicyloo

Hi,

My ex-husband set up a limited company when he went freelance in it in 1987 and I was and still am company secretary.

It is a low maintenance company and we/he has filed annual reports etc. Never really got involved apart from the odd signature here and there and sorting receipts etc.

Without going into a long explaination about our divorce, though on fairly good terms, my ex blatantly tongue in cheek tells me that whatever the CSA ask he answers truthfully, which I totally believe. They are just not asking right questions and this is why I am here now.

Problem is, at the start of the downfall of the marriage since about 8 years ago, apart from scanning the annual accounts before I signed, he has not let me have any access to company records at all.

I know he is understating his income- he told me they asked for PAYE records and that is what he supplied.

As I am still company secretary as he has made no moves to change that- despite the court order after decree nisi requesting it, is the accountant obliged to supply them to me? Also, what other way, apart from dividends and salary, can he use to get money from the company? He has never claimed many expenses like car or anything much really- in fact the bank which he freelances for pays all his traveling and accommodation expenses.

He only has to pay maintenance for our youngest for another year and I know he is trying to avoid it.

I have tried to access or buy accounts from companies house but cannot see where to do it- not obvious. Would prefer to go to accountant, any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.

bdt1

Not an expert on this, not sure if the accountant would release accounts to you, especially as he's being paid by your ex, but I do know that if you go through 192.com you can gain a personal Director Report for approx £10, never accessed such info, so don't know how much info you may get from this, but if I were you for a tenner worth a go.

Juicyloo

Hi, yes, thanks, have just got that but is a credit report not company accounts.

However it is helpful because it confirms that the company has an excellent credit rating- whereas mine is low due to lack of funds, and also that the shareholder funds have been 20k a year for last 3 years to which I am entitled to half as I see it as an equal shareholder- all be it a token 1 pound each and minus corporation tax.:D

Now just need to get the full accounts from companies house but would be grateful for advice how to do it.

Even phoned my local businesslink and they do not know!

romanempire

Goto - www.companieshouse.co.uk

Click link "with our WebCheck service" in box on right of front page which says "SEARCH company information".

Enter company name or company number and click "search".

In the resulting list click the relevant company.

If the correct company, click the "Order information on this company" button on the right of the page.

Tick the required documents and click the "Add to order" buttons on the right.

The rest of the checkout process is fairly similar to other online shopping sites. Each report costs £1.

I gotta ask, has your ex paid you any dividends over the last few years? If you own half the issued shares then half the profits from the company should have been paid to you.

P

Juicyloo

Hi thanks, had just been directed to that and paid 31 quid to access all files which I have downloaded and saved but do not seem to be able to open! Wot is a gif file as opposed to a pdf file- just right clicked- saved link as then a littee icon in middle of screen when I try to open!

This dividend thing is what I'm worried about because, no, he has not, but just been told that as a 50% shareholder, if he has taken them all, which I think he has, then he has committed fraud, and maybe accountant also.

Wot a can of worms!!!

Just wanted a few extra quid a week but knew there was something really wrong!!!

Have just asked him and he says "cannot take dividends anymore- google IR35"

Well I remember IR35- at about the turn of the century- our income dropped a lot- but what were the implications, and why is he still using that now, and why can other company directors take dividends still and not him? Or is there still such thing as dividends. I have been fed this line for years but have no answer.

romanempire

A .gif is a picture file. Most of these documents are scanned paper doc so essentially they are pictures. You should be able to view them with 'Paint' at the very least:-
Start
All Programs
Accessories
Paint.

One of the document you've downloaded will contain a register of members (shareholders). Check your still listed.

Another will list the company officers/appointments. Check to see if your still listed as company sec. Re the court order about this - it was up to you to resign the role. But it maybe useful that you still have that appointment.

I would strongly suggest that you gather any documentation you have and go see a solicitor who understands company law.

P

Juicyloo

Thanks for replying romanempire.

I'm so thick when it comes to technology- that's what comes of being married to am IT consultant for 23 years- normally ask him but best not ring on this occasion!:D

When I right ckick on the saved file in my documents it says nowt about paint- at least I have them saved but need to see how it's all been distributed!

So frustrating but thanks so much for help.

I really hope somehow that this does not amount to fraud and he's done something different- was not bargaining on this.

And we're supposed to be taking our DD to Alton Towers on Sunday for her 17th- sure that will still happen- we're adults!:A

Juicyloo

For some reason the first one downloaded as a tif file which I can view, but the gif files need me to "convert with pixillion"?

I am still definitely listed as company secretary, as he has never approached me to resign.

Likewise he has never formally signed things over to me like my caravan-lol- we have both been complacent, but , like you say, this may work out well.

romanempire

Open Paint first, then do 'File', 'Open' in Paint.

Just checked it on mine.

P.