Explanatory Notes

Companies Act 2006

2006 CHAPTER 46

8 November 2006

Commentary

Part 16: Audit

Chapter 1: Requirement for Audited Accounts
Section 475: Requirement for audited accounts

722.This section restates the basic requirement for accounts to be audited, unless they are exempt. The obligation is now expressed as a duty on the company to have its accounts audited, whereas section 235 of the 1985 Act expressed it as a duty on the auditor to audit the accounts.

723.Directors must state in the balance sheet if they are taking advantage of an exemption. Unless the company is subject to a public sector audit, the statement must say that the members have not required an audit, and that the directors take responsibility for producing compliant accounts.