Companies House accounts filing changes confirmed for April 2028

Companies House has confirmed that major changes to company accounts filing will take effect from 1 April 2028.

The reforms were introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and are designed to improve the quality of information held at Companies House, increase transparency and help tackle economic crime.

The changes had previously been expected from April 2027, but the government has delayed implementation by 12 months. This gives companies, accountants, agents and software providers additional time to prepare.

Key changes from April 2028

• From 1 April 2028, all UK companies will need to file their annual accounts using commercial software. Companies House web filing and paper filing will no longer be available for accounts submissions.
• Accounts will also need to be filed in digital iXBRL format.
• There are also important changes for small companies and micro-entities. These companies will be required to file a profit and loss account with Companies House. This is a significant change, as many smaller companies currently file reduced accounts that do not include this information on the public register.
• Following consultation, small companies and micro-entities will be able to opt out of having their profit and loss account published publicly. However, the profit and loss account will still need to be submitted to Companies House and will remain available to Companies House, HMRC and law enforcement bodies.
• The option to file abridged accounts will also be removed.
• Companies claiming audit exemption will need to include a clearer directors’ statement confirming which exemption is being claimed and that the company qualifies.

What businesses should do now

Although April 2028 may feel some way off, businesses should start reviewing their accounts filing process now.

Companies should check whether they currently file accounts using software, whether their accountant or agent already uses compatible software, and whether they have access to the correct Companies House authentication details.

Businesses that currently file directly through Companies House web filing, or by paper, will need to move to software filing before the new rules take effect.

Review filing arrangements early

These are significant changes, particularly for small companies and micro-entities.

The main points are straightforward: accounts filing will become software-only, and smaller companies will need to submit profit and loss information to Companies House.

The extended timetable gives businesses time to prepare, but it is worth reviewing current filing arrangements early to avoid issues closer to the deadline.