Companies House accounts filing is changing in 2028
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the way every UK company files its annual accounts is changing. From 1 April 2028, accounts must be filed using commercial software — and small companies will need to file more than they do today.
What's changing
- Small companies and micro-entities will have to file profit and loss accounts, like other companies do.
- All companies must file their accounts at Companies House via commercial software.
- The free online (WebFiling) and paper routes for accounts will close on 1 April 2028.
How much time you have
The reforms come into effect on 1 April 2028 (postponed from 2027). That gives companies a full accounting year plus nine months — about 21 months — to get ready. If you already file through an agent or software, you may not need to do anything. If you file the free web or paper way today, you'll need to move to software filing before the deadline.
How TaxStats can help
TaxStats is an ACCA-regulated accountancy practice and a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP AP006589) — we already file with Companies House using software. When the change lands, we can prepare and file your accounts for you, so you never have to buy or learn filing software. We already handle Confirmation Statements, ID verification and company formation the same way.
Already a customer? You'll be covered — but join the list below so we can confirm your details closer to the time.
Frequently asked questions
When do the accounts filing changes start?
From 1 April 2028. Companies House will close its free online (WebFiling) and paper routes for annual accounts on that date — all accounts must then be filed using commercial software. The change was confirmed under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
Who is affected?
Every UK company that files annual accounts. Small companies and micro-entities — who can currently file simplified accounts for free — will need to file using software, and will also have to file a profit and loss account, like larger companies do.
Will my profit and loss be made public?
Small companies and micro-entities will be able to opt out of having their profit and loss published on the public register. The detail of how to opt out will be confirmed by Companies House.
Do I have to buy software myself?
No — you can either use commercial software yourself, or have an agent file for you. As an ACCA-regulated firm and a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP AP006589), TaxStats can prepare and software-file your accounts on your behalf.
What should I do now?
Nothing urgent — there's a 21-month runway. But it's worth registering your interest so we can let you know in good time and handle the switch for you when the time comes.