Companies House has confirmed an important update to the accounts filing reforms due to take effect from April 2028. One of the most talked-about changes, the requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file their profit and loss accounts publicly, has been paused. However, the move to mandatory software filing is going ahead as planned.
Here’s what has changed, what hasn’t, and what you should be doing now to prepare.
Why are accounts filing rules changing?
The reforms come from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023), which is reshaping how companies report information to Companies House and what they report. The aim is to improve the transparency, accuracy and reliability of data on the companies register, so that businesses can rely on robust information when making decisions, UK practices are brought in line with other countries, and economic crime is harder to hide.
What’s been paused: profit and loss filing for smaller companies
Following recommendations from the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce, the government has decided to pause the requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts with Companies House from April 2028.
In practical terms, this means that after 1 April 2028:
Companies can continue to file abridged accounts
Smaller companies keep the option to remove, or “fillet”, their profit and loss information from the accounts filed at Companies House
During the pause, the government will look at ways to streamline Companies House and HMRC filing processes under its “tell Government once” ambition. For many small business owners, this is welcome news, as it means your profit and loss figures can stay off the public record for now.
What’s going ahead: mandatory software filing
From April 2028, all UK registered companies must file their accounts in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) format using commercial software. This requirement is not affected by the pause.
It applies whether you file your own accounts or use an accountant or third-party agent. From this date, Companies House web and paper filing will close for accounts. Web filing will still be available for non-accounts filings, such as confirmation statements and updates to director details.
If you currently file your accounts yourself through the Companies House website, this is the change that will affect you most directly.
Other changes coming in April 2028
Alongside software filing, the following changes are also confirmed:
A strengthened eligibility statement for all companies claiming an audit exemption
A requirement to file all component parts of the accounts and reports together
A limit on how many times a company can shorten its accounting reference period
At a glance: what’s changing from April 2028
| Change | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Small and micro-entity profit and loss filing | Paused | Abridged accounts and the option to remove ("fillet") profit and loss information continue after 1 April 2028. |
| Mandatory software filing (iXBRL) | Going ahead | All companies must file accounts using commercial software. Web and paper filing for accounts will close. |
| Audit exemption eligibility statement | Going ahead | A strengthened statement for all companies claiming an audit exemption. |
| Filing accounts and reports together | Going ahead | All component parts of the accounts and reports must be filed at the same time. |
| Shortening the accounting reference period | Going ahead | A limit on how many times a company can shorten its accounting reference period. |
| Non-accounts web filing | Unchanged | Confirmation statements and director updates can still be filed via Companies House web filing. |
What should you do now?
Although April 2028 may feel a long way off, it’s worth getting ready early:
Check how your accounts are filed today. If you use the Companies House web or paper service, you’ll need a new approach before the deadline.
Review your software. If you file yourself, you’ll need commercial software that supports iXBRL. Companies House publishes a list of software providers on GOV.UK.
Talk to your accountant. If Zyla already prepares and files your accounts, we’ll handle the switch for you.
Review any audit exemption claims. The strengthened eligibility statement means it’s worth confirming your company genuinely qualifies.
Plan accounting period changes carefully. With new limits on shortening your accounting reference period, changes should be considered well in advance.
How Zyla Accountants can help
Whether you’re a micro-entity filing your own accounts or a growing business looking to stay ahead of compliance changes, Zyla Accountants can prepare and file your accounts in the correct format and make sure you’re ready for April 2028. Get in touch with our team to talk through what the changes mean for your business.