Companies House Is Ending Web and Paper Accounts Filing: What UK Businesses Need to Know

Companies House has confirmed a significant change to the way UK companies will file their annual accounts.

From 1 April 2028, all UK companies will be required to file their annual accounts using commercial software. The existing web and paper-based routes for filing accounts will close, meaning businesses that currently file directly through Companies House will need to change the way they work.

While April 2028 may sound some way off, Companies House is encouraging businesses to start preparing for the transition now.

For business owners, particularly those who currently manage their own company filings, it is worth understanding what is changing and what preparations may be required.

What is changing at Companies House?

From 1 April 2028, annual accounts will need to be submitted to Companies House through compatible commercial software.

The requirement will apply whether a company:

• prepares and files its own accounts;

• uses an accountant or other professional to file on its behalf;

• is a small company or micro-entity; or

• needs to submit revised accounts.

Companies House has confirmed there will be no transition period once the new system begins. If accounts are due after 1 April 2028, they will need to be filed using software.

The change relates specifically to accounts filing. Companies House web services will continue to support other statutory filings, including confirmation statements and updates to company information.

Why is Companies House making the change?

The move forms part of wider reforms introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

The reforms are designed to improve the quality, reliability and transparency of information held on the Companies House register, while making company data easier to analyse and compare.

Under the new system, accounts will be submitted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL).

In simple terms, iXBRL allows financial information to be both human-readable and machine-readable. Financial data within accounts can be digitally tagged, making it easier for Companies House and other authorised users to process and analyse information.

For many businesses whose accountants already use compatible accounting and filing software, the practical change may be relatively small.

For companies that currently rely on Companies House's online filing service or paper accounts, however, there will be more preparation required.

Do businesses need to buy accounting software?

Not necessarily.

Businesses that want to continue preparing and filing their own accounts will need to make sure they have suitable commercial software capable of meeting Companies House's requirements.

Companies House has warned that not every accounting package currently supports the iXBRL tagging needed for digital accounts filing, so businesses should check with their software provider.

Alternatively, companies can appoint an accountant or another suitable professional to prepare and file their accounts on their behalf.

It is important to remember that using an accountant does not transfer the company's underlying legal responsibilities. Directors remain responsible for ensuring the company's accounts and records meet the relevant requirements.

Other Companies House accounts changes are coming

Software-only filing is part of a broader package of Companies House reforms scheduled for April 2028.

The planned changes also include requirements for small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts with Companies House, although eligible businesses will have the option not to publish that information on the public register.

Companies House also plans to:

• remove the option to file abridged accounts;

• strengthen eligibility statements for companies claiming audit exemption;

• require the component parts of accounts and reports to be filed together; and

• restrict how frequently companies can shorten their accounting reference period.

These changes represent a significant modernisation of the UK company reporting system.

What should businesses do now?

There is no need to panic or immediately change accounting systems simply because of the 2028 deadline.

However, businesses should use the time available to make sure they understand how their accounts are currently prepared and submitted.

If you file your own accounts, check whether your existing accounting software will support Companies House software filing and iXBRL requirements.

If you use an accountant, it is worth confirming that their systems and processes will be ready for the changes.

Businesses considering new accounting software over the next year or two should also factor the Companies House requirements into that decision rather than investing in a system that may subsequently need replacing.

A wider shift towards digital tax and company reporting

The Companies House reforms are another example of the UK's continuing move towards digital financial reporting and administration.

For businesses, having reliable accounting records and suitable digital systems is becoming increasingly important — not simply for meeting filing deadlines, but for understanding financial performance and remaining compliant as reporting requirements evolve.

At Zyla Accountants, we help businesses manage their accounting, tax and statutory reporting requirements while keeping them informed about regulatory changes that may affect them.

If you're unsure how the Companies House reforms could affect your business, or you'd like support with your company accounts and reporting, speak to the Zyla team.