The 2028 Companies House accounts filing change
From 1 April 2028 the free way to file company accounts changes for good. Web and paper filing close, and every company files its accounts using software instead. Here is what changes, who it affects, and how to be ready.
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What changes on 1 April 2028
The reform was confirmed for 1 April 2028, a year later than first planned. These are the changes that matter to a small company.
- 01
Web and paper filing close
You will no longer be able to file your annual accounts on the free Companies House web form or on paper. Both routes are withdrawn.
- 02
Software-only filing
All accounts must be filed using commercial software, in the machine-readable iXBRL format that HMRC already requires.
- 03
Profit and loss for all
Small companies and micro-entities must file a profit and loss account. Micro-entities can choose to keep theirs off the public register.
- 04
Abridged accounts abolished
The option to file simplified abridged accounts is removed, so the filing choices are narrowed.
- 05
One complete package
Accounts must be delivered in full and in one submission, rather than sending separate parts at different times.
Not sure how 2028 affects your company?
Type your company name and our free tool reads the public record and tells you exactly how the change hits you.
Guides to the 2028 change
Companies House 2028 accounts changes, explained
A plain-English summary of the accounts reforms coming to Companies House in April 2028.
WebFiling is closing in 2028: what it means and what to do
Companies House is closing WebFiling for annual accounts in April 2028. Here is what is changing and how to stay compliant.
Abridged accounts and why they end in 2028
What abridged accounts are, which companies use them, and why the option is being abolished from April 2028.
What is iXBRL, and why 2028 makes it matter
iXBRL is the machine-readable accounts format HMRC already requires and Companies House filing moves to in 2028. Here is what it means for you.
How to file a CT600 without software
When you can file a Company Tax Return using HMRC’s free online service, when you need commercial software, and what changes by 2028.
Small company accounts: what you need to file
Who counts as a small company, what you file, and how the 2028 changes affect you.
How to file dormant company accounts
If your company did not trade this year, you still have to file. Here is how dormant accounts work.
Micro-entity accounts (FRS 105): a simple guide
Who qualifies as a micro-entity, what you must report, and what changes in 2028.
2028 filing change: FAQs
When exactly does the change take effect?+
The rules apply to accounts delivered on or after 1 April 2028. The date was pushed back a year from the original April 2027 plan, so you have until then to prepare.
Does this affect dormant companies?+
Yes. A dormant company still files accounts, so it also moves to software-only filing in 2028. The free dormant accounts web form closes with the rest.
Will I have to pay for software?+
Today the Companies House web form is free. From 2028 you need software that produces iXBRL accounts. We are building a free tool so small, micro and dormant companies are not forced to pay just to file simple accounts.
Does this change my filing deadline?+
No. Your deadlines do not change. Accounts are still due nine months after your accounting reference date. Only the method of filing changes.
What is iXBRL?+
iXBRL is a machine-readable accounts format that HMRC has required for years and that Companies House filing moves to in 2028. You do not write it by hand, the software produces it.
Be ready before the web form closes
Join the waiting list and be first to use our free filing tool for small, micro and dormant companies when it launches.
Founding members get 3 years free
We launch in early 2027. Join the waiting list now for early access: 3 years free, then never more than £39/year.
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