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Companies House software-only filing becomes mandatory for annual accounts submitted on or after 1 April 2027. From that date, Companies House will close the web and paper routes for accounts; all companies, including dormant and micro entities, must file using compliant commercial software.
What’s changing and who’s affected?
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reforms, Companies House will require all annual accounts to be delivered through commercial software. This applies to all company types (including small, micro, LLPs and CICs) and to directors filing themselves or via agents. Alongside the move to software, the filing options for small and micro companies are being streamlined: abridged accounts go, and profit and loss information will be filed to enhance transparency.
Key dates you need to plan for
- 1 April 2026: HMRC’s free “file your company accounts and tax return” service closes; Company Tax Returns and accounts sent to HMRC must use commercial software.
- 1 April 2027: Companies House closes web and paper accounts filing. Annual accounts must be filed via software only (other statutory filings can still use existing routes).
Why the shift to software?
The change creates a single, secure, traceable route; improves data quality; and aligns UK reporting with international best practice (including iXBRL-ready data). For finance teams, it reduces rekeying, cuts error rates and supports faster validations.
How accountants and finance teams should prepare
- Choose compliant software now — shortlist vendors that support Companies House and HMRC submissions in one workflow. Ensure iXBRL tagging, validation checks and agent access are included.
- Map your year-end process — build a workflow that captures trial balance, adjustments, iXBRL tagging, internal review and e-signoff, then a single push to both HMRC and Companies House.
- Upgrade data quality controls — set up automated validations, director statements for audit exemptions, and checklists for small/micro disclosures.
- Train your team and clients — create guidance for directors on approvals and identity verification under ECCTA, and schedule a mock filing ahead of your first 2027 deadline.
- Update engagement letters — reflect software submission responsibilities, retention, and error-correction protocols.
Risks of waiting
Leaving adoption until late 2026 risks filing delays, rejected submissions and capacity bottlenecks with vendors and agents. Moving early lets you standardise templates, automate iXBRL, and communicate the changes to stakeholders with confidence.
Quick FAQ
Do we still file through the Companies House web service? Not for accounts after 1 April 2027 — they must go via software.
Does this affect other filings? Other statutory filings (e.g., confirmation statements) will still have web routes; the software-only requirement is specific to annual accounts.
What about HMRC? HMRC requires commercial software from 1 April 2026 for Corporation Tax and accounts sent to HMRC.
Bottom line: adopt Companies House software-only filing well before 1 April 2027. Standardise your process, train your team and clients, and avoid deadline pressure.
