Companies House Accounts Filing Changes: What Every UK Business Needs to Know

The government has confirmed significant changes to how companies file their annual accounts with Companies House. While the new rules had originally been set to come into force in 2027, businesses have now been given additional time to prepare, with the implementation date delayed by a year to 1 April 2028.

Why are the rules changing?

The reforms form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which is designed to improve the quality and transparency of information held at Companies House, tackle economic crime, and modernise the UK company register.

What are the main changes?

From 1 April 2028, Companies House will no longer accept annual accounts filed using its online web service or by paper. Instead, all company accounts must be submitted using commercial software in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format.

For businesses already working with an accountant who prepares their accounts using software, this change is unlikely to have a significant impact. However, companies that currently prepare and file their own accounts using the Companies House web service will need to move to compatible software well before the deadline.

Small companies and micro-entities must file a Profit & Loss account

One of the biggest changes is that small companies and micro-entities will be required to file a Profit & Loss account as part of their annual accounts.

The good news is that businesses will be able to opt out of having the Profit & Loss account displayed on the public register. While Companies House, HMRC and other authorised bodies will have access to the information, competitors and the general public will not, if the opt-out is used. Further details on how this process will work are expected nearer the implementation date.

Abridged accounts will be removed

The option for eligible companies to file abridged accounts will disappear.

Companies will instead need to submit the full sets of their accounts together as a single package. This is intended to improve consistency and the quality of information held by Companies House.



Other technical changes

Additional reforms include:

• Updates to audit exemption statements.
• Restrictions on shortening accounting reference periods.
• Requirements for all parts of the accounts to be filed together.

These are largely technical changes but may affect some businesses depending on their circumstances.

What should businesses do now?

We recommend that businesses:

• Review how their annual accounts are currently prepared and filed.
• Consider moving to accounting software if they still rely on paper or the Companies House web filing service.
• Ensure bookkeeping records are maintained accurately throughout the year.
• Speak to their accountant about any changes that may affect their company.

How we can help

As a firm of Chartered Accountants, we ensure businesses are fully prepared well before the new rules take effect.

Whether it's moving to compatible software, reviewing your reporting processes, or handling your Companies House filings on your behalf, we'll guide you through the changes and make sure your business remains compliant.

If you'd like to discuss how these reforms will affect your company, you can get in touch with our team by phone, on 0121 633 2000, by email at enquiries@friendpartnership.com or by completing the form below with your query.