Aug 7

2026

April 2028 is now fixed for Companies House accounts reform: why waiting could cost more

From 1 April 2028, all UK-registered companies will have to file annual accounts with Companies House through commercial software in iXBRL format. Paper filing and Companies House WebFiling will no longer be available for accounts. Small companies and micro-entities will also have to file a profit and loss account, although they will be able to opt out of publishing it on the public register. The option to file abridged accounts will also end.

Companies House confirmed the timetable on 9 June 2026 after moving implementation back from April 2027. Its Companies House accounts filing changes page sets out the reforms.

What changes on 1 April 2028

Companies House web services will remain available for non-accounts filings, including confirmation statements and changes to director details.

The deadline can affect earlier accounting periods

The reform is based on when accounts are filed, not simply the accounting period they cover. A private company with a 31 December 2027 year end will normally have until 30 September 2028 to file. Because that deadline falls after 1 April 2028, those accounts will need to use the new software-only process.

Businesses still relying on manual processes should consider switching to cloud accounting well before 2028. Testing accounts-production and filing software early reduces the risk of discovering problems close to a statutory deadline.

Late filing remains costly. The current late filing penalty rates for private companies are £150 for up to one month late, £375 for one to three months, £750 for three to six months and £1,500 for more than six months. Penalties double where accounts are late in two successive financial years.

What happens to profit and loss information

Small companies and micro-entities will have to send profit and loss information to Companies House, but they will be able to opt out of displaying it publicly. The detailed opt-out process is still to be confirmed. Companies House, HMRC and law-enforcement bodies will continue to have access.

That makes reliable management accounts useful before year-end filing. Strong financial information can also support SME lending and growth funding and businesses preparing a business for sale.

Companies claiming audit exemption will need an enhanced directors’ statement confirming the exemption relied on and that the company qualifies. This is also a sensible time to revisit why internal audit supports business growth and understand external audit expectations.

What about Ireland?

Under current Republic of Ireland rules, qualifying small companies can still file abridged financial statements. The CRO guidance for small companies uses thresholds of no more than €15 million turnover, €7.5 million balance-sheet total and 50 employees, with two of the three conditions generally required.

Northern Ireland companies are registered with Companies House and will follow the UK timetable. Groups operating across both jurisdictions should review the different regimes when setting up a company in both the UK and Ireland. SCC’s cross border accounting and tax team can help coordinate reporting requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Will every UK company need filing software from April 2028?

Yes. UK-registered companies will have to file annual accounts through commercial software in iXBRL format.

Will small-company profit and loss accounts become public?

Not necessarily. Small companies and micro-entities must file them but will be able to opt out of publication. Companies House has not yet confirmed the detailed opt-out process.

Should businesses wait until 2028 to change systems?

No. Businesses relying on WebFiling or paper accounts should test their new process earlier. SCC Chartered Accountants provides SME accounting and business support, alongside forensic accounting and investigations and recovery and restructuring advice where wider financial issues need attention.