Companies House software-only filing from April 2028

From April 2028, Companies House will require UK registered companies to file accounts in iXBRL using commercial software. Its web and paper routes will close for accounts. Companies House confirmed on 23 October 2026 that this is going ahead as planned.

What’s staying the same as the plan

• Software-only filing in iXBRL, from April 2028.
• Web filing stays open for filings other than accounts, such as confirmation statements.
• The stronger audit exemption statement, filing the parts of the accounts together, and the limit on shortening accounting reference periods.

What changed on 23 October 2026

• The requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file a profit and loss account is paused, with no end date given.
• Companies can still file abridged accounts.
• Smaller companies keep the option to fillet their accounts.

Earlier write-ups, including the June 2026 notice and ICAEW’s article of the same month, describe the older plan on these three points. The June notice has been withdrawn.

What to check now

• Which of your clients’ accounts go in through the web or on paper today, including dormant companies and micro-entities.
• Whether your software produces iXBRL for each of those clients, and files it.
• Whether the clients who deliver their own accounts know the routes they use are closing.

Sources

• Companies House update to accounts filing from April 2028, GOV.UK, 23 October 2026.
• Companies House to bring in changes to accounts filing from April 2028, GOV.UK, 9 June 2026, since withdrawn.
• Companies House: accounts changes confirmed for April 2028, ICAEW, June 2026, written before the October update.