Updated 29 October 2026 to reflect Companies House’s announcement of 23 October 2026. Facts are taken from Companies House guidance on GOV.UK, linked throughout.
If you run a limited company, the way your annual accounts reach Companies House is about to change. From 1 April 2028, accounts can only be filed using commercial accounting software. But one of the most talked-about parts of the reform, making small and micro companies publish a profit and loss account, has now been put on hold. Here is where things stand and what it means for you.
The latest position at a glance
| Change | Status |
|---|---|
| Accounts filed only through commercial software in iXBRL format | Going ahead from 1 April 2028 |
| Web and paper filing of accounts closes | Going ahead from 1 April 2028 |
| Stronger statement for companies claiming audit exemption | Going ahead from 1 April 2028 |
| Accounts and reports to be delivered together | Going ahead from 1 April 2028 |
| Limit on how often a company can shorten its accounting reference period | Going ahead from 1 April 2028 |
| Small and micro companies required to file a profit and loss account | Paused (announced 23 October 2026) |
| Abridged accounts and “filleted” accounts without the profit and loss account | Still available for now |
How we got here
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 set out a package of changes to company accounts. Companies House originally planned to introduce them in April 2027. In January 2026 it confirmed that date would not go ahead and promised at least 21 months’ notice, and on 9 June 2026 it set the new date of 1 April 2028.
Then, on 23 October 2026, the government announced it would pause the requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts, following recommendations from the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce. While it is paused, the government will look at how companies could give the same information once to both Companies House and HMRC, rather than filing it twice. The software-only requirement is not affected.
1. Software-only filing: what it means
Companies House’s guidance on using software to file is clear that from 1 April 2028 every company must file its accounts through commercial software, whether the directors file themselves or use an accountant. Key points:
- No transition period. Any accounts due after that date, including revised accounts, must go through software.
- iXBRL format. Accounts must be digitally tagged so the data can be read by computer. Companies House cautions that some packages cannot produce the tagging required, so confirm your software can handle your type of accounts before relying on it.
- Online and paper routes close for accounts. Companies that currently key their accounts into Companies House’s online service, or post them in, will need to change how they file.
- Other filings are unaffected. Confirmation statements, director changes and other statutory updates can still be made through Companies House’s web services.
You can search GOV.UK’s finder for accounts filing software by type of accounts.
Which accounts will be caught?
A private company normally has 9 months from the end of its financial year to file accounts. That means a company with a 30 June 2027 year end has a deadline of 31 March 2028, the last day before the switch. Any company with a year end from July 2027 onwards will have a deadline after 1 April 2028 and must file through software. If accounts that were due before April 2028 are filed late, after the switch, the old routes will no longer be open.
Late filing penalties for private companies remain at £150 to £1,500 depending on how late the accounts are, and double if accounts are late two years running. Not having the right software in place will not be an excuse.
2. Profit and loss account: paused for small and micro companies
Under the original plans, small companies and micro-entities would have had to file a profit and loss account with Companies House for the first time, with an option to keep it off the public register. That requirement is now paused. For now:
- small companies can continue to file abridged accounts
- smaller companies keep the option to leave the profit and loss account out of the accounts they file (often called “filleted” accounts), so their profit figures do not appear on the public register
This is a pause rather than a cancellation, and the government has said it will look at alternative ways to simplify accounts filing. We will update clients as soon as more detail is published.
3. Other changes still going ahead in April 2028
- Audit exemption statement: companies claiming exemption from audit will need to include a strengthened statement confirming they are eligible.
- One submission: the accounts and any accompanying reports will need to be sent to Companies House in a single delivery, rather than piecemeal.
- Shortening your year end: there will be a limit on how often a company can shorten its accounting reference period, so frequent changes to your year end will be restricted.
Is your company micro or small?
Higher company size limits now apply to financial years starting from 6 April 2025. To fall into a category, a company needs to satisfy two or more of these three tests:
| Size | Turnover | Balance sheet total | Average number of employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-entity | Not more than £1 million | Not more than £500,000 | Not more than 10 |
| Small company | Not more than £15 million | Not more than £7.5 million | Not more than 50 |
Because of the higher thresholds, some companies that were previously “small” may now qualify as micro-entities, which can simplify their accounts.
What should you do now?
- If you file your own accounts through Companies House’s online service or on paper, you will need either suitable software or an accountant before your first deadline after 1 April 2028.
- If Taxlab files your accounts, we will make sure they are filed through compatible software, so there is nothing extra for you to do.
- Check your registered email address with Companies House is up to date, as this is how Companies House contacts companies about changes.
- Thinking of changing your year end? Talk to us first, especially if you have shortened it before.
- Claiming audit exemption? We will make sure your accounts include the new statement wording.
Frequently asked questions
Will my company’s profit figures become public in 2028?
Not for now. The requirement for small and micro companies to file a profit and loss account has been paused, and filleted and abridged accounts remain available.
Can I still file my confirmation statement online?
Yes. Only accounts move to software-only filing.
Does this apply to dormant companies?
Companies House’s guidance says all companies must file accounts through software from 1 April 2028, and it has not announced an exemption for any type of company.
How Taxlab can help
We prepare and file year-end accounts for limited companies across Bathgate, West Lothian and Scotland, and we will handle the move to software-only filing for our clients. If you currently file your own accounts and want to switch, contact us, call 0845 862 6009 or message us on WhatsApp. See also our year end accounts service.
Sources
- Companies House update to accounts filing from April 2028 (GOV.UK, 23 October 2026)
- Using software to file your company’s information (GOV.UK)
- Filing your Companies House accounts (GOV.UK, updated 23 October 2026)
- Late filing penalties (GOV.UK)
This article gives general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Companies House may publish further detail, so please check with us before acting.