Filing Accounts After April 2028: What You Need to Know

From 1 April 2028, every UK company must file their statutory accounts using commercial software. Companies House WebFiling for accounts and paper filing will both end permanently.

> Two different services. The joint HMRC and Companies House service for filing accounts together with the Company Tax Return closed on 31 March 2026. Companies House WebFiling for accounts is a separate service and stays open until 1 April 2028. Companies House originally planned software-only filing for April 2027 and moved it back a year.

The Key Changes

Filing Method

  • WebFiling closes for accounts
  • Paper filing ends completely
  • Software-only from April 2028

Disclosure Requirements

  • No more abridged accounts — full accounts required
  • Micro-entities must file P&L — previously optional
  • More detailed notes required

Technical Requirements

  • iXBRL format mandatory
  • Software validation before acceptance
  • Electronic submission only

What You Need to Do

1. Choose Software Now

Don't wait until 2028. Options include:
  • TinyTax (from £20/year)
  • TaxCalc, IRIS, Sage (paid)
  • Your accountant's software

2. Understand New Disclosure

Your accounts will show more:
  • Full profit and loss account
  • Complete balance sheet
  • Detailed notes

3. Plan for the Transition

If your year end is 31 July 2027 or later, your filing deadline falls after 31 March 2028, so plan to file through software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my year end decide which rules apply?

No, the date you file does. Accounts filed on or after 1 April 2028 must go through software, whatever the year end. A year end of 30 June 2027 or earlier has a deadline before that date, so WebFiling stays an option if you file on time.

Are there any exemptions?

No. All company types must use software from April 2028.

Will it cost more?

Not necessarily. TinyTax offers affordable accounts filing for micro-entities.

Summary

  • From April 2028, software-only filing
  • WebFiling and paper filing end
  • More disclosure required
  • Free options available

TinyTax offers affordable accounts filing. Get started →