Free iXBRL Filing Options After 2027

From April 2027, all company accounts filed with Companies House must be in iXBRL format. With WebFiling closing, you need software to generate iXBRL. But does it have to cost money? No.

What Is iXBRL?

iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is a format that:

  • Embeds machine-readable tags in your accounts
  • Allows automated data extraction
  • Is required for Companies House from April 2027
  • Is already required for HMRC CT600 accounts
Good software generates iXBRL automatically — you don't need to understand the technical details.

Free iXBRL Options

TinyTax (Recommended)

Cost: £0 for micro-entities

TinyTax generates iXBRL accounts automatically:

  • Enter your financial information
  • Software creates iXBRL-tagged accounts
  • Submit directly to Companies House
  • Also handles HMRC CT600 filing
What's included:
  • Full iXBRL generation
  • FRS 105 micro-entity accounts
  • Companies House submission
  • CT600 + computation
Try TinyTax →

DIY iXBRL Creation

Not recommended. Creating iXBRL manually requires:

  • Understanding XBRL taxonomy
  • Technical tagging knowledge
  • Validation against schemas
  • Much more time than using software
Use software instead — it's free anyway.

Why iXBRL Matters

For Companies House

  • Enables automated data checking
  • Improves register accuracy
  • Supports transparency initiatives

For You

  • Software handles complexity
  • Reduces filing errors
  • Faster processing by CH

iXBRL Requirements by Company Size

Company TypeiXBRL Required From
All companies filing CT600Already required
Micro-entities (accounts)April 2027
Small companies (accounts)April 2027
Medium/large (accounts)April 2027
Dormant companiesApril 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iXBRL complicated?

Not if you use software. TinyTax generates it automatically from your accounts.

Do I need to learn XBRL tagging?

No. Software handles all the technical aspects.

Will free software produce proper iXBRL?

Yes. TinyTax uses the same iXBRL standards as paid software.

What if my accounts are rejected?

Software validates before submission, catching errors early.

Summary

  • iXBRL mandatory for all accounts from April 2027
  • Free software (TinyTax) generates iXBRL automatically
  • No technical knowledge needed
  • Don't try to create iXBRL manually

TinyTax generates iXBRL accounts from £20/year. See current pricing →