Introduction

The UK government has confirmed significant changes to the requirements for filing accounts with Companies House starting in April 2028. These modifications are a part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), which seeks to decrease economic crime and improve transparency. 

For many small businesses, landlords operating through limited companies, contractors, startups, and owner-managed companies, these reforms represent the biggest shift in company account filing for years.

Although implementation has been delayed from the original April 2027 date, businesses now have additional time to prepare. According to Companies House, companies will have about 21 months to modify their reporting procedures before the new regulations take effect. 

This guide explains what is changing, who will be affected, and what directors should do now.

 

Key Takeaways

  • New Companies House accounts filing requirements will take effect from 1 April 2028.
  • All companies must file company accounts digitally using approved software in iXBRL format.
  • Small companies and micro-entities must submit profit and loss accounts with their annual filings
  • Paper and web-based company accounts filing will no longer be accepted.
  • Abridged accounts will be abolished under the new Companies House changes.
  • Profit and loss accounts can remain off the public register, but Companies House and HMRC will still receive them.
  • Businesses should review their accounting software and bookkeeping processes before the new rules become mandatory.

 

Key Companies House Changes From April 2028

The new Companies House changes will affect how UK companies prepare and submit their annual accounts. From 1 April 2028, most companies will need to follow new digital filing rules and provide more financial information. 

Mandatory Digital Filing

From April 2028, all companies must file their accounts digitally using approved commercial software. Paper accounts and the existing Companies House web filing service for accounts will be withdrawn.

Accounts must be submitted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format, allowing financial information to be electronically tagged and processed more efficiently. 

This means:

• Paper submissions will no longer be accepted
• Existing web filing methods for accounts will be withdrawn
• Commercial filing software will become mandatory
• Accounts must be tagged electronically

Many businesses already use software compatible with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital programme. Those still relying on manual spreadsheets should begin reviewing software options well before the deadline.

Small Companies Must File Profit and Loss Accounts

Many micro-entities and small businesses are currently able to file reduced accounts without revealing specific trading performance.

That will change from April 2028. All small companies and micro-entities will need to submit a profit and loss account as part of their statutory accounts filing. (Kreston Reeves)

This represents a major change for:

• Family-owned businesses
• Property investment companies
• Contractor-limited companies
• Small consultancies
• Startup companies

Companies House, HMRC, and relevant authorities will have access to this information. 

Profit and Loss Accounts Can Remain Private

The government confirmed that small businesses can decide not to make their profit and loss account publicly available after consulting with the industry.

Although Companies House will receive the information, businesses can protect commercially sensitive figures from appearing on the public register. Further guidance on this process is expected before the rules take effect.

Abridged Accounts Will Be Removed

Another major change affects companies that currently file abridged accounts.

From April 2028:

• Abridged accounts will no longer be available
• Reduced disclosure options will disappear
• Standardised filing requirements will apply

The aim is to create greater consistency across the Companies House register. (NI Business Info)

Audit Exemption Changes

Technical updates will also apply to audit exemption statements.

Most small companies will still qualify for an audit exemption if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, directors must ensure their exemption statements comply with the updated filing requirements. As digital checks become more robust, accurate accounts and good record-keeping will become even more important.

Need help with Companies House Accounts Filing ?
Choose the right path for your business.
Get Support Today

Call us: +44 (0) 207 093 2544

 Which Businesses Are Affected?

The April 2028 reforms will affect almost every UK limited company. However, some businesses will notice bigger changes than others.

Limited Companies

All UK limited companies must comply with the new digital filing requirements. Directors should review their accounting software and financial reporting processes well before the changes take effect.

Property Companies and Landlords

Many landlords own rental properties through limited companies or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). These businesses will need to file a profit and loss account as part of their annual accounts, even if they own only a single property.

Contractors and Consultants

Contractors operating through personal service companies will also be affected. Companies that currently submit simplified accounts should prepare for increased reporting requirements from April 2028.

Startups

Startups often prioritise growth during their early years. The new filing rules make accurate bookkeeping and digital accounting systems essential from the outset, helping avoid compliance issues later.

Micro-Entities

Micro-entities will see some of the biggest changes. Businesses that currently file highly simplified accounts will need to provide additional financial information under the new Companies House filing requirements.

Current Small Company Thresholds

For the 2026/27 tax year, a company generally qualifies as small if it meets at least two of the following conditions:

Small Company Threshold

Limit

Turnover

£15 million

Balance Sheet Total

£7.5 million

Employees

50

(Source: Preparing and filing Companies House accounts)

Micro-entity thresholds are lower and apply to the smallest companies. Directors should check the latest Companies Act thresholds each year, as government reviews can alter qualification criteria.

What Directors Should Do Now

Although the new rules do not take effect until April 2028, directors should start preparing now to ensure a smooth transition.

Review Accounting Software

If your business still relies on manual records or spreadsheets, consider switching to cloud accounting software. Approved software will be required for digital accounts filing and will also support HMRC’s Making Tax Digital programme.

Improve Bookkeeping

Accurate bookkeeping will become even more important under the new filing rules. Keeping complete financial records reduces errors, supports compliance, and makes annual accounts easier to prepare.

Understand New Disclosure Requirements

Directors should review the information included in their statutory accounts. While profit and loss accounts can remain private, they must still be submitted to Companies House and HMRC.

Seek Professional Advice

Preparing statutory accounts involves more than meeting filing deadlines. An accountant can help ensure your accounts comply with the new requirements, minimise filing errors, and keep your business fully compliant. 

Penalties for Late Company Accounts Filing

The April 2028 reforms do not change the existing filing deadlines. Private limited companies must still file their annual accounts with Companies House within 9 months of the end of their accounting reference period.

Late filing penalties will continue to apply and increase depending on how late the accounts are submitted. Companies that file late in consecutive years may face doubled penalties.

Directors are legally responsible for ensuring accounts are filed accurately and on time. Maintaining good financial records and preparing accounts early can help avoid unnecessary penalties and compliance issues.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming reforms represent one of the most significant updates to Companies House accounts filing requirements in recent years.

Mandatory software filing, expanded reporting obligations, and the removal of abridged accounts will affect nearly every UK limited company. While the additional preparation time is welcome, businesses should not wait until 2028 to act.

Companies that strengthen bookkeeping processes, adopt suitable software, and review their company accounts filing procedures early will be best placed to meet the new requirements.

Frequently Asked Question

Will changes to accounts filing be introduced in April 2027?
No. The reforms were originally expected earlier but have been delayed. The new Companies House filing requirements will now take effect from 1 April 2028. This delay gives companies more time to prepare for digital filing, iXBRL tagging, and expanded reporting requirements
Do all limited companies have to submit accounts to Companies House?
Yes. All UK limited companies must submit annual accounts to Companies House, including dormant companies. The level of detail varies depending on size and status, but filing is compulsory. Late or missing submissions can lead to penalties, enforcement action, and potential director disqualification in serious cases.
What are the new Companies House requirements?
From April 2028, companies must file accounts digitally using approved software in iXBRL format. Small companies must also include profit and loss accounts. Abridged accounts will be removed, and web or paper filing will end. These changes aim to improve transparency, data accuracy, and compliance monitoring.
Will small companies need to file profit and loss accounts?
Yes. From April 2028, small companies and micro-entities must include a profit and loss account in their annual filings. This marks a major change from the current simplified reporting. It promotes better regulatory oversight and data consistency and increases the amount of financial information submitted to Companies House
Will profit and loss accounts become public?
Not always. Small companies will have the option to keep profit and loss accounts off the public register. However, Companies House and HMRC will still receive the information. This provides transparency to regulators while keeping sensitive commercial data out of the hands of competitors and the general public.
Are abridged accounts being abolished?
Yes. Abridged accounts will no longer be permitted from April 2028. Companies will need to follow standardised reporting requirements instead. This modification guarantees that Companies House receives more comprehensive financial data for all qualified businesses, regardless of size, and enhances consistency across filings.