Significant changes to Companies House filings and documents are on the way. From April 2028, new accounts filing requirements will come into force as part of the government's plan to improve the quality and reliability of information held by Companies House. These Companies House changes will affect how companies prepare, submit and report their annual accounts.

While some of the reforms may require changes to existing processes, they are designed to improve transparency, strengthen confidence in the UK business environment and help tackle economic crime.

Below we highlight what the changes involve.

What Companies House changes are taking effect from April 2028?

The key changes include:

  • Small companies and micro-entities will be required to file a profit and loss account.
  • All company accounts must be filed using commercial software.
  • Paper filing and Companies House's online accounts filing service will be withdrawn.
  • Abridged accounts will no longer be permitted.
  • Additional information will be required when claiming an audit exemption.
  • Companies will need to file all elements of their accounts together.

These changes will apply to all UK-registered companies, although some reforms will have a greater impact on smaller businesses.

Profit and loss accounts must be filed

One of the most significant Companies House changes affects small companies and micro-entities.

From April 2028, these businesses will be required to submit a profit and loss account as part of their annual accounts filing.

Currently, many small companies can file a balance sheet only, meaning profit and loss information is not provided to Companies House. Under the new rules, that information must be submitted as part of the filing process.

However, the government has confirmed that eligible companies will be able to opt out of publishing their profit and loss accounts on the public register. This means their information will be available to Companies House and relevant authorities, but should not be visible to the public.

Further guidance on how this opt-out process will work is expected closer to implementation.

Mandatory software filing for all companies

Another key element of the upcoming Companies House changes is the move to mandatory software-only filing. From April 2028, all companies will need to file their accounts using approved commercial software.

Accounts will also need to be digitally tagged using Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL), enabling more efficient and accurate processing.

As part of these Companies House changes:

  • Paper accounts submissions will no longer be accepted.
  • The existing Companies House online accounts filing service will close.
  • Directors who currently prepare and submit accounts themselves may need to invest in suitable software or seek professional support.

Companies that already use cloud accounting systems and digital filing processes will find this transition relatively straightforward. However, companies that currently use manual systems should begin planning ahead.

Companies House provides information on compatible software here: https://www.gov.uk/software-company-accounts

Additional Companies House changes directors should know about

Alongside the headline reforms, several other Companies House changes have been confirmed.

Abridged accounts will be removed

The option to file abridged accounts will be withdrawn. This change is intended to improve the consistency and usefulness of information held on the Companies House register.

Stronger audit exemption statements

Companies claiming an audit exemption will need to provide additional declarations confirming the specific exemption they are claiming and their eligibility to use it.

Directors should ensure they understand which exemption applies to their business and maintain appropriate supporting records.

Filing accounts as a complete package

Another of the Companies House changes will require all elements of a company's accounts and reports to be submitted together. This will create a more complete and consistent record for Companies House and users of the register.

Restrictions on shortening accounting periods

The number of times a company can shorten its accounting reference period will be reduced.

Directors considering changes to their accounting year-end should take professional advice before making any decisions.

Why are these Companies House changes being introduced?

The Companies House changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The government's objective is to improve the accuracy, transparency and reliability of information held on the public register.

The reforms are also intended to:

  • Help prevent economic crime and fraud.
  • Improve confidence in UK businesses.
  • Support lenders, investors and suppliers when making business decisions.
  • Provide regulators and enforcement agencies with more complete information.

How DWilkinson&Company can help

The upcoming Companies House changes will affect every UK limited company, whether through new filing requirements, mandatory software submissions or additional reporting obligations.

While April 2028 may seem some way off, understanding the changes now can help you prepare effectively and avoid compliance issues in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Companies House changes and how they may affect your company, please contact the team at DWilkinson&Company at 0113 320 0001 or email office@dwco.co.uk.

We can help you understand the new rules, review your current processes and ensure your company is fully prepared for the changes ahead.