Limited company guide
Quick answer
From 1 April 2028, every UK company must file its annual accounts with Companies House using commercial software in iXBRL format. WebFiling and paper filing will close for accounts, with no transition period. WebFiling stays open for other filings like confirmation statements and director changes. The separate plan to make small and micro companies file a profit and loss account has been paused. — LimitedCompany.Accountants, ICAEW-regulated accountants for UK limited companies.
From 1 April 2028 all UK companies must file accounts with Companies House using commercial iXBRL software. What changes, what has been paused, who is affected and how to prepare.
Last updated 8 November 2026. Official references are listed below.
From 1 April 2028, every UK company must file its annual accounts with Companies House using commercial software in iXBRL format. WebFiling and paper filing will close for accounts, with no transition period. WebFiling stays open for other filings like confirmation statements and director changes. The separate plan to make small and micro companies file a profit and loss account has been paused.
What is changing?
Which accounts will need to be filed through software?
What is not changing for now?
Who is most affected?
What are my options before April 2028?
What should directors check before the change?
Can you help me make the switch?
Companies House confirmed in November 2026 that software-only accounts filing is going ahead from 1 April 2028. It applies to:
• Companies that file their own accounts
• Companies that use an accountant or agent
• Revised accounts as well as annual accounts
Any accounts delivered on or after that date must come through approved software. The change was originally planned for April 2027 and was moved back to give companies about 21 months' notice.
The government has paused the requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file a profit and loss account at Companies House. The pause is to explore a ‘tell government once’ approach that joins up Companies House and HMRC filing, so watch for further announcements.
• Small companies can still file filleted accounts, leaving out the profit and loss account
• Abridged accounts remain an option
• Micro-entity accounts stay as simple as they are today
Directors who file micro-entity, dormant or small accounts themselves through WebFiling are hit hardest, because that free route closes for accounts. If you already use an accountant who files through software, the switch should be smooth, but it is worth confirming their software supports iXBRL accounts filing.
1. Buy filing software yourself. Companies House publishes a list of software providers. Check it supports your accounts type (micro, small, dormant or full) and iXBRL tagging.
2. Use an accountant. They file through their own software, often alongside your CT600 Company Tax Return to HMRC.
3. Join filing up with your bookkeeping. Some bookkeeping and payroll packages include Companies House accounts filing.
Whichever route you choose, you remain legally responsible for filing on time. Late filing penalties still apply, and the 9-month deadline for private companies does not move.
• Check how your last accounts were filed (WebFiling, paper or software)
• Note which accounting periods end after 30 June 2027, as their accounts will likely be due after 1 April 2028
• Pick software or an accountant well before your first post-April 2028 deadline
• Make sure your Companies House authentication code and identity verification are sorted
LimitedCompany.Accountants files accounts through compliant software as part of our Business-as-a-Service accounting for UK limited companies, alongside your CT600 and confirmation statement. Get a quote or book a call at https://limitedcompany.accountants, call 020 3441 1258 or email hello@limitedcompany.accountants (12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ).
Primary references
Local help
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Yes, but not for accounts. Confirmation statements, director changes and address updates can still go through WebFiling.
Not under current plans. That requirement has been paused, so micro-entity and filleted small accounts continue.
Some providers may offer low-cost options. Check the Companies House software list and confirm the product files your accounts type in iXBRL.
Yes. Dormant company accounts are accounts too, so they will also need to be filed through software from 1 April 2028.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
Included approach
Check the current rules
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.
Two ways to work with us
Everything is fixed price and agreed before we start. Prices are the same whether you are in London, Morden, Croydon or anywhere else in the UK.
All-inclusive packages
One fee covering your company’s filing calendar, with the price based on your turnover band.
One-off online filing
No monthly commitment. Add what you need to one basket and pay by card, with government fees shown separately at cost.
Not sure which fits? Book a free consultation or get an instant quote.
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