New Companies House Filing Changes: A Complete Guide for UK Small Businesses
Introduction
Companies House has confirmed significant changes to how UK companies will file their annual accounts from 1 April 2028 under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023.
The reforms will affect almost every UK limited company, particularly small companies and micro-entities. From April 2028, businesses will be required to file annual accounts using commercial software, while additional financial information will also need to be submitted.
This guide explains the new filing rules, who is affected and what your business should do to prepare.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Change | From 1 April 2028 |
|---|---|
| Annual accounts filing | Commercial software required |
| Companies House WebFiling | Closed for annual accounts |
| Paper filing | No longer accepted |
| Profit & Loss accounts | Small companies and micro-entities must file them |
| Public disclosure | Eligible companies can opt out of publishing their Profit & Loss account |
Why Are Companies House Filing Rules Changing?
The government is introducing these reforms to modernise Companies House and improve the quality of information held on the public register.
The changes aim to:
- Improve transparency
- Reduce economic crime and fraud
- Increase confidence in UK companies
- Modernise the annual accounts filing process
The 4 Biggest Companies House Filing Changes Coming in 2028
1. Annual Accounts Must Be Filed Using Commercial Software
From 1 April 2028, companies will no longer be able to file annual accounts using Companies House WebFiling or paper forms.
Instead, annual accounts must be submitted using compatible commercial software.
2. Paper Filing Will End
Paper filing for annual accounts will be withdrawn.
Businesses that still rely on paper submissions should begin preparing well before the deadline.
3. Companies House WebFiling Will Close for Annual Accounts
The Companies House WebFiling service for annual accounts will close from 1 April 2028.
If you currently file accounts yourself through WebFiling, you will need to switch to commercial software or appoint an accountant who files electronically on your behalf.
4. Small Companies Must File a Profit and Loss Account
Small companies and micro-entities will now be required to submit a Profit and Loss (P&L) account as part of their annual accounts.
However, eligible companies will be able to opt out of publishing their Profit and Loss account on the public register. Companies House will publish further guidance before the new rules come into effect.
Does This Affect My Company?
| Company Type | Affected? |
| Small company | ✅ Yes |
| Micro-entity | ✅ Yes |
| Medium-sized company | ✅ Yes |
| Large company | ✅ Yes |
| Dormant company | Likely (depending on filing requirements) |
Timeline for the New Filing Rules
| Date | What Happens |
| June 2026 | Companies House confirms the reforms |
| 2026–2028 | Businesses prepare for software filing |
| 1 April 2028 | New filing requirements become mandatory |
What Should Your Business Do Now?
Although the reforms do not take effect until April 2028, Companies House recommends preparing as early as possible.
Preparation Checklist
| Task | Complete |
| Know which type of accounts your company files | ☐ |
| Keep your Companies House authentication code safe | ☐ |
| Apply for a presenter account (if required) | ☐ |
| Choose compatible filing software | ☐ |
| Speak with your accountant | ☐ |
| Be ready before 1 April 2028 | ☐ |
If you already use an accountant, check that they will be ready for the new filing requirements.
Example
ABC Design Ltd is a small limited company that currently prepares and files its annual accounts using Companies House WebFiling.
Before 1 April 2028, the company will need to move to commercial filing software or appoint an accountant who files accounts electronically on its behalf.
If ABC Design Ltd uses Grid Tax Services, this transition is already taken care of because software filing is included in every accounting package.
Grid Tax Services: Ready for the 2028 Filing Changes
The new filing rules mean many businesses that currently prepare and submit their own annual accounts will need to move to commercial software.
With Grid Tax Services, there is no need to purchase or manage separate filing software. Software filing is included in all of our accounting packages, helping your business stay compliant with the new Companies House requirements.
Every accounting package includes:
- Annual accounts preparation
- Companies House software filing
- Corporation Tax returns
- Confirmation Statements
- Cloud accounting software
- Dedicated accountant support
- Ongoing compliance support
Build Your Own Tax Package
Unlike many traditional accounting firms that offer fixed monthly packages, Grid Tax Services lets you Build Your Own Tax Package by choosing only the services your business needs.
This means you only pay for what you actually use and can save 30% or more compared with traditional bundled accounting packages.
Whether you only require annual accounts or need additional services such as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll or Corporation Tax, you can create a package tailored to your business.
✅ Software filing included
✅ Only pay for what you need
✅ Save 30%+ compared with traditional accounting packages
👉 Build Your Own Tax Package
(Link "Grid Tax Services", "Build Your Own Tax Package" or "Accounting Packages" to your service page.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these changes affect dormant companies?
Dormant companies may have different filing requirements depending on their circumstances. Check the latest Companies House guidance or speak with your accountant.
Can I still file annual accounts using Companies House WebFiling?
No. Companies House WebFiling for annual accounts will close from 1 April 2028.
Can I still file annual accounts on paper?
No. Paper filing for annual accounts will no longer be accepted from 1 April 2028.
Do I need commercial software?
Yes, if you currently file annual accounts through WebFiling or paper filing.
If you're a Grid Tax Services client, software filing is already included as part of your accounting package.
What is a Companies House presenter account?
A presenter account allows businesses or agents to submit accounts electronically using compatible filing software. Companies House has advised businesses that currently self-file to apply for one if required.
Will my Profit and Loss account become public?
Not necessarily. The government has confirmed that eligible small companies and micro-entities will be able to opt out of publishing their Profit and Loss account. Further guidance will be released before April 2028.
What happens if I do nothing?
If you currently rely on WebFiling or paper filing, you will no longer be able to submit your annual accounts after 1 April 2028. Preparing early will help avoid delays and compliance issues.
Conclusion
The Companies House reforms represent one of the biggest changes to annual accounts filing in recent years. Although the new rules do not take effect until 1 April 2028, businesses should use the transition period to understand the changes and prepare for software-based filing.
With Grid Tax Services, software filing is already included in every accounting package, so there's no need to purchase separate filing software. By choosing our Build Your Own Tax Package, you can customise your accounting services, only pay for what you need, and potentially save 30% or more compared with traditional fixed-fee accounting packages while ensuring your business remains compliant with both Companies House and HMRC.
