Companies House accounts filing changes 2028: what businesses need to know

Companies House has confirmed that significant changes to UK accounts filing requirements will take effect from 1 April 2028. The reforms represent one of the biggest changes to company reporting in recent years and will affect how businesses prepare and submit their annual accounts.

The changes form part of the wider Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reforms and aim to improve the accuracy, quality and transparency of information held on the Companies House register. Although the Government has delayed the implementation date by one year, businesses now have a clear timetable and approximately 21 months to prepare.

The reforms were originally scheduled to take effect from April 2027. Following concerns raised by businesses, professional bodies and other stakeholders, the Government postponed implementation by one year. The revised timetable provides businesses with additional time to review systems, reporting processes and software requirements before the changes become mandatory.

Although the reforms apply to companies of all sizes, smaller businesses are likely to see the greatest impact as they prepare for additional filing requirements and a fully digital filing process. New reporting requirements and changes to existing filing procedures will mean many companies need to review how they prepare and submit annual accounts.

What are the Companies House accounts filing changes from April 2028?

From 1 April 2028, Companies House will introduce a package of reforms that changes both how companies file accounts and what information must be submitted.

One of the most significant changes is the move to mandatory software-only filing. Businesses will no longer be able to submit accounts using paper forms or the existing Companies House web filing service. Instead, companies must prepare and file accounts through compatible software using iXBRL digital tagging.

The reforms will also require companies to submit additional financial information as part of statutory accounts filing obligations. Eligible small companies and micro-entities can opt out of making profit and loss information publicly available, helping to address concerns around commercially sensitive financial information.

Alongside these changes, Companies House will introduce a number of technical amendments affecting areas such as audit exemption statements and accounting reference periods.

Why is Companies House changing accounts filing requirements?

The reforms form part of the Government’s wider programme to strengthen corporate transparency and tackle economic crime.

Historically, Companies House operated primarily as a registrar, accepting information submitted by companies with limited verification powers. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has significantly expanded those powers and introduced a programme of modernisation across company registration and reporting.

The move to digital accounts filing is expected to improve data quality, reduce filing errors and make it easier to identify inaccurate or suspicious information. Standardised submissions should also allow Companies House to undertake more effective validation and verification checks.

These reforms reflect the wider transformation of Companies House from a passive register into a more active regulator of corporate information.

Which businesses will be affected?

The reforms will affect all UK incorporated companies and LLPs that file annual accounts. However, the impact is likely to be greatest for businesses that currently rely on paper filing, web-based filing services or simplified reporting options.

Companies that do not currently use accounts production software may need to make the most significant changes before April 2028. Smaller businesses that benefit from reduced filing requirements may also need to review how they prepare and submit financial information to Companies House.

How businesses can prepare for the Companies House reforms

Although April 2028 may appear some time away, businesses should not underestimate the preparation required.

The introduction of mandatory software filing means companies should assess whether existing accounting systems and reporting processes are capable of meeting the new requirements.

Companies should continue to monitor future Companies House guidance, as Companies House is expected to publish further details on software specifications, filing requirements and the operation of profit and loss account publication exemptions.

Early planning can help businesses avoid last-minute challenges and provide sufficient time to implement any necessary changes before the reforms take effect.

What do the new profit and loss account requirements mean?

One of the most significant changes for smaller businesses is the requirement to submit profit and loss accounts to Companies House as part of their statutory accounts filing obligations.

This represents a notable shift from the current filing framework, under which many smaller businesses are able to submit a reduced level of financial information.

Although eligible companies will be able to opt out of making profit and loss information publicly available, they will still need to prepare and file the additional information as part of their statutory accounts submission.

Business owners may therefore wish to review existing reporting processes and ensure accounting records are sufficiently robust to support the increased filing requirements.

What the Companies House reforms mean for business owners

These reforms should not be deemed as a last-minute compliance exercise. The changes form part of a broader shift towards greater transparency, enhanced regulation and more consistent reporting standards. Businesses that review their reporting processes early are likely to be better positioned to manage future filing obligations, reduce risk and improve the efficiency of financial reporting.

For those owner-managed businesses who still submit their accounts manually without any accounting software, the reforms may also provide an opportunity to modernise finance processes and consider transitioning to digital accounting solutions, to ensure systems remain fit for purpose as reporting requirements continue to evolve.

With further Companies House reforms expected over the coming years, establishing robust reporting procedures now may help businesses adapt more easily to future regulatory changes such as potential e-invoicing and other upcoming changes.

How Rayner Essex can help

The Companies House accounts filing changes may require businesses to review existing filing procedures and software arrangements well before the April 2028 implementation date.

At Rayner Essex, our specialist accountants and tax experts work closely with business owners, finance teams and growing companies to help them prepare for changing reporting and filing requirements with confidence.

Whether you need support with statutory accounts preparation, digital filing readiness, accounting software implementation or wider financial reporting processes, our team can provide practical and tailored advice designed to help you prepare for regulatory change while maintaining efficient and effective compliance procedures.

To discuss how the Companies House accounts filing changes could affect your business, please get in touch with our accounting team or explore our wider accounting and advisory services.

Frequently Asked Questions on Companies House Accounts Filing Changes