Companies House Delays Accounts Filing Rules to April 2028

Companies House will delay new accounts filing rules until April 2028, giving UK businesses an extra year to prepare. Small companies and micro-entities must now file profit and loss accounts but can opt out of publishing them publicly. The reforms aim to strengthen corporate transparency while protecting business privacy. Web and paper filing will close for all companies.

What Changes Are Coming

From April 2028, all UK-registered companies must file accounts using Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) format through commercial software only. Web and paper filing systems will close for account submissions. Small companies and micro-entities must file profit and loss accounts like larger firms, but can opt out of publishing this data on the public register. Companies House will remove the option to file abridged accounts and limit how often firms can shorten their accounting reference period.

Why the Government Delayed the Rules

The government postponed the changes from April 2027 to April 2028 to give companies more preparation time. Corporate civil enforcement reforms aim to balance transparency with protecting smaller businesses from commercial harm. Allowing small firms to opt out of publishing profit and loss accounts addresses privacy concerns and reduces competitive risks. Companies House will contact all firms via registered email to explain the changes and provide guidance.

Progress on Earlier Reforms

Nearly 4 million individuals verified their identity and linked their appointments since November 2025 under earlier phases of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Over 150,000 company addresses have been removed from the register. Companies House improvements have delivered tangible benefits for business registration. The regulator is now on track to deliver the next phase of reforms on schedule.

What Firms Need to Do Now

Companies should begin preparing for software-only filing and the new iXBRL format. All firms claiming audit exemption must provide a strengthened eligibility statement. Account components and reports must be filed together as a single package. Businesses using accountants or third-party agents should alert them to the April 2028 deadline and confirm their software provider supports iXBRL filing.

Final Thoughts

The April 2028 delay gives UK businesses 22 months to upgrade systems and processes. Companies must plan now for mandatory software filing and new account formats to avoid disruption.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.