Companies House Filing Changes

From 1st April 2027, all companies will have to file their annual accounts using software. New reporting requirements will also be introduced. This is yet another financial blow to business owners, following the announcement of plans to close both Companies House and HMRC’s free filing services earlier this year.

What Changes are Coming?

All companies will be required to submit their annual accounts using commercial software (such as Xero and Capium). As such, both the web and paper-based filing systems used by Companies House will be closed. Whether you submit your accounts yourself, or through an accountant, you must use accounting software from 1st April 2027.

Furthermore, profit and loss accounts will become mandatory for small and micro-entity companies from this date. Previously, an exemption was in place that allowed the smallest businesses to submit simplified accounts (known as abridged accounts) where the main document was the balance sheet, rather than the profit and loss. The removal of abridged accounts will lead to further preparation time, costing these businesses more to submit their accounts.

It is important to note that no changes are currently planned to change the services for confirmation submissions and director information updates. However, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) are now required to verify their identity with Companies House.

Why are these Changes Happening?

These filing changes are being introduced as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The use of software is intended to reduce errors and formatting issues, as they will be prepared to government specifications. Online filing is also more secure than paper filing as there is less risk of accounts being tampered with or being lost in the post.

Having profit and loss information available for all companies on the Companies House register is believed to improve access to credit for small businesses and micro-entities, as this will be available for lenders to assess. It is also expected to prevent money laundering as these businesses will have to disclose more information.

What do I Need to Do Before the Changes Take Place?

Before these changes occur, you will need to select the accounting software you wish to use going forward. There are many options to choose from so it can feel quite overwhelming. GOV.UK offer a tool to help you find software that works best for the type of accounts you need to submit. The software will be able to generate reports, which include the profit and loss if you have not had to create one yourself before.

Are There Any Further Changes Planned?

Companies House are planning to implement further changes after April 2027 but have not announced any details yet. You can follow our blog to keep up to date with future updates.

I’m Worried About the Changes – Can You Help?

At WKM, we understand that changes to filing can be stressful, particularly for small businesses. If you are unsure about using software for your accounts, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice. You can also find further information about software and cloud accounting on our website.

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Companies House Identity Verification

From 18th November 2025, all directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House. Verification is a new legal requirement being introduced to crack down on the use of companies for illegal purposes as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

 

How Can I Verify?

The identity verification process can be done using two methods:

  • You can verify online using a GOV.UK One Login. This can also be done through the GOV.UK app.
  • You can verify in person at a post office. Find more information here.
  • At WKM, we can submit your documents on your behalf as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP), as we have been verified as Companies House authorised agents.

It is recommended that you verify your identity now. This will allow you to correct any inconsistencies before verification becomes mandatory.

Please note that each director and PSC must verify their identity. We recommend checking the information Companies House currently holds for your company to ensure all individuals are on the register, and that their information (i.e. date of birth) is correct.

 

What Information is Needed for Identity Verification?

The information required for identity verification are as follows:

  • Photo ID (i.e., a biometric passport, UK driving licence, UK biometric residence permit)
  • Your current address
  • The year you moved to your current address

 

What Will Happen Once I am Verified?

Once verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code. The code is for each individual, not the company. From Autumn 2025, you will need to link your identity to your companies using this code. Keep the code secure ready for when this feature is introduced.

 

Why Do I Need to Verify?

Your personal code will be used when filing confirmation statements from Autumn 2025 onwards. It must also be provided if you are appointed as a director, or become a PSC, for another company after verification is made compulsory.

Companies House may strike off a company from its register if the directors/PSCs are not verified. New companies will not be able to register with Companies House until all individuals are verified.

 

If you need any help with your verification, changing details on Companies House, or any other accounting needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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HMRC Free Filing Scrapped – What you need to know

From April 2026, both HMRC and Companies House will close their free filing portals for Corporation Tax and accounts. Prepare now to get ahead of the change.

When will the Free Filing Services Close?

The closure of both platforms was announced earlier this month and will take effect from midnight on Tuesday 31st March 2026.

Why are the Free Filing Services Closing?

HMRC have stated the current service they provide does not meet current digital standards. They believe the modernisation of Corporation Tax and accounts filing could improve the accuracy of the returns submitted.

By closing their filing platforms, HMRC and Companies House are encouraging businesses to make the switch to using accounting software. This aligns with the government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) plans.

How will the Free Filing Closure Affect Me?

If you use either filing platform, you will need to find another method of submission. Submitting the figures using accounting software will bypass the portal and submit the figures directly to HMRC and Companies House. The downside, particularly for smaller businesses, is that most software will charge a subscription fee, adding an additional cost to already increasing overheads.

If you believe this will affect you, please get in touch.

What do I Need to do Before the Services Close?

Before the closure, you must log in to the HMRC online service and save copies of at least the last 3 years of submissions. This must be done before 31st March 2026 as you will be unable to access this information once the platform has closed.

I Need Help with the Switch – What Should I Do?

At WKM Accountancy Services, we are experienced with a variety of accounting software and are happy to help to find the right package for you and your business. If you need advice regarding the upcoming submission changes, or any aspect of your accounts, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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