Companies House has announced a series of changes to company accounts filing requirements that will take effect from 1 April 2028. These reforms form part of wider efforts to improve transparency, strengthen the accuracy of information on the public register, and modernise the filing process.
How Companies House Changes 2028 Will Affect Businesses
Companies House Changes 2028 will introduce significant reforms to the way UK businesses prepare and file their annual accounts. From April 2028, companies must file accounts digitally using approved software, while small companies and micro-entities must provide additional financial information. Understanding these changes now will help businesses prepare early and remain compliant.
What Is Changing?
From April 2028, every company must submit its accounts digitally using approved software in iXBRL format. Companies House will no longer accept paper or manual account filings.
Small companies and micro-entities must also include a profit and loss account with their annual accounts. However, Companies House will allow businesses to prevent this information from appearing on the public register. It plans to release further guidance on this process before the changes take effect.
The new rules will also remove the option to file abridged accounts. Instead, companies must submit the required financial information under the updated regulations.
In addition, Companies House will introduce several technical changes, including updates to audit exemption requirements and accounting reference periods.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
Although these changes will not take effect until 2028, businesses should start reviewing their accounting and filing processes now. Checking that accounting software supports digital filing standards and understanding the new reporting requirements will make the transition much smoother.
For many businesses, digital filing will simplify the submission process. At the same time, the additional reporting requirements will improve corporate transparency and increase confidence in the information held on the public register.
Further Information
Companies House will send further guidance to registered email addresses as the implementation date approaches.
If you would like to discuss how these changes could affect your business or need advice on preparing for the new filing requirements, please contact our team. We can help you stay compliant and plan ahead with confidence.