Changes to company accounts on the horizon
Company directors need to be aware of important changes to be implemented by Companies House from 1 April 2027.
Digital software
Directors who submit their company accounts themselves, rather than using an agent, will no longer be able to do so using the Companies House web service or file by paper. From 1 April 2027, company accounts can only be filed using digital software:
- Directors will therefore have to use a commercial software product, which will add to the cost of running a limited company.
- The Companies House web service will remain open for other statutory filings, such as confirmation statements and director updates.
HMRC will likewise require commercial software to be used when filing company accounts and tax returns from 1 April 2026. Ideally, the software that is chosen should be able to deal with both Companies House and HMRC filing requirements.
Filing options
Companies House is also streamlining the accounts filing options for micro-entities and small companies from 1 April 2027:
- Both micro-entities and small companies will have to file a profit and loss account.
- Small companies will have to file a directors’ report.
- Companies will no longer be able to prepare and file abridged accounts.
Shareholders should be aware that more company information will be publicly available than currently as a result of these changes.
Despite the announcement from Companies House, there remains some uncertainty as to whether the profit and loss filing requirement will come into force from 1 April 2027.
Financial year end changes
Currently, there is no restriction on how often a company can shorten its financial year end. Companies House will now restrict such a change to once every five years, unless there is a valid business reason for shortening more often. This change mirrors the rules when a company lengthens its financial year end.
The starting point for finding software that is available for filing company accounts can be found here.
