Companies House Filing Changes 2028

21 October 2026 | Company Law

Companies House Filing Changes 2028: How ARK Accountants Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant

Are you prepared for the upcoming Companies House filing changes? UK companies will need to prepare for significant changes to the way annual accounts are filed. From 1 April 2028, all companies will be required to use commercial software to file their accounts with Companies House.

These changes will affect businesses that currently file their own accounts, as well as companies that use an accountant or another professional to manage their statutory filings.

If you own a UK limited company, now is a good time to review your accounting arrangements and ensure your business is prepared.

At ARK Accountants, we help businesses manage their accounting, company compliance and statutory filing responsibilities. Whether you need assistance with annual accounts, confirmation statements, company incorporations or company secretarial services, our team can help you manage these obligations professionally and efficiently.

We understand that running a business is demanding. Our aim is to make company compliance simpler, reduce administrative pressure and help you meet important filing deadlines.

What Are the Companies House Filing Changes?

Companies House is introducing changes to the way companies submit their annual accounts.

According to the government's published guidance, from 1 April 2028, all companies must file their accounts using commercial software. The existing web and paper-based services for filing accounts will close on that date.

This requirement will apply whether a company prepares and submits its accounts itself or appoints an accountant to do so.

Businesses should therefore review their current filing arrangements and ensure that suitable software or professional support is in place before the deadline.

The changes form part of wider efforts to improve the quality of information held at Companies House and modernise the UK's company registration system.

For official guidance, visit the government's page on using software to file your company's information.

Do You Need an Accountant to File Your Company Accounts?

UK company directors have legal responsibilities for ensuring their company complies with its statutory obligations.

Although you may be able to prepare and file your own accounts, this can become complicated if you are unfamiliar with company law, accounting standards and Companies House filing requirements.

Using a professional accountant can help you manage these responsibilities and reduce the risk of errors or missed deadlines.

At ARK Accountants, we can assist with a range of company accounting and compliance services, including:

• Preparation of annual statutory accounts.

• Companies House accounts filing.

• Confirmation statement preparation and filing.

• Company incorporation and registration.

• Changes to company directors and registered office addresses.

• Updates to company details and statutory records.

• Company secretarial services.

• General accounting and compliance support.

Our services are designed to help business owners spend less time dealing with administration and more time concentrating on running and growing their businesses.

Looking for an accountant to manage your Companies House filings? Contact ARK Accountants to discuss your requirements and request a quote.

Why Are Companies House Accounts Filing Requirements Changing?

The move towards software-based accounts filing is intended to modernise the Companies House filing process and improve the quality and reliability of company information.

Electronic filing offers several potential advantages over traditional paper-based submissions.

1. Faster electronic filing

Using suitable commercial software allows company information to be submitted electronically, with confirmation of receipt and notifications about whether a submission has been accepted or rejected.

This can make the filing process more convenient for companies and their accountants.

2. Fewer filing errors

Software can help identify missing information and certain errors before accounts are submitted.

This may reduce the risk of rejected filings and the additional work associated with correcting them.

However, software cannot replace proper accounting checks. Company accounts must still be prepared accurately and comply with the relevant reporting requirements.

3. Improved company information

The reforms are intended to improve the quality of information available on the Companies House register.

Reliable company information is important for lenders, investors, suppliers, customers and other parties who rely on the register when making business decisions.

4. A more modern filing process

Digital filing can make it easier for companies and professional advisers to manage statutory information without relying on paper forms and postal submissions.

For businesses already working with an accountant, the transition can be managed as part of their existing accounting and compliance arrangements.

What Is Commercial Software Filing?

Commercial software filing means using compatible software to submit company information electronically to Companies House.

Depending on the software and the service being used, businesses may be able to file information such as:

• Annual company accounts.

• Company incorporation applications.

• Confirmation statements.

• Changes to company directors and secretaries.

• Registered office address changes.

• Company name changes.

• Updates to people with significant control.

• Share capital information.

• Certain company charges.

• Changes to a company's accounting reference date.

Similar services are available for limited liability partnerships, including changes to LLP members.

The information that can be submitted depends on the software and filing service selected.

It is important to distinguish between filing annual accounts and filing other statutory information. Although the new requirement will affect accounts filing from April 2028, other Companies House web services will remain available for certain types of statutory filings.

Businesses should check the latest official guidance before deciding how to manage their filings.

What Does the 2028 Deadline Mean for Small Businesses?

Small businesses often have limited administrative resources. Company directors may already be responsible for managing customers, employees, suppliers, tax returns and day-to-day financial matters.

An additional change to statutory filing procedures can create unnecessary pressure if it is left until the last minute.

The Companies House filing changes are particularly relevant to:

• Small private limited companies.

• Owner-managed businesses.

• Contractors operating through limited companies.

• Property investment and property management companies.

• Family-owned businesses.

• Dormant companies.

• Start-ups and newly incorporated businesses.

• Groups of companies with multiple subsidiaries.

If your business currently submits accounts using an existing Companies House web service, you should review your arrangements before the April 2028 deadline.

If you already use accounting software, check whether it supports the required Companies House filing process. Not all software supports the digital tagging requirements that will apply to company accounts.

If you are unsure what your business needs, a professional accountant can help you understand your options.

Why Choose ARK Accountants for Your Company Accounts and Filing Services?

At ARK Accountants, we understand that company compliance can be time-consuming and confusing, particularly when rules and filing procedures change.

We provide professional accounting and company compliance services to help businesses manage their statutory responsibilities.

Annual accounts preparation and filing

We can assist with preparing your company's annual statutory accounts and managing the associated Companies House filing requirements.

Accurate accounts are important for meeting legal obligations and providing a clear picture of your company's financial position.

Companies House confirmation statements

Most companies must file a confirmation statement at least once every year to confirm that the information held at Companies House is correct.

We can help prepare and submit confirmation statements and identify company details that may need updating.

Company incorporation services

Starting a new business involves several important decisions, including choosing a company structure, selecting a company name and providing the required registration information.

ARK Accountants can assist with company formation and incorporation, helping you establish your business and understand your ongoing compliance obligations.

Company secretarial services

Keeping company information up to date is an important part of running a limited company.

Our company secretarial support can help with relevant statutory filings and changes to company details, including director appointments, registered office changes and other company information.

Companies House identity verification

Companies House identity verification requirements are another important area of company compliance.

ARK Accountants is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can verify identities on behalf of clients, subject to the applicable requirements.

If you need identity verification for a company director or another relevant individual, contact our team to discuss the service and obtain a quote.

Fixed-fee professional services

We understand that businesses need clarity when budgeting for professional services.

ARK Accountants offers fixed-fee services where appropriate, allowing clients to understand the agreed cost before work begins.

Contact us with details of your requirements so we can discuss the appropriate service and provide a quote.

Could You Face Problems If You Miss a Companies House Filing Deadline?

Companies must comply with their applicable statutory filing deadlines.

Late filing of annual accounts can result in financial penalties. Persistent failures to meet filing obligations can also create additional compliance difficulties for a company and its directors.

Common problems include:

• Missing the annual accounts filing deadline.

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect company accounts.

• Filing a confirmation statement late.

• Failing to update company information.

• Using software that does not support the required filing format.

• Leaving company compliance responsibilities until the last minute.

The best approach is to understand your obligations early and establish a reliable process for meeting them.

Using an accountant to manage your statutory accounts and company filings can help you keep track of deadlines and reduce the administrative burden.

How ARK Accountants Can Make Company Compliance Easier

You do not need to wait until the 2028 changes take effect to review your company's accounting and filing arrangements.

ARK Accountants can help you assess your current requirements and identify the services you need.

Whether you are looking for annual accounts preparation, Companies House filing, company incorporation, confirmation statements, identity verification or ongoing company secretarial support, we can discuss a solution suited to your business.

Our approach focuses on professional service, clear communication and practical support.

We aim to make the process straightforward, helping you understand what information is required and what needs to happen next.

If you already use an accountant, you can also contact us to discuss specific company compliance services where you require additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Companies House Filing Changes

When must all companies start filing accounts using commercial software?

According to the published Companies House guidance, the requirement begins on 1 April 2028. The web and paper-based services for filing accounts will close on that date.

Will I still be able to file my own company accounts?

You can continue to manage your own filings if you have suitable commercial software and can meet the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can appoint an accountant or another professional to file your accounts on your behalf.

Can an accountant file my company accounts for me?

Yes. You can appoint a professional accountant to help prepare and file your company accounts. You remain legally responsible for your company's accounts, records and performance.

Can I continue using my existing accounting software?

Possibly. You should contact your software provider to confirm whether your package supports the Companies House filing requirements that will apply from April 2028, including any required digital tagging.

What is iXBRL?

Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language, commonly known as iXBRL, is a digital reporting format that combines information readable by people with machine-readable tags.

These tags help software identify and process financial information within company accounts.

Can ARK Accountants file my confirmation statement?

ARK Accountants can assist with company secretarial services, including confirmation statement preparation and filing. Contact us to discuss your company's requirements.

Does ARK Accountants provide Companies House identity verification?

Yes. ARK Accountants is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can verify identities on clients' behalf, subject to the applicable requirements. Contact us for further information and a quote.

How much does it cost to use an accountant for Companies House filings?

The cost depends on the service required and the circumstances of your company.

ARK Accountants offers fixed-fee services where appropriate. Contact us with details of the work you need so we can provide a quote.

Prepare Your Business for Companies House Filing Changes

The move to mandatory software-based accounts filing from April 2028 is an important development for UK companies.

Preparing early can help you avoid last-minute problems, understand your software requirements and ensure your business has the right support in place.

Whether you need help with statutory accounts, confirmation statements, company incorporation, company secretarial services or Companies House identity verification, ARK Accountants is here to help.

Contact ARK Accountants today to discuss your requirements and request a quote.

Let us help you manage your company accounts and statutory filing obligations professionally, efficiently and with confidence.