Companies House software-only filing from 1 April 2028
What the 2028 accounts changes are, who they hit, and what to do before the free web route closes.
What was announced
On 9 June 2026 the government confirmed that from 1 April 2028 all accounts must be filed at Companies House by commercial software, in iXBRL format — the WebFiling and paper routes close for accounts (they remain for other filings). The date was pushed back a year from the originally planned April 2027. Two content changes land in the same package: micro-entities and small companies must file a profit and loss account, and abridged accounts are abolished.
Who this affects
Every company that files its own accounts through the free WebFiling service — several hundred thousand dormant and micro-entity companies — must move to software by its first accounts deadline after 1 April 2028. Companies whose accountants already file by software will mostly notice nothing. The free HMRC route for Company Tax Returns closed earlier, on 31 March 2026, so unrepresented companies with a CT600 to file already need commercial software today.
The P&L question
Micro-entities have never had to file their profit and loss account publicly. From April 2028 they must deliver it to Companies House. The announced option to keep it off the public register requires regulations that have not been made yet — until they exist, treat non-publication as unconfirmed rather than promised.
What to do before 2028
Nothing panicked — the free route works until April 2028, and your deadlines do not change. What is worth doing now: know your accounts due date and confirmation statement date, keep your authentication code somewhere safe, and pick your software route before your first post-March-2028 deadline rather than the week it falls due. A deadline watcher that tells you when each date approaches removes the remembering entirely.
Guidance, not advice. Reviewed 2026-08-14 against gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk sources.