Companies House accounts changes: what small businesses need to know

As part of ongoing efforts to modernise corporate reporting, increase transparency and tackle corporate crime, the government has confirmed major changes to how small and micro companies file their annual accounts.

From 1 April 2028, existing Companies House web-based and paper accounts filing routes will be permanently closed. Moving forward, all company account filings must be made using commercial software. The changes reflect a significant shift in financial reporting requirements, particularly regarding the privacy of profit and loss information.

Here’s everything you need to know about what is changing, the impact on public disclosure, and how to prepare.

Core changes to accounts filing

From April 2028, small companies and micro-entities will face stricter filing requirements. The key changes include:

• Mandatory Profit and Loss (P&L) filing: Small companies and micro-entities will be required to file their profit and loss account with Companies House.
• Removal of abridged accounts: The option for companies to prepare and file shortened or abridged accounts is being completely removed.
• Software-only filing: Traditional web-form and paper-based filing routes will be closed. All submissions must be handled via approved commercial software.

The P&L public register opt-out

Currently, many smaller companies choose to file “filleted” accounts to keep their turnover and profit margins off the public record. Under the new rules, while you must submit your P&L to Companies House, you will have the ability to opt out of having that information published on the public register.

Details of how companies will practically execute this opt-out have yet to be confirmed by Companies House. Understanding and managing this opt-out process will be critical for businesses wishing to protect their private financial data from competitors and the public.

Additional regulatory changes

The update also introduces tighter controls around corporate governance and reporting periods:

• Accounting reference periods: There will be a reduction in the number of times a company is permitted to shorten its accounting reference period (its financial year-end).
• Audit exemption statements: Any company claiming an exemption from a statutory audit must provide a strengthened statement on the accounts. This statement must explicitly identify the specific exemption being taken and formally confirm the company’s eligibility.

How to prepare for software-only filing

While these changes do not come into effect until April 2028, the transition to software-only filing means digital accounting is no longer optional. For example, a company with a financial year ending 30 April 2028 will not be permitted to manually type their figures into the Companies House website; the submission must come directly from compliant software.

If your business still relies on manual spreadsheets or legacy paper processes, it is important to begin reviewing your digital options early to ensure a seamless transition.

For further guidance or support with your company filing requirements, please contact us or reach out to our Company Secretarial team at cosec@carpenterbox.com.