Companies House and HMRC free filing service closing

What is changing?

From 1^st April 2026, company accounts and company tax returns will no longer be available for submission through the free HMRC online service.

Company accounts will need to be submitted through third party software, web services or by paper. Whereas company tax returns will only be available for submission through commercial software.

Why is it changing?

Due to the complexity of returns and the growth of businesses it is seen to be beneficial for accounts and company tax returns to be filed through commercial products as they provide extra clarity and assistance with submissions. Commercial products will help to improve validity of data submitted and will offer additional support and tax assistance. Using such software’s will also provide you regular reminders of deadlines to reduce the risk of late submissions.

What software shall I use?

What commercial software you use is completely up to you, but you need to ensure that the software offers the services you require. You must ensure the software you choose allows you to file a CT600, corporation tax computation and your company accounts.

A list of HMRC approved software providers for corporation tax return and accounts submissions can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/corporation-tax-commercial-software-suppliers

Things to do before the changes occur

After 1 April 2026, no comparative information will available online from HMRC. It is advised that business owners download the past three years’ worth of tax returns and accounts data and import this into their new software.

How to save previous years returns

1. Go to the ‘track your submissions’ page and select the period you want to save a copy of your return for.
2. Select either the ‘HMRC’ or ‘Companies House’ submission link .
3. On the filing summary page, select ‘save your return in HTML’.
4. You will be asked where to save the file or it will download to a folder on your computer.

If you are an existing Perrys client this is not applicable to you, as here at Perrys we provide the submissions through our compatible software on your behalf.

If you file your own accounts and company tax returns and would like any further information, please contact your local Perrys office.