Accounts filings move to commercial software and iXBRL on 1 April 2028.
The transition affects companies filing themselves and professionals filing for clients. Use the lead time to map accounts types, credentials, data and review controls.
The announced change
Companies House guidance says that all accounts filings made on or after 1 April 2028 must use commercial software in iXBRL format. The web and paper routes for accounts will close, while other statutory filing routes can follow different arrangements.
Build a filing inventory
Start with the real filing population.
- Companies and accounting reference dates
- Micro, small, full, dormant, audited and group accounts types
- Accounts currently filed through web, paper or software
- Special or package-account cases
- Agents, preparers, reviewers and authorisers
Prepare access and data
Software filing uses company authentication codes and presenter credentials. Practices should decide how credentials are obtained, stored, rotated and assigned, and how source accounts data will enter the filing software without uncontrolled rekeying.
Test before the final season
A useful transition test includes:
- Representative accounts types rather than one easy company
- iXBRL generation and validation
- Companies House submission and rejection handling
- Reviewer access and approval evidence
- Export of final accounts and submission responses
- Contingency support near deadlines
Monitor final implementation guidance
The legislation and Companies House implementation programme include changes beyond the filing channel. Do not hard-code future small-company disclosures or opt-out processes until Companies House publishes the final operational requirements for the filing date.
Where professional judgement is needed
This guide explains a filing workflow, not the accounting treatment, tax position or legal duties of a particular company. Confirm the applicable accounting framework, reliefs, disclosures and filing obligations against current official guidance and, where needed, a qualified accountant or tax adviser.
FAQ
When does software-only accounts filing begin?
Companies House says accounts filed on or after 1 April 2028 must use commercial software and iXBRL.
Does this apply when a company files its own accounts?
Yes. The announced change applies both to companies filing themselves and to professionals filing for them.
Will every Companies House service become software-only?
The announced 2028 change concerns accounts filings. Other statutory information can have different routes.
What should a practice do first?
Inventory its accounts types, filing routes, credentials, source data, reviewers and difficult cases, then test representative filings well before the transition.
Official sources
Checked on 2026-08-11. Official guidance takes priority if rules change.
- Changes to accounts filingCompanies House
- Using software to file your company informationCompanies House
- Apply to file with Companies House using softwareCompanies House
- Company authentication codes for online filingCompanies House