Choose Corporation Tax software against the returns you actually file.
Start with entity, period, CT600, accounts, computation and supplementary-page requirements—then compare validation, workflow, security and cost.
Define the filing population
List the company types, accounting periods, accounts frameworks, Corporation Tax scenarios and supplementary pages the practice or company expects to handle. A product suitable for a straightforward trading company may not cover a long period, non-resident company, group relief, creative industry claim or another specialist return.
Verify statutory output coverage
Ask for product-specific confirmation of the outputs, not a general statement that the software “supports Corporation Tax”.
- Current CT600 version and relevant supplementary pages
- iXBRL accounts and tax computations
- Companies House accounts filing where required
- Amendments, rejected returns and resubmissions
- Accepted taxonomy versions and validation updates
Inspect the review workflow
Good filing software should let a reviewer trace the final return to the accounts and computation, see validation issues before submission, and distinguish prepared, reviewed, authorised, submitted, rejected and accepted states.
Assess operational controls
The workflow around the return matters after the figures are calculated.
- Role-based access and secure authentication
- Client and period separation
- Version history and audit trail
- Submission receipts and authority responses
- Export and retention of the final filing package
- Support route for time-sensitive rejection errors
Compare whole-workflow cost
Include onboarding, per-company or per-return charges, accounts production, iXBRL conversion, supplementary modules, storage, support and amendment costs. Also account for the time needed to transfer figures between disconnected tools.
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
Does HMRC recommend one Corporation Tax software product?
No. HMRC provides a list of suppliers and products it accepts but does not recommend one product over another.
Is CT600 submission alone enough?
Usually not. The filing package normally also needs iXBRL accounts and computations, plus any relevant supplementary pages or attachments.
Should software support Companies House as well as HMRC?
That depends on the workflow. Combined support can reduce transfer work, but verify the exact accounts types and destinations rather than assuming both are included.
What evidence should be retained?
Retain the authorised filing package, validation output, submitted artefacts, timestamps, submission references and acceptance or rejection responses.
Official sources
Checked on 2026-08-11. Official guidance takes priority if rules change.