The former free joint accounts and CT600 filing service has closed.
From 1 April 2026, companies that used that service need commercial software for the Company Tax Return. Compare coverage, attachments, accounts formats and total cost before choosing.
What changed on 31 March 2026
The former joint online service used to file company accounts and a Company Tax Return closed on 31 March 2026. HMRC guidance says users should use commercial software from 1 April 2026 for Company Tax Returns. Paper returns are limited to stated exceptions such as a reasonable excuse or filing in Welsh.
“Free” should not be the only selection test
A zero-price or low-price route is useful only if it supports the company’s return, accounts format, computations, supplementary pages and amendment needs. Check whether the quoted price includes submission, iXBRL production, storage, support and repeat filing rather than comparing headline price alone.
Confirm the minimum filing package
For a typical online Company Tax Return, check whether the route can produce and transmit:
- The CT600 for the correct return period
- The company tax computation in the required electronic format
- iXBRL-tagged company accounts
- Required supplementary pages and attachments
- A readable validation report and HMRC response
Companies House filing may follow a different route
The closure concerned the joint service. Companies House accounts routes and deadlines remain separate from the Company Tax Return. Some software can file to both authorities, but users should verify exactly which accounts types and destinations the product supports.
Questions to ask a software supplier
Document the answers before moving a live filing job.
- Is the exact product listed in the relevant official software guidance?
- Which CT600 version and supplementary pages are supported?
- Which Companies House accounts types can be filed?
- Can the software import or generate iXBRL accounts and computations?
- How are rejection messages, amendments and submission evidence handled?
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
Can I still use the old HMRC joint filing service?
No. The service closed on 31 March 2026.
Must Company Tax Returns now be filed with commercial software?
HMRC says Company Tax Returns should be filed online using commercial software. Paper filing is restricted to limited exceptions.
Does one product necessarily file both HMRC and Companies House submissions?
No. Check the destinations and accounts types supported by the specific product.
Does Taxvie provide tax advice?
No. Taxvie provides filing workflow software and general information; the company or its adviser remains responsible for the figures and tax position.
Official sources
Checked on 2026-08-11. Official guidance takes priority if rules change.