Companies House and HMRC to close the free joint accounts and tax return filing service
Companies House and HMRC announced on 6 March 2025 that their joint online service for filing company accounts and Company Tax Returns would close on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, companies file accounts through software, Companies House web services or on paper, and must use software for their Company Tax Return. Companies House also confirmed that accounts will eventually have to be filed by software only.
Companies House and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said on 6 March 2025 that the joint online filing service used by many small companies to file accounts and Company Tax Returns together would close on 31 March 2026.
What changes
- From 1 April 2026, accounts can be filed with Companies House through third-party software, Companies House web services or on paper.
- Company Tax Returns must be filed with HMRC using commercial software.
- Past filings made through the joint service cannot be accessed after it closes.
- Companies House plans to move to software-only accounts filing, and will aim to give at least 21 months' notice.
Why
The service was outdated and did not fit modern digital standards, newer corporation tax requirements or the changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
Who is affected
Small companies and their directors or agents who used the joint service.
What to do
- Download and keep at least three years of accounts filings before the service closes.
- Choose software that can file both accounts with Companies House and the Company Tax Return with HMRC.