Companies House Confirms New Accounts Filing Rules from April 2028

12 Jun 2026

Small companies and micro-entities will need to file profit and loss accounts, but can choose to keep them off the public register.

The Government has confirmed a major package of Companies House reforms that will change how UK companies prepare and file their annual accounts from April 2028.

The changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) and are designed to improve the quality, transparency and reliability of information held at Companies House.

While the reforms will require small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts for the first time, the Government has also confirmed that these businesses will be able to opt out of having that information published on the public register.

Profit and loss accounts will become mandatory

One of the most significant changes is that all companies, including small companies and micro-entities, will be required to submit a profit and loss account to Companies House as part of their annual accounts filing.

This represents a significant change for smaller businesses, many of which currently file reduced financial information.

However, following concerns raised by businesses, accountants and professional bodies regarding commercial sensitivity, the Government has confirmed that small companies and micro-entities will be able to opt out of publication of their profit and loss account.

This means that whilst Companies House and relevant enforcement authorities will receive the information, it will not necessarily be available for public inspection.

Companies House has confirmed:

"From 1 April 2028, a micro entity must prepare and deliver a copy of its profit and loss to Companies House, but it will have the option to opt out of publishing it on the public register."

Details of how businesses will exercise this opt-out are expected to be announced closer to implementation.

Digital filing will become mandatory

Another major change is the move towards fully digital accounts filing.

From April 2028, all companies will be required to submit accounts using compatible commercial software. Accounts will also need to be digitally tagged using Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL).

The existing Companies House accounts web filing service and paper filing routes will be withdrawn.

Businesses that currently prepare and submit accounts through these methods should ensure they have suitable software and processes in place well before the changes take effect.

Changes to abridged accounts

Companies House has also confirmed that the option to file abridged accounts will be removed.

This means companies that currently rely on abridged accounts to reduce the amount of information disclosed will need to review how the new filing requirements affect them.

Other changes being introduced

Alongside the headline reforms, a number of additional measures will come into force from April 2028, including:

• Enhanced statements for companies claiming audit exemption.
• A requirement for accounts and reports to be filed together as a complete package.
• Restrictions on how frequently a company can shorten its accounting reference period.
• Additional annotations on the public register where Companies House identifies non-compliance with accounts filing requirements.

The Government has also confirmed that small companies will not be required to file a directors' report, reducing some of the additional compliance burden that had previously been proposed.

Why have the changes been delayed?

The reforms were originally expected to take effect from April 2027.

However, concerns raised by businesses and advisers regarding the practical implications and increased disclosure requirements prompted the Government to pause implementation and undertake further consultation.

The revised implementation date of April 2028 gives businesses additional time to prepare for the transition.

What should directors do now?

Although the changes are still some time away, directors should begin reviewing their accounting processes and filing arrangements.

Key areas to consider include:

• Whether existing accounting software will support future filing requirements.
• How accounts are currently prepared and submitted.
• The impact of mandatory profit and loss filing.
• Any changes required to internal bookkeeping and reporting procedures.

For many businesses, the additional preparation time will provide an opportunity to modernise systems and ensure compliance ahead of the deadline.

Final thoughts

The Companies House reforms represent one of the biggest changes to company accounts filing requirements in recent years.

While the mandatory filing of profit and loss accounts will increase reporting obligations for smaller businesses, the decision to allow small companies and micro-entities to keep this information off the public register will be welcomed by many directors concerned about commercial confidentiality.

With less than two years until implementation, businesses should use the transition period to review their systems, processes and software to ensure they are ready for the new filing regime.

Contact us today to discuss how these changes may affect your company.

Author

James Burnett | ACA FCCA
Director