Companies House Accounts Changes Now Start in April 2028: What It Means for Your Business
In March we wrote that changes to the way companies file their accounts would start in April 2027. The timetable has moved. In June 2026, Companies House confirmed the changes will now come into effect from April 2028, giving companies around 21 months to prepare.
The extra time is welcome. It also makes this easy to put off. Here is what is changing, and what is worth doing now.
What is changing in Companies House accounts filing from April 2028?
• All companies will file their accounts in iXBRL format using commercial software.
• Small companies and micro-entities will have to file a profit and loss account, with the option to keep it off the public register. Companies House, HMRC and law enforcement will still be able to see it.
• Abridged accounts will no longer be permitted.
• Any company claiming an audit exemption will need to include a stronger statement confirming it is eligible.
• The component parts of the accounts and reports will need to be filed together.
• There will be tighter limits on how often a company can shorten its accounting reference period.
What do the Companies House changes mean in practice?
For many small companies, the biggest change is disclosure. Businesses that have only ever filed a balance sheet will now need to prepare and file a profit and loss account too. Even if you opt out of publication, the numbers need to be right, because they will be seen by Companies House and HMRC.
The second change is process. Accounts that are put together in spreadsheets and filed as documents will need to move into software that can produce iXBRL. For some businesses, that's a simple conversation with their accountant. For others, it means a year end that relies on manual adjustments and workarounds will need to be rebuilt.
What should you do now to prepare for April 2028?
1. Check what you file today. Abridged accounts, micro-entity accounts or full accounts will each need a different level of change.
2. Confirm how your accounts will be filed in software from April 2028, and who will do it.
3. Decide whether you want to use the option to keep your profit and loss account off the public register.
4. Use the time to tidy your year end. Reconciled balances and a clean month-end close make the move into software far easier.
If your year end currently depends on spreadsheets and manual fixes, the next 21 months are a good window to sort it out properly. Book a call with Asli.
Or take the Financial Clarity Scorecard, which takes a few minutes and shows you where your finance function has gaps.
Questions we're asked about the April 2028 changes
When do the Companies House accounts filing changes start?
They now come into effect from April 2028. They were previously expected to start in April 2027.
Do small companies have to file a profit and loss account from April 2028?
Yes. Small companies and micro-entities will have to file a profit and loss account, with the option to keep it off the public register. Companies House, HMRC and law enforcement will still be able to see it.
Will abridged accounts still be allowed after April 2028?
No. Abridged accounts will no longer be permitted.
Do I need software to file my accounts from April 2028?
Yes. All companies will file their accounts in iXBRL format using commercial software. Accounts that are put together in spreadsheets and filed as documents will need to move into software that can produce iXBRL.
Comments