An update on changes to accounts filing

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Following extensive engagement with stakeholders, changes to accounts filings will now be implemented from 1 April 2028. The changes include:

requiring small companies and micro entities to file profit and loss accounts with Companies House, but with the option to opt out of publishing this information on the public register
requiring all companies to file their annual accounts via commercial software (in iXBRL format)
removing the option for companies to file abridged accounts
a strengthened eligibility statement for all companies claiming an audit exemption
requiring component parts of the filed accounts and reports to all be filed together
reducing the number of times a company can shorten its accounting reference period

We’ll confirm how small and micro entities can opt out of publication of their profit and loss information in due course.

To give companies more time to prepare, the reforms have been postponed from 1 April 2027 to 1 April 2028. This means all companies will have one full accounting year, plus 9 months (21 months total) to prepare.

If you already file your accounts using software or a third party, you may not need to take any action. We recommend checking with your accountant to make sure.

More information

We will contact all registered email addresses between 16 and 18 June 2026 to explain the changes and share links to guidance.