HMRC to close their online accounts and tax filing service

HMRC have issued guidance confirming that from 31 March 2026 their online filing service for company accounts and tax returns will close. Companies can still use the service to file and amend their company tax return with HMRC and their accounts with Companies House up to and including that date.

From 1 April 2026, all companies will have to use commercial software to file their annual accounts and tax returns to HMRC. Those companies will also have to find commercial software to submit their accounts to Companies House as, from a date yet to be defined.

All accounts filed at Companies House will have to be submitted digitally using third-party software.

HMRC has created lists of software suppliers that may produce suitable filing software, but warns the taxpayer that they must choose a product that allows them to digitally file all of the following:

• the CT600 form
• corporation tax computation
• company accounts in iXBRL format.

Who is affected?

Any company with an accounting period ending after 31 March 2025 will have to use commercial software to file their accounts and tax return, unless they file those accounts early.

The date for filing accounts by software to Companies House has not yet been announced. Companies House says it will give companies at least 21 months’ notice of any mandating date.

If we currently deal with the completion and submission of your company accounts and corporation tax returns then no action is required by you as these are submitted through our software.

If you are currently doing this yourself and need, help then please get in touch to discuss your requirements.