UK Companies House Filing Changes 2028: What Businesses Need to Know
Companies House has confirmed a series of significant reforms to accounts filing requirements, with changes coming into force from 1 April 2028. These reforms aim to improve transparency, boost data quality, and modernise the way businesses submit financial information.
Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
When Do the Changes Take Effect?
The reforms will come into effect on 1 April 2028, following a postponement from the originally planned April 2027 date. This gives businesses an additional year to prepare, effectively 21 months (one full accounting year plus nine months) from the time of announcement.
What's Changing? Key Reforms at a Glance
Small Companies and Micro-Entities Must File P&L Accounts
One of the most significant changes requires small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts with Companies House for the first time. However, businesses will still have the option to opt out of making this data publicly visible on the register, preserving a degree of confidentiality.
Fully Digital Filing Becomes Mandatory
All companies will be required to submit accounts using commercial software in iXBRL format. This effectively ends the option for manual or paper-based submissions, marking a decisive shift to digital-first reporting.
Abridged Accounts Will No Longer Be Accepted
Companies House will remove the option to file abridged accounts. Going forward, businesses must prepare and submit fuller financial statements, regardless of their size.
Stronger Audit Exemption Statements Required
Companies claiming audit exemption will need to provide a strengthened eligibility statement, introducing greater accountability for those relying on this provision.
Accounts Must Be Filed as a Complete Package
All components of a company’s annual accounts and reports must be submitted together in a single filing. Piecemeal or fragmented submissions will no longer be permitted.
Restrictions on Shortening Accounting Periods
Businesses will face new limits on how frequently they can shorten their accounting reference period, reducing the flexibility previously available for adjusting reporting timelines.
What Do These Changes Mean for Your Business?
These reforms represent a clear move towards greater standardisation and financial transparency across UK business reporting.
For smaller businesses, the requirement to file more detailed accounts is likely to increase administrative workload and may mean greater reliance on professional accounting support. That said, Companies House has indicated that businesses already filing through software or working with an accountant may need to make relatively few changes.
The extended lead-in time is a genuine opportunity. Use it!
How to Prepare for the 2028 Deadline
To ensure a smooth transition, businesses should start reviewing their compliance processes now. Key steps include:
- Check your accounting software – confirm it supports iXBRL filing ahead of the deadline
- Understand the P&L filing requirement – assess what additional information will need to be prepared and submitted
- Speak to your accountant or adviser – get confirmation that your current approach will remain compliant under the new rules
- Review internal reporting systems – identify any gaps and update processes to align with the new requirements
- Plan ahead on audit exemption – if you currently claim exemption, ensure your eligibility statement meets the strengthened criteria
The Bottom Line
The 2028 Companies House reforms represent one of the most significant overhauls to UK accounts filing in recent years. While they bring increased reporting obligations, they also create a more consistent, transparent, and digitally efficient system.
Businesses that act early; reviewing systems, engaging advisers, and understanding what’s required; will be best placed to meet the deadline without disruption.
Key facts to remember:
- Implementation date: 1 April 2028
- Mandatory digital filing in iXBRL format
- P&L accounts required for small companies and micro-entities
- Abridged accounts abolished
- Preparation window: approximately 21 months
Not Sure If Your Business Is Ready?
The 2028 deadline may feel distant, but the changes ahead are substantial, and early preparation will make all the difference.
RDG Accounting helps businesses navigate compliance changes like these, ensuring your accounts processes are up to date and your filings are accurate, on time, and fully compliant.
Whether you need a review of your current setup, advice on switching to iXBRL-compatible software, or ongoing support as the deadline approaches, we’re here to help.
