Has the End of On-line Filing Been Delayed?

[DontAsk]

This page https://www.gov.uk/guidance/closure-of-the-service-to-file-your-company-accounts-and-tax-return says the on-line service for filing tax returns and accounts ends on 31/03/26.

I had an e-mail from CH today saying that "From 1 April 2027, all companies will need to file their annual accounts using commercial software."

 

[ctrlbrk]

I had an e-mail from CH today saying that "From 1 April 2027, all companies will need to file their annual accounts using commercial software."

Same here.

 

[Newchodge]

Same here.

And me.

 

[thetiger2015]

Same. Must be a typo in the email - they mean 2026 surely?

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

I had an e-mail from CH today saying that "From 1 April 2027, all companies will need to file their annual accounts using commercial software."

means you can still file electronically and paper copies (amended accounts) for year ends up to 31 March 2026 via the online service and postal service.

"FROM 1 APRIL 2027" ALL companies will have to file electronically at Companies House via commercial software. This will include March 2026 year ends or earlier which are late filing.

 

[DontAsk]

The original says the service CLOSES on 31 March 2026. It says nothing about how this relates to year ends.

I take a closed service to mean you cannot use it and must file electronically after that date, not 2027.

Indeed the full quote (with my emphasis) says as much "From 31 March 2026 the online filing service will close. You can still use it to file and amend your Company Tax Return with HMRC, and your accounts with Companies House up to and including 31 March 2026.

From 1 April 2026 you will need to use commercial software to file annual accounts and Company Tax returns with HMRC."

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

Must be a typo as Post #4 states

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

From 1 April 2026, the joint filing service will be closed, and filing will be required to be undertaken separately with each organisation. Companies will be able to file their annual accounts with Companies House using third party software, Companies House web services or paper filing. However, commercial software will need to be used to file accounts and CT Returns with HMRC.

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

HMRC are gradually withdrawing all their free software…. Accounts filing, basic paye tools and self assessment for those who will come under making tax digital for income tax.