The online accounts and company tax return service is closing !!

[UK Contractor Accountant]

"Companies House and HMRC are closing the joint online filing service on 31 March 2026.

Companies have used this service to file their accounts and Company Tax Returns at the same time with Companies House and HMRC, but it will close in 12 months’ time.

From 1 April 2026, companies can file their annual accounts with Companies House using third party software, our web services or paper filing. However, you will need to use software to file your Company Tax Return with HMRC."

For all those attempt to DIY their own company accounts it looks like the free Companies House filing service is coming to an end.

Start considering your software filing options. You’ll need to find a suitable software provider that can meet your filing needs for both Companies House and HMRC.

 

[maz786]

Hi
We opened a construction business in July 2024. I am doing the accounts and payroll, could you please let me know any good online DIY accounts, payroll, any other HMRC filing requirement guides/videos, books, affordable/free courses please?

I was using the freeagent accounting software, now use the HMRC basic filing software.
Thank you
Maz

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

Guides/videos, books, affordable/free courses please?

Youtube has loads of free videos

HMRCgovuk

His Majesty's Revenue & Customs is the UK’s tax, payments and customs authority. We collect the money that pays for the UK’s public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support. This YouTube channel supports customers who need help completing a variety of...

www.youtube.com

 

[DontAsk]

now use the HMRC basic filing software.

Do you mean Basic Payroll tool?

That's completely different to filing end of year accounts (which is what this thread is about).

You might find a solution that encompasses payroll, but you can keep using HMRCs basic tool if it suits your business needs.

 

[maz786]

Do you mean Basic Payroll tool?

That's completely different to filing end of year accounts (which is what this thread is about).

You might find a solution that encompasses payroll, but you can keep using HMRCs basic tool if it suits your business needs.

Hi
I need to do both.
I need to file end of year accounts, as the business started in July last year, do I need to file from July 2024 to 6th April 2025 for this first year?

HMRC basic payroll tool suits our business as there is only one person on payroll at the moment.

 

[Bobbo]

Hi
I need to do both.
I need to file end of year accounts, as the business started in July last year, do I need to file from July 2024 to 6th April 2025 for this first year?

HMRC basic payroll tool suits our business as there is only one person on payroll at the moment.

I very much doubt your business has a year end of 6 April 2025.

 

[Ziggy2024]

I very much doubt your business has a year end of 6 April 2025.

It will if its a sole trader / partnership.

"Companies House and HMRC are closing the joint online filing service on 31 March 2026.

Companies have used this service to file their accounts and Company Tax Returns at the same time with Companies House and HMRC, but it will close in 12 months’ time.

From 1 April 2026, companies can file their annual accounts with Companies House using third party software, our web services or paper filing. However, you will need to use software to file your Company Tax Return with HMRC."

For all those attempt to DIY their own company accounts it looks like the free Companies House filing service is coming to an end.

Start considering your software filing options. You’ll need to find a suitable software provider that can meet your filing needs for both Companies House and HMRC.

This has always been the bugbear. Mandate the use of software but don't give an option other than software companies. I have had clients who refuse to use the big software companies, this now forces them again to use something they don't need or want.

 

[DWS]

It will if its a sole trader / partnership.

The 6th April? You sure?

 

[Ziggy2024]

The 6th April? You sure?

Ok you got me, 5th April is the tax year. Apologies for misreading the post.

 

[Newchodge]

It will if its a sole trader / partnership.

WHich it probably will be if there is only 1 person on payroll!

 

[eteb3]

I have had clients who refuse to use the big software companies, this now forces them again to use something they don't need or want.

GNU Cash is free and very capable. If you search the listserv, I’m pretty certain someone has built a bridge for submitting to HMRC, and I will guess CH will be provided for when that someone finds some round tuits.

 

[numbersrule]

As ever, when there is a really good useful thing somebody somewhere initiates it's closure.

My theory is that opposites attract. Therefore a really good thing will tend to fall prey to bad negative influences.

We should all be mindful of this sad duality of the world we inhabit.

 

[Ziggy2024]

GNU Cash is free and very capable. If you search the listserv, I’m pretty certain someone has built a bridge for submitting to HMRC, and I will guess CH will be provided for when that someone finds some round tuits.

Kind of missing the point. Client is forced into using a system they don't want to use. Then they are forced to use third party software because the authority who forced them into using said system refuses to provide any other option.

Software and AI makes our lives easier as professionals but I've always felt that we allow them too much control of our industry.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

List of commercial software suppliers for Corporation Tax​

List of commercial software suppliers for Corporation Tax

www.gov.uk

 

[maz786]

I suppose everyone is wondering what is the best free alternative available, anyone know any?

 

[Bobbo]

It will if its a sole trader / partnership.

Given the overall forum post is about filing of company accounts and company tax returns if @maz786 's business is a sole trader or partnership they should not be on this post!

 

[DontAsk]

Given the overall forum post is about filing of company accounts and company tax returns if @maz786 's business is a sole trader or partnership they should not be on this post!

MTD will be mandatory for some other types of business in the not too distant future, so they may well be affected and learn something from this thread.

 

[maz786]

MTD will be mandatory for some other types of business in the not too distant future, so they may well be affected and learn something from this thread.

Given the overall forum post is about filing of company accounts and company tax returns if @maz786 's business is a sole trader or partnership they should not be on this post!

Just to clarify it is a Ltd company.