Published: 10/06/2026 By Hannah Duncan
The government has confirmed significant changes to Companies House filing requirements that will affect small companies and micro-entities from April 2028. While the reforms are still some way off, business owners should be aware of what's changing and how these new requirements could affect their annual accounts process.What's changing?
From 1 April 2028, small companies and micro-entities will be required to file both their balance sheet and profit and loss (P&L) account with Companies House. This forms part of wider reforms designed to improve transparency, reduce economic crime and modernise the way company information is filed and accessed.
However, following feedback from the small business community, the government has confirmed that companies will be able to opt out of having their profit and loss account published on the public Companies House register. This means that while Companies House, HMRC and law enforcement agencies will still have access to the information, competitors, customers and the general public will not necessarily be able to view it.
A win for small businesses
One of the biggest concerns raised during consultations was the potential commercial risk of publicly disclosing detailed profit and loss information. In response, the government has introduced an opt-out from publication, helping to balance greater transparency with the need to protect commercially sensitive information. For many small business owners, this will come as welcome news.
The end of abridged accounts
Another important change is the abolition of abridged accounts. Currently, some small companies choose to file abridged accounts to reduce the amount of financial information disclosed. This option will no longer be available from April 2028. Businesses will need to prepare and file a fuller set of accounts, even if they choose not to publish their profit and loss account.
Digital filing becomes mandatory
The reforms also mark a major step towards fully digital accounts filing.
From April 2028:
• All companies must file accounts electronically using commercial software.
• Accounts must be submitted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format.
• Paper filing and Companies House web-based accounts filing services will be withdrawn.
This requirement applies whether a company prepares and files its own accounts or uses an accountant to do so.
Changes to Audit exemptions
Companies claiming an audit exemption will need to provide a strengthened eligibility statement when filing their accounts. The aim is to improve accountability and ensure exemptions are being claimed appropriately.
More consistent filing requirements
Companies will also be required to file all elements of their accounts and reports together, creating a more complete and consistent filing process. In addition, restrictions will be introduced on how often a company can shorten its accounting reference period.
What should businesses do now?
Although the changes do not take effect until April 2028, businesses will effectively have one full accounting year plus the usual filing period to prepare. There is no immediate action required, but directors should:
• Be aware of the upcoming changes.
• Ensure accounting records are accurate and up to date.
• Consider whether current accounting software will support digital filing requirements.
• Discuss the impact with their accountant well in advance of implementation.
How we can help
The upcoming Companies House reforms represent one of the most significant changes to small company filing requirements in recent years. While the introduction of a publication opt-out will provide reassurance for many business owners, companies will still need to adapt to new filing obligations and digital reporting requirements.
Our accountancy team is monitoring developments closely and can help you understand how these changes may affect your business. If you would like advice on preparing for the new requirements, please get in touch. Call us on 020 8661 7878 or email bsg@turpinba.co.uk