Published: 12/03/2025 By Hannah Duncan
In a significant change for UK businesses, Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have announced the closure of their free joint filing service, a move that is expected to impact thousands of small businesses and accountants. This service, which has been available for years, allowed companies to file their annual accounts with both HMRC and Companies House simultaneously.Why Is the Joint Filing Service Closing?
The free online accounts and company tax return service will be closed next March, meaning small businesses will have to use commercial software. The decision to discontinue the service is part of a broader effort to modernise the digital filing systems of both Companies House and HMRC. The government has stated that the closure will enable each agency to develop more efficient, user-friendly platforms that align with evolving regulatory requirements and technological advancements.
Moreover, HMRC has been transitioning towards its Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, which aims to streamline tax reporting and encourage businesses to use commercial software for compliance. Companies House has stated that the service is closing because it is outdated and no longer aligns with modern digital standards, enhanced corporation tax requirements, or changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA). Additionally, the closure reinforces broader changes at Companies House, such as the implementation of identity verification and other measures outlined in the ECCTA.
What This Means for Businesses
The closure of the service means that companies will now have to file their accounts separately with Companies House and HMRC. From 1 April 2026, companies will only be able to file their annual accounts with Companies House using third-party software, web services, or paper filing. However, it will only be possible to use software to file company tax returns with HMRC from next year. The required software must be capable of filing a CT600, a corporation tax computation, and company accounts.
This change could increase administrative workloads and costs for businesses, particularly small and micro-entities that relied on the free joint filing system for convenience. As a result, businesses will need to invest in suitable software to meet filing requirements. While this software comes with a monthly charge, it provides improved validation, tax support, and filing reminders, which may help businesses manage their compliance more efficiently.
Key Dates and Next Steps
The free joint filing service will close in 12 months’ time. After 1 April 2026, businesses will no longer be able to access any previous filings on this service. Therefore, companies should download and save at least three years of account filings for their records before the deadline.
Companies House and HMRC have urged businesses to prepare for the transition by reviewing their filing processes, exploring digital accounting solutions, and ensuring they understand the new requirements to avoid potential penalties for late submissions.
While the closure of the free joint filing service may be an inconvenience for many businesses, it is ultimately part of the government’s long-term digital transformation strategy. Companies should proactively adjust their accounting practices, explore alternative filing methods, and invest in appropriate software to ensure continued compliance with financial reporting obligations.
If you need help filing your online accounts and are unsure what commercial software to use, get in touch to see how we can assist you.