iXBRL Filing Explained: What Companies House’s Software-Only Rules Mean for Your Business (and 5 Steps to Get Ready Before April 2028)
iXBRL Filing Explained: What Companies House’s Software-Only Rules Mean for Your Business (and 5 Steps to Get Ready Before April 2028)
If you file annual accounts with Companies House, the way you submit them is set to change. From 1 April 2028, companies required to file accounts will need to use commercial software and submit them in iXBRL format. Paper accounts and Companies House WebFiling for accounts will no longer be available from that date.
The change applies whether you file your company’s accounts yourself or use an accountant or another agent. It also covers small companies, micro-entities and dormant companies that are required to file accounts.
Companies House has confirmed the software-filing change is going ahead. Separately, the government has paused the planned requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts. That pause concerns what some smaller companies file, not the move to software. You can read more about the wider announcements in our Autumn Budget 2026 article.
What is iXBRL filing?
iXBRL stands for Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language. In plain English, it is a way of preparing accounts that people can read while including structured tags that software can recognise.
Think of the tags as labels attached to information in the accounts. A figure can be identified as a particular type of financial data, so digital systems can process it more easily. The accounts remain readable as a document; the tags make the information machine-readable too.
Companies House says iXBRL combines HTML with machine-readable tags. It is a technical format, but you do not need to create the tags manually: suitable commercial software can generate the required file as part of preparing or filing accounts.
What does “commercial software” mean?
For this change, commercial software means a software product that can support filing company accounts with Companies House in the required format. It is not enough for a product simply to record invoices or produce bookkeeping reports: the software or service must support the relevant accounts preparation and filing requirements, including iXBRL tagging.
Products such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage are familiar accounting platforms, but features can differ between products, plans and modules. Do not assume that the version you currently use can file your Companies House accounts in iXBRL. Check with your provider, accountant or filing agent, and consult the official GOV.UK list of software for filing company accounts.
You do not necessarily need to buy software yourself. Companies House says you can appoint a professional, such as an accountant, to file on your behalf. If you already use an accountant or agent, check that they are preparing for the change.
Who will the new filing requirement affect?
The requirement applies to companies that need to file annual accounts with Companies House. Small companies, micro-entities and dormant companies are included; simpler accounts do not remove the software-filing requirement.
Companies House guidance states that all companies must deliver accounts, including dormant companies, although specific exemptions may apply in certain circumstances. If you believe your company qualifies for an exemption from filing, check the official guidance or ask an appropriately qualified professional about your company’s situation.
When does the change apply?
From 1 April 2028, Companies House will close its web and paper-based services for accounts filings. The GOV.UK guidance says there will be no transition period: any accounts due after that date must be filed using software, including revised accounts.
This means the relevant date is the date the accounts are due, not simply the date your company’s financial year begins. The guidance does not say the software requirement applies only to financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2028.
What changes, and what stays the same?
The main change is how accounts are delivered: use commercial software and iXBRL, rather than paper filing or Companies House WebFiling for accounts.
The Companies House announcement says its web services will remain available for non-accounts filings, including confirmation statements and updates to director details. The transition therefore does not mean every company filing moves to commercial software.
The filing method changes, but the existing accounts filing deadlines are not changed by this software-only requirement. Check your company’s actual deadline through Companies House company information, and allow time to prepare and submit acceptable accounts.
Five steps to prepare your business before April 2028
1. Check what your current software can do
Make a list of the tools you use for bookkeeping, accounts preparation and filing. Ask your provider whether the specific product and plan you use can produce and submit the required Companies House accounts in iXBRL format.
If you are considering changing software, check that it supports your company’s type of accounts. Companies House notes that not all software packages support every type of filing.
2. Speak to your accountant or filing agent
If someone else handles your accounts, ask how they plan to file them from April 2028. Confirm whether they will use their own filing software or expect you to provide accounts in a particular format.
If you do not currently use an accountant or agent, compare the options available to your business. GOV.UK explains how to use software to file company information, including the option of hiring a professional.
3. Review your accounting periods and filing dates
Note your company’s accounting reference date and the due dates for upcoming accounts. This helps you identify whether a filing may fall after the changeover and gives you time to check the process with your provider.
The software change does not itself require you to alter your accounting period. Avoid changing dates solely because of the new filing method without first considering the implications for your company.
4. Plan the changeover in advance
Agree who will prepare, review and submit the accounts under the new process. Confirm who will have access to the required company information and filing arrangements, and how you will check that a submission has been accepted.
If you are moving to new software, plan for transferring records and testing your workflow before a filing deadline is close. A straightforward changeover is easier to manage when responsibilities are clear.
5. Include software or agent costs in your planning
Software providers may charge for their products or particular filing features, and an accountant or agent may include filing in their fees or charge separately. There is no single price set out here: ask providers for current costs and what each option includes before deciding.
Compare the service as well as the price. Check whether it covers accounts preparation, iXBRL tagging, submission to Companies House and handling any follow-up if the filing is rejected.
How Your Business Admin can support your preparation
The change may feel like another technical task in an already busy year. A little preparation now can help you avoid a last-minute software search or uncertainty about who is responsible for submitting your accounts.
Your Business Admin (https://yourbusinessadmin.co.uk), the trading name of NP UK Corporate Services Ltd, provides company secretarial and corporate administration support. Explore our company secretarial and compliance content to learn more about the ways we help businesses manage their corporate responsibilities.
Contact our team if you would like to discuss your company’s administrative support or be connected with the appropriate team member.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to buy software for my company?
Not necessarily. You can use suitable commercial software yourself or appoint a professional, such as an accountant, to file for you. Ask what the service includes and whether there are separate software or filing charges.
What will the software need to include?
It must support filing your company’s accounts with Companies House in the required iXBRL format. Check that the specific product, plan or agent service supports your company’s accounts type. Not all software supports every type of filing.
Does the requirement apply to my small or dormant company?
If your company is required to file accounts with Companies House, the software-filing requirement applies, including to small, micro and dormant companies. Some specific exemptions from filing may exist, so check official guidance if you think one applies.
When do I need to be ready?
The requirement starts on 1 April 2028. Any accounts due after that date must be filed using software, including revised accounts. Companies House says there will be no transition period.
Will confirmation statements also need to be filed using commercial software?
No. Companies House has said its web services will remain available for non-accounts filings, including confirmation statements and updates to director details.
Where can I find software prices and what happens next?
Software and agent fees vary. Ask providers for current prices and confirm whether accounts preparation, iXBRL tagging and submission are included. You can start with the official Companies House software list. If you would like to discuss corporate administration support, contact Your Business Admin and we can connect you with the team.