From April 2026, significant changes are coming to how limited companies file their accounts in the UK. These updates are part of wider reforms aimed at improving transparency, reducing fraud, and aligning company data more closely with HMRC systems.

If you’re a company director, it’s important to understand what’s changing and how it may affect you.

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What’s Changing from April 2026?

1. Mandatory Digital Filing

Companies will be required to file accounts digitally using approved software. Paper filings and manual submissions will be phased out.

This means:

• No more posting accounts to Companies House
• Greater reliance on compliant accounting software
• Increased accuracy and validation checks at submission stage

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2. One Submission (Companies House + HMRC Alignment)

The government is working towards a “file once, use many times” approach.

In practice:

• Your accounts submission will be more aligned between Companies House and HMRC
• Reduced duplication, but stricter consistency checks
• Any mismatch between filings could trigger enquiries

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3. More Detailed Information Required

Companies House will require more complete financial information, even for small companies.

Expected changes include:

• Reduced ability to file highly abridged accounts
• More data visible on the public register
• Additional disclosures to improve transparency

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4. Identity Verification for Directors

All directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will need to complete identity verification.

This is part of the wider Companies House reform to:

• Prevent fraudulent company setups
• Ensure only genuine individuals control companies

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5. Increased Compliance and Penalties

With improved systems and data matching:

• Late or incorrect filings will be easier to detect
• Penalties and enforcement activity are expected to increase
• Greater scrutiny on company structures and reporting

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What This Means for You

These changes are not just administrative — they will impact how you run your company.

You will need to:

• Keep accurate, up-to-date accounting records
• Use compliant digital software
• Ensure consistency between company accounts and tax returns
• Be prepared for more transparency

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How to Prepare Now

✔ Review your current accounting process
✔ Move to digital software if you haven’t already
✔ Ensure your director and shareholder records are correct
✔ Speak to your accountant about upcoming changes

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Final Thoughts

The April 2026 changes mark a shift towards a more digital, transparent, and connected system.

While this should reduce duplication in the long run, it also means less room for error and greater responsibility on directors to get things right.

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Need Help?

At Taxes Done Right Ltd, we help company directors stay compliant and ahead of HMRC changes.

📞 Call: 0161 710 1901
📧 Email: Tax@TaxesDoneRight.co.uk
Dm Us:
www.taxesdoneright.co.uk