Companies House accounts changes paused: what it means for you

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, small and micro companies were due to file a full profit and loss account on the public register from 1 April 2027. All accounts were also to be filed through software, ending WebFiling and paper filing.

In January 2026 the government paused both changes. Official guidance now says they will not be introduced in April 2027, and no new date has been set.

What still applies today

• Small companies can still file abridged or filleted accounts, keeping profit figures off the public record.
• WebFiling and paper filing remain open.
• Late filing penalties are unchanged, starting at £150 for a private company.
• Confirmation statements must still be filed online, now with director identity verification.

Could it come back?

Yes. The reforms are under review and could return in a different form. If they do, businesses are expected to get at least 21 months' notice.

What we recommend

1. Keep filing filleted accounts if you don't want competitors or customers seeing your profit.
2. Move to cloud bookkeeping now, so a software-only rule never becomes a scramble.
3. Diarise your accounts deadline: nine months after your year end.

This article is general guidance based on the position at the date shown and is not advice for your circumstances. Speak to us before acting.