The UK Government has paused the implementation of requirements for small companies and micro-entities to file profit and loss accounts with Companies House, following recommendations from the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce. The requirement was due to come into force from 1 April 2028, as previously announced in June 2026.

The government is now exploring how to streamline Companies House and HMRC filing processes as part of its ‘tell government once’ strategy, but stresses that it also wants to meet its objectives to reduce economic crime. 

This means small companies and micro-entities will allow companies to file abridged accounts, with the option to remove, or ‘fillet’, profit and loss information from accounts after 1 April 2028.

Software-only filing requirements remain

Mandatory software-only filing, however, will come in from 1 April 2028. All UK registered companies will be required to file accounts in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) format, using commercial software.

The government says that software filing will improve the quality of financial data for users. Over time, it will allow for company accounts data to be aggregated, compared and analysed for use more widely.

The rule will apply to both companies who file their own accounts and those who use third party agents or accountants. From April 2028, web and paper-based filing systems will be closed to accounts filings. Companies House web filing services will remain open for non-accounts filings, such as confirmation statements.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the United Kingdom’s economy. They create jobs, drive innovation and support communities across the country,” said Minister for Small Business and Enterprise Lord Leong in a statement. “As the government works to reindustrialise the economy and strengthen the UK’s industrial base, SMEs will play a central role in driving investment, commercialising innovation and creating high-quality jobs. Yet too often they face a disproportionate burden from fragmented processes, repeated requests for the same information and guidance that is difficult to find or navigate.”