From April 2026, both HMRC and Companies House will close their free filing portals for Corporation Tax and accounts. Prepare now to get ahead of the change.
When will the Free Filing Services Close?
The closure of both platforms was announced earlier this month and will take effect from midnight on Tuesday 31st March 2026.
Why are the Free Filing Services Closing?
HMRC have stated the current service they provide does not meet current digital standards. They believe the modernisation of Corporation Tax and accounts filing could improve the accuracy of the returns submitted.
By closing their filing platforms, HMRC and Companies House are encouraging businesses to make the switch to using accounting software. This aligns with the government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) plans.
How will the Free Filing Closure Affect Me?
If you use either filing platform, you will need to find another method of submission. Submitting the figures using accounting software will bypass the portal and submit the figures directly to HMRC and Companies House. The downside, particularly for smaller businesses, is that most software will charge a subscription fee, adding an additional cost to already increasing overheads.
If you believe this will affect you, please get in touch.
What do I Need to do Before the Services Close?
Before the closure, you must log in to the HMRC online service and save copies of at least the last 3 years of submissions. This must be done before 31st March 2026 as you will be unable to access this information once the platform has closed.
I Need Help with the Switch – What Should I Do?
At WKM Accountancy Services, we are experienced with a variety of accounting software and are happy to help to find the right package for you and your business. If you need advice regarding the upcoming submission changes, or any aspect of your accounts, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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