HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed it will permanently close its free online filing service for Company Tax Returns and accounts from 31 March 2026.

If your business currently uses this platform, you should begin planning for the transition now.

Why the change?

The closure forms part of HMRC’s move towards more modern digital solutions. Its current system, introduced over ten years ago, no longer aligns with evolving standards in technology or legislative requirements in UK company law.

Originally built for small businesses with straightforward tax needs, the platform has been outpaced by commercial alternatives.

What commercial software brings to the table

Today’s market offers a variety of tax and accounting software tailored to the needs of UK companies. These tools often include:

• Built-in compliance checks to reduce errors
• Automatic reminders and customer support features
• The ability to file seamlessly with both HMRC and Companies House

Steps you should take now

Avoid leaving things to the last minute.

Preparing ahead will help ensure your company stays compliant without unnecessary stress. Here is how to get started:

• Audit your current process, particularly if you are still using the Government portal for submissions
• Select appropriate software and ensure it covers CT600 forms, tax computations, and company accounts
• Familiarise yourself with the system before your next filing deadline

There is no need to inform HMRC or Companies House of the switch, simply begin using your chosen software.

Don’t lose access to old submissions

From April 2026, previous submissions will no longer be accessible through the HMRC service.

Make sure to download important records while you still can. At a minimum, retain the past three years of filings for:

• Compliance checks
• New accountants or advisers
• Answering queries from HMRC or Companies House

To download past submissions:

• Sign in to your HMRC account
• Go to ‘track your submissions’
• Choose a period and follow the HMRC or Companies House link
• Click ‘save your return in HTML’ on the summary page
• Save the file securely

Need to amend a return after the system closes?

Once the service is decommissioned, amendments or re-filing must be carried out using one of the following methods:

• Through commercial filing software
• By posting the documents to HMRC’s Corporation Tax office
• Via an accountant or tax adviser acting on your behalf

Companies House will only accept changes through recognised software or paper submissions.

Filing obligations for dormant companies

Even if your company is dormant and not trading, you still have a legal duty to submit accounts annually to Companies House.

Some types of dormant organisations, such as charities, flat management companies, and community amateur sports clubs, may not be liable for Corporation Tax, but they are still expected to keep Companies House updated each year.

Avoid the end-of-year scramble

Many businesses will soon be shopping for new software or adjusting to unfamiliar systems.

This increased demand could mean longer support wait times and limited training availability.

Making the switch early will give you the space to get comfortable with your new tools and reduce the risk of errors during busy periods.

If you are unsure where to begin, we are here to help. From selecting software to safely transferring your data, our experts can make the process simple.

Speak with us today for help with keeping your business tax-compliant as HMRC’s changes come into effect.