11/06/2026
📢 Major Companies House Reform Confirmed – Effective April 2028
After months of consultation and industry feedback, the government has confirmed that small companies and micro-entities will be required to file both a Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account with Companies House from 1 April 2028.
However, there is an important concession:
Small companies and micro-entities will be able to opt out of publishing their Profit & Loss Account on the public register.
This addresses longstanding concerns around commercial confidentiality and the competitive risks of making detailed financial information publicly available.
Other key changes include:
🔹 Abridged accounts will be abolished
🔹 All accounts must be filed digitally using commercial software
🔹 Mandatory filing in iXBRL format for all UK registered companies
🔹 Paper and web-based accounts filing will be withdrawn
🔹 Stronger audit exemption eligibility statements will be required
🔹 Accounts and reports must be filed together as a complete package
🔹 Restrictions will be introduced on shortening accounting reference periods
Notably, the government has dropped plans requiring small companies to file a director’s report.
The reforms represent a significant shift towards digital reporting and enhanced transparency, while balancing the privacy concerns of smaller businesses.
Companies House will provide further guidance on how businesses can opt out of P&L publication ahead of implementation.
What are your thoughts on the changes?