The UK government has announced that proposed changes to how companies file their accounts with Companies House will not begin on 1st April 2027 as previously planned.
Instead, the proposed changes are now under review, with a final decision set to be made soon. Any reforms that do go ahead will come with at least 21 months’ notice.
Companies House filing reforms: What was going to change?
The delayed reforms were part of a wider plan to increase transparency and fight economic crime as part of measures introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The goal is to make company information more open and to help stop economic crime. They included several new requirements for companies of all sizes, with specific rules for micro entities and smaller companies.
Key changes
The most significant changes proposed for 2027 were a move to software-based filing for statutory accounts, which would replace manual submission methods and changes to what entities would need to file as follows:
Filing requirements for micro entities
Micro entities would need to file:
- A balance sheet
- A profit and loss account
Filing requirements for small companies
Small companies would need to file:
- A balance sheet
- A directors’ report
- A profit and loss account
- An auditors’ report (if applicable)
Removal of abridged or filleted accounts
Companies would no longer be permitted to file reduced detail versions, as abridged and filleted accounts would be removed. detail versions. detail versions.
Why have the filing changes been paused?
The government appears to be reconsidering the reforms due to concerns raised by businesses. Some argued that:
- The changes would create extra costs.
- The new rules might be too heavy-handed, as most businesses operate compliantly.
- The reforms may place unnecessary regulatory burdens on compliant companies.
This pause creates uncertainty over whether the reforms will be delayed, scaled back, or cancelled altogether.
For further information on the delays, visit the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act page on the government website here.
