Date posted: 30th Mar 2026
By Jonathan Doyle, Accounts and Business Advisory Partner
Recent announcements from HMRC and Companies House concerning filing and reporting requirements present a mixed landscape for small and micro businesses.
The most pressing development is the closure of the joint HMRC and Companies House filing service from 31 March 2026.
For many small businesses, this service has provided a straightforward way to submit both company accounts and Corporation Tax returns in a single process. Businesses will instead need to file accounts with Companies House and submit Corporation Tax returns to HMRC separately, using commercial software.
This change brings not only additional administrative steps, but also a greater reliance on software and a heightened risk of errors or missed deadlines if processes are not properly managed.
For smaller businesses, in particular, where finance responsibilities are often handled by owner-managers or small teams, this shift could be significant. What was once a relatively contained annual compliance task could evolve into a more complex, ongoing requirement demanding greater time, attention, and technical knowledge that entrepreneurial business owners simply don’t have the time to dedicate lots of time to.
Seeking professional advice at an early stage is therefore essential, as failing to adapt effectively could result in penalties or compliance issues and by engaging external support, this can help alleviate this burden and reduce risk.
Companies affected should also ensure they download and retain historic filings before the existing service is withdrawn, as access will not remain available indefinitely.
Alongside this confirmed change, in contrast, the government’s decision to delay planned Companies House reforms has been broadly welcomed by the small business community.
The proposed reforms would have required more detailed financial disclosures, including profit and loss information being made publicly available, as well as mandating the use of commercial software for filing and removing certain simplified reporting options.
While the delay provides breathing space for many micro and small entities, it equally creates a period of uncertainty. Businesses may be unsure how much to invest in systems or process changes now, while still needing to remain prepared for future reform with relatively short notice.
Taken together, these developments highlight a growing gap between what is currently required and what is likely to be expected in the near future. Even without the immediate introduction of wider Companies House reforms, the move away from a unified filing system is a clear indication that compliance is becoming more complex.
For small businesses, the risk lies not just in keeping up with change, but in underestimating how quickly these changes can begin to impact day-to-day operations.
At Clive Owen LLP, we are already working closely with clients to navigate this evolving landscape. Whether that involves identifying the right software solutions, streamlining reporting processes, or ensuring compliance obligations are met accurately and efficiently, our aim is to remove complexity and provide clarity.
We understand that for many small businesses, time and resources are limited, and the focus should remain on growth rather than administration. With the right systems and support in place, businesses can move beyond basic compliance and gain better visibility over their financial performance. Improved reporting processes can support stronger decision-making, resulting in better long-term outcomes.
While the delay in Companies House reforms offers short-term relief, the closure of the joint filing service is a firm and immediate step forward in the government’s digital agenda.
If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect your business, or how best to prepare, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our specialist team here.
