All change at Companies House: Companies House is going digital and rising fees!
It’s all change at Companies House, with one of the biggest digital transformations to UK corporate filing in decades set to take effect from April 2027. From this date, all company accounts must be filed using commercial software, marking the end of both paper submissions and web-based filings for annual accounts.
For companies that have not yet embraced digital filing, this represents a major operational shift. Companies House has stated that it will give businesses sufficient time to adapt, providing at least 18 months’ notice before the requirement comes into force.
All change at Companies House – the end of paper filings
From 1 April 2027, companies will be required to submit fully digitised accounts using commercial software. This change applies to all companies, including dormant entities, and will affect those with accounting periods ending on or after 31 July 2026.
Companies House has begun emailing company directors to highlight the coming change, explaining that businesses will have “one full accounting year, plus nine months” to make the switch — in total, a 21-month window to prepare. For those already using accounting software to file accounts, there is no additional action required. However, for the remaining 8% of companies still submitting paper accounts, preparation needs to start now.
Currently, 91.4% of all accounts are filed electronically, a number that has steadily increased from 85% before the pandemic. With over 4.8 million active companies on the register, this still leaves more than 400,000 businesses relying on paper submissions — all of which will need to transition to digital systems before the 2027 deadline. Companies House has made clear that this move is not simply a matter of convenience. The new system aims to improve data quality, reduce errors and formatting issues, and enhance fraud detection capabilities. It will also accelerate processing times and reduce the administrative burden associated with manual filings.
All change at Companies House – improving transparency and accuracy
The transition to software-only filing is part of the government’s broader Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) — legislation designed to modernise company reporting, enhance transparency, and combat corporate fraud.
Companies House has described the move as “a critical step towards improving the quality of data on the register,” creating a “single, efficient, and traceable” filing process.
What do companies need to do now?
Companies are encouraged to start reviewing their accounting processes now. Businesses that currently prepare accounts manually or through basic spreadsheet systems will need to adopt compliant accounting software capable of producing and filing accounts in the correct format.
There is no need to wait until 2027 — Companies House has confirmed that a wide range of commercial software providers already offer suitable filing solutions. Early adoption will give businesses time to test new systems, ensure compatibility, and train staff before the web and paper routes are closed.
All change at Companies House – what other changes are on the horizon?
The move to mandatory software filing is not the only change ahead at Companies House. From February 2026, the cost of incorporation and other filings will also increase significantly.
The digital incorporation fee will double, and confirmation statements will also increase. Paper filings will be even more expensive. The only reduction announced is for the voluntary strike-off digital filing fee, which will fall to just £13.
These fee increases are designed to support change at Companies House and their investment in upgraded systems, improved data security, and enhanced enforcement and investigation powers under the ECCTA.
All change at Companies House – greater scrutiny and director identity verification
As part of the same legislative reform and change at Companies House, director identity verification will become mandatory from 18 November 2025. This will apply to all new directors at the point of appointment, ensuring that individuals setting up or managing UK companies are who they claim to be.
For existing directors and PSC’s, they must verify their identities at Companies House (link to existing webpage) before the next filing ater 18 November 2025 (e.g. confirmation statement, accounts, any changes to directors, etc). Failure to do so may lead to criminal charges, penalties or even the winding up of companies.
Together, these measures signal a shift in how the UK corporate register operates — moving toward a more transparent, digital-first environment, backed by tougher compliance standards and greater accountability.
Companies House has also gained expanded powers to query and remove false or misleading information from the register. The intention is to create a more trustworthy business environment and reduce the harm caused by fraudulent or inactive entities.
Impact on small and micro businesses
The government has also announced plans to require small and micro companies to file a profit and loss statement and balance sheet from April 2027. While there are discussions about whether this will go ahead in full due to concerns about red tape and costs, the Department for Business & Trade has confirmed that it remains the government’s “intention” to implement the measure.
If this change at companies house is enacted, this will represent a significant change for smaller entities that have historically filed minimal financial information.
Preparing for a new digital era
For many businesses, the upcoming change at Companies House may seem technical, but they represent a fundamental transformation in corporate compliance. The changes ahead at Companies House is not just about technology — it is about trust, transparency, and data integrity.
At RPGCC, we are already working with clients to prepare for the 2027 transition, ensuring that systems, processes, and governance frameworks are aligned with the new requirements. Early preparation will be key — especially for those currently filing paper accounts or relying on outdated accounting tools.
The digital shift is inevitable, but with the right planning, businesses can turn compliance into opportunity — streamlining processes, improving accuracy, and reducing administrative effort along the way. If you would like to talk to us about the change at Companies House, how these might impact your business or if you would like to talk to us about assisting you with your Company Secretarial services, please contact us or telephone us on 020 7870 9050 where a member of our team is waiting to help. Talk to us.
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