From 31st March 2026, the Joint Filing Service provided by HMRC and Companies House will permanently close. This long-standing and free service has allowed small companies to submit both their Annual Accounts and Company Tax Return in one convenient step.
However, this convenience will end. From 1st April 2026, businesses must use commercial software for their submissions.
Official Guidance: Closure of the service to file your company accounts and tax return
Why is the Joint Filing Service Being Discontinued?
Introduced in 2011, the Joint Filing Service has helped small businesses with straightforward tax affairs meet their legal requirements efficiently. Over time, digital standards have advanced and UK company law has evolved, especially with the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA).
This Act has introduced tighter rules and new compliance standards that the existing Joint System can no longer support. According to HMRC and Companies House, the service has become outdated and no longer aligns with the UK’s digital strategy.
Therefore, shutting it down is a key step toward a more robust and secure system. It also supports broader reforms at Companies House, such as mandatory identity verification and increased corporate transparency.
What Changes After March 2026?
From 1st April 2026:
- The Joint Filing Service online portal will permanently close
- Businesses must file Company Tax Returns using HMRC-approved commercial software
- Businesses must submit Annual Accounts to Companies House using third-party software, Companies House WebFiling or paper
As a result, businesses will no longer be able to submit both filings in one step. They must make submissions separately, through different platforms.
Who Does This Affect the Most?
The closure will mostly impact small businesses and organisations that manage their own filings. These include dormant companies, community interest organisations and incorporated charities. These groups have relied on the Joint Filing Service due to its simplicity and zero cost.
However, companies already working with accountants or using commercial software will see minimal disruption. Although, self-managed businesses will need to adjust.
Are Any Companies Exempt?
Some entities can apply for an exemption from filing Corporation Tax returns. These may include:
- Dormant companies
- Registered charities
- Community amateur sports clubs
However, even if exempt from tax returns, companies must still file Annual Accounts with Companies House.
What You Should Do Now
1. Choose the Right Commercial Software
Begin by reviewing available commercial software options. Your chosen software should be able to:
- File a CT600 Form (Company Tax Return)
- Create and submit a Corporation Tax computation
- Tag and file company accounts in iXBRL format
Many providers offer solutions tailored to small businesses, with features like deadline reminders, built-in tax help and automatic validation.
2. Download and Save Your Filing History
Before the services closes, download and securely store your previous submissions. HMRC recommends saving at least the past three years of returns.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the “Track your submissions” section on the HMRC portal
- Select the desired accounting period
- Click on either the “HMRC” or “Companies House” link
- On the summary page, select “Select your return in HTML”
- Save the file to your device or secure storage
After 31st March 2026, you will no longer be able to access these records online.
3. Transition Early
You do not need to inform HMRC or Companies House when you start using commercial software. However, switching ahead of time allows you to get comfortable with the new system, identify any gaps in knowledge and resolve issues before the mandatory switch.
Filing After the Closure of the Joint Filing Service
If you need to make changes to a previously submitted return or resubmit a rejected return after the closure:
- Use commercial software to re-enter and file the data
- Submit a paper return to HMRC
- Appoint an accountant or professional agent to handle the process
To correct company accounts filed with Companies House, you must use software or paper filing. Additionally, as the system moves toward software-only submissions, the paper option may not remain available.
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