BIG CHANGES for Small Companies
Big Change for Small Companies: Filing Accounts via Software Becomes Mandatory from April 2027
You might’ve seen the latest Companies House email land in your inbox. If not, here’s the quick version, from 1 April 2027, all companies will have to file their annual accounts using commercial software. No more paper forms. No more Companies House web-based filing. It’s software or nothing.
Now, as an accountant based in Witham, Essex, we at J-Benn Finance knew this was coming. It’s part of the wider Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. But if you’re a business owner who files your own accounts, or even if you rely on your accountant to do it, this is something you need to be aware of.
Here’s what you need to know, and what we recommend doing now to avoid stress later.
The Headlines
From 1 April 2027:
Companies House will no longer accept paper or web-filed accounts
All company accounts must be submitted through third-party software
Small and micro-entities will be required to submit a profit and loss account
Additional changes are expected, including updates to audit exemptions and accounting reference periods
These changes apply to all companies. It doesn’t matter what size you are or how long you’ve been trading.
Why It’s Happening
Let’s be real, paper filings are outdated. They’re slower, more error-prone, and less secure. The shift to software is about modernising the system, improving data quality, and tackling fraud more effectively. And frankly, it’s long overdue.
From a business point of view, the goal is to:
Make filing quicker and easier
Improve trust in the register by showing a clearer financial picture (especially with P&L info becoming visible)
Support better access to credit and trade by making financial data more transparent
That’s the government view. But what does this mean for you, the business owner?
What You Should Do Now
If you already work with an accountant in Essex who uses filing software, like we do at J-Benn Finance, then great news: this change won’t affect you much. You’re already ahead of the game.
But if you:
File accounts yourself via the Companies House website
Use paper filings
Work with someone who doesn’t use compliant software
Then now is the time to switch. You’ve got one full financial year plus 9 months (21 months total) to get ready. But don’t leave it until the last minute. Software adoption, training, and process changes all take time.
The Profit and Loss Part
One big shift is the mandatory inclusion of the profit and loss account for small and micro-entities.
This is huge. Up to now, small companies could avoid publishing this information, but not anymore. From 2027, a basic P&L will be required for every company.
If you’ve been used to keeping your top-line figures private, this is going to feel like a big step. But again, the aim is transparency, and ultimately, to improve confidence in the system.
J-Benn Finance Clients: You’re Covered
We’re already filing accounts using approved software, so there’s nothing new for our clients to do. But if you’re not sure whether your current accountant is ready, now’s a good time to ask.
If you’re a business owner based in Witham or anywhere in Essex and want peace of mind that you’re set up properly for the upcoming changes, we’re here to help.
We’ll walk you through what this means for your business, help you prepare for the profit and loss disclosure, and ensure your filing process is secure, streamlined, and compliant.
Final Thoughts
Change is coming. But with a bit of planning and the right support, it doesn’t need to be stressful.
J-Benn Finance supports limited companies across Essex with smart accounting, tax planning, and financial strategy, and yes, we’ll make sure you’re ready for 2027 and beyond.
Ready to get ahead of the changes? Let’s have a chat.
📞 Book a free call: www.j-benn.co.uk
