If you’re a small business with straightforward accounts, you may well be using HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Corporation Tax online filing service. It’s a straightforward way to file your corporation tax and company accounts and tick all those compliance boxes.
But HMRC has just announced that the service will close from March 2026.
So, what happens now when you need to file your return and accounts?
What is the Corporation Tax online filing service
At present, if you’re an unrepresented company with straightforward tax affairs, you can use the free HMRC online service to:
- Send your Company Tax Return to HMRC.
- Send your accounts and computations to HMRC in the correct iXBRL format.
- File your accounts to Companies House.
- send your Company Tax Return to HMRC and accounts to Companies House at the same time.
Using the online service streamlines so many of your compliance worries. So, why is HMRC shutting down the service?
Corporation Tax online filing service to close from March 2026
The Corporation Tax online filing service will close from 31 March 2026.
At present, you can still use the online service to file and amend your Company Tax Return with HMRC, and your accounts with Companies House up to and including 31 March 2026.
But from 1 April 2026 onwards, you’ll need to use commercial software to file annual accounts and Company Tax returns with HMRC.
Why is the online service closing?
HMRC feels that the online service is no longer fit for purpose.
The service was originally introduced in 2011, and the system doesn’t meet modern digital standards, or recent changes to UK company law.
HMRC’s intention is that the small businesses that are currently using the free online survive will see the value in investing in third-party software that’s more in line with digital standards.
Helping you set up a new software-based tax filing system
There’s no immediate pressure to switch over to a new software tax and accounts filing system. But looking into the available software and doing your homework is a sensible move.
We can help you decide on the best software for the job and make sure your accounting and filing processes are up to the job, ready for March 2026.
Talk to us at our Cheshire office today.
