Using software to file your company's information

About software filing

Software filing packages allow you to send information to Companies House through our extensible markup language (XML) gateway.

Some of the benefits of using software to file include:

• no postage costs
• it’s cheaper to file documents that have a fee
• a faster, more secure delivery with immediate acknowledgement of receipt
• automatic confirmation when your filing is accepted or rejected
• less chance of errors and rejected filings
• a reduced risk of late filing penalties

When you file company accounts with commercial software, we receive and process them in inline extensible reporting language (iXBRL) format. This is a worldwide technical standard that combines HTML with machine readable ‘tags’. It allows documents to be read by both machines and humans.

File company information using software

What you will need

To file company documents using software, you’ll need:

• your company authentication code
• to apply for a presenter account  - you’ll get a presenter ID and code
• to apply for a Companies House credit account (if you need to file documents with a fee)

If you need to file charge (mortgage) documents for other companies, you must register as a lender.

What information you can file

You can file most statutory information with Companies House using software. For example, you can:

• file your annual accounts
• register (incorporate) a company
• change your company’s name
• appoint, remove or make changes to your company’s directors and secretaries
• change your company’s registered office address
• file your confirmation statements
• update your company’s share capital
• register information about charges (mortgage)
• make changes to your company’s people with significant control (PSCs)
• change your company’s year end (accounting reference date)
• change where your company’s registers are held

You can also file similar information for a limited liability partnership (LLP), such as updating your LLP members.

File annual accounts using software

From 1 April 2027, all companies must file their accounts using commercial software. This applies to directors who file accounts themselves, and companies who use a professional (such as an accountant) to file their accounts.

From this date, our web and paper-based services will be closed for accounts filings. You will still be able to use our web services to file other statutory information for your company.

Read more about other changes to accounts being introduced on 1 April 2027.

Hire a professional to file for you

If you do not want to buy commercial software, you can hire a professional (such as an accountant) to file on your behalf. A professional can help you file and stay compliant - but you’re still legally responsible for your company’s accounts, records and performance.

File your own accounts

You will need to:

• know what type of accounts you’re filing - you can ask a professional for advice
• find suitable software for the type of accounts you need to file
• contact your chosen software providers and consider changing to software filing as soon as possible
• make sure your chosen software is in place before 1 April 2027

If you use software for another business process, such as payroll, you may be able to add an option to file your accounts with Companies House. Some commercial software will also allow you to file with HMRC at the same time. Check with your software provider for more information.

You may have different deadlines for sending your accounts to Companies House and your Company Tax Return to HMRC.

If you have any concerns about data protection when using commercial software, check your provider’s privacy policies and contact them directly for more information.