# Companies House accounts filing changes from April 2028, and director ID verification

By Rotomal team · Updated 2026-10-17 · Part of [Plain Filings](https://rotomal.com/micro-filing/)

**Short answer:** All accounts filings made on or after 1 April 2028 must be filed with commercial software; Companies House closes its web and paper routes for accounts. Small companies can no longer file abridged accounts, and micro-entities must file a profit and loss account, with an option to keep it off the public register. Separately, directors must verify their identity: the requirement started on 18 November 2025 with a 12-month transition.

## The 2028 accounts changes at a glance

| Change | What it means for a micro or dormant company |
| --- | --- |
| Software-only filing | Accounts filed on or after 1 April 2028 must go through commercial software. WebFiling and paper stop accepting accounts. |
| Profit and loss account | Micro-entities must file a P&L as well as the balance sheet, with an option to opt out of having it published (details to follow from Companies House). |
| Abridged accounts end | Small companies can no longer prepare and file abridged accounts. |
| Timing | The software rule applies by filing date: a 2027 year end filed after 1 April 2028 is caught. |

## Why the date was pushed to 2028

Earlier announcements pointed to 2027, and some guides still say so. In June 2026 the government confirmed the accounts reforms and the April 2028 start, giving software suppliers and filers more time.

## Director identity verification

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025. Existing directors have a 12-month transition to verify, so plan for mid-November 2026 at the latest, and earlier if your company's due date falls first. Verification is done with GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised corporate service provider.

## Who is a micro-entity now

For financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025, a company is micro if it meets two of three limits: turnover up to £1 million, balance sheet total up to £500,000, and no more than 10 employees. A company usually has to meet the limits in two consecutive years to change size category.

## What to do before April 2028

- Check whether your current route (WebFiling, an accountant, software) will still work for accounts filed after 1 April 2028.
- If you file micro accounts, prepare to produce a profit and loss account, and watch for the publication opt-out details.
- If you file abridged accounts, plan for full small-company accounts.
- Make sure every director has verified their identity.

## FAQ

### Can I keep using WebFiling until 2028?

Yes for accounts filed before 1 April 2028. Filings made on or after that date must use commercial software.

### Will my profit and loss account be public?

Micro-entities must file one from April 2028, with an option to opt out of having it published. Companies House has said it will confirm how the opt-out works.

## Sources

- Changes to UK company law: changes to accounts https://changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk/changes-to-accounts/
- Changes to UK company law: identity verification https://changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk/identity-verification/
- ICAEW: Companies House accounts changes confirmed for April 2028 https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/jun-2026/companies-house-accounts-changes-confirmed-for-april-2028
- ICAEW: micro-entity regime eligibility https://icaew.com/technical/corporate-reporting/uk-gaap/small-and-micro-entity-reporting/micro-entities-regime-eligibility

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Rotomal · https://rotomal.com/micro-filing/companies-house-software-filing-2028/ · hello@rotomal.com