From April 2026, limited companies in the UK will lose access to a helpful, convenient filing service that’s been in place for nearly two decades.
HMRC and Companies House have confirmed the closure of their joint filing system, which has allowed businesses to submit company tax returns and annual year-end accounts via a single online portal. Established in 2007, this service will shut down from April 2026.
A summary of the changes:
- When is the service ending? April 2026
- Who is affected? All limited companies in the UK
- What is the current system? Businesses can file annual accounts and tax returns together
- What is the future system? Businesses will need to submit separate files to HMRC and Companies House
- What happens now? Businesses should review their accounting processes accordingly
At Hamlyns, we’re helping our limited company clients prepare for this change to ensure a smooth transition without disruption to their compliance obligations. This guide explains what’s changing, when it takes effect, and the practical steps you need to take now.
What Is the HMRC/Companies House Joint Filing Service?
The joint filing service was introduced in 2007 to simplify compliance for limited companies by allowing them to file two key documents simultaneously:
- Company tax return (CT600) to HMRC
- Annual accounts to Companies House
Using approved accounting software, businesses could complete both submissions at once, saving time, reducing duplications, and minimising the risk of errors or inconsistencies.
Why Is the Joint Filing Service Being Discontinued?
It’s unclear exactly why HMRC and Companies House have closed the joint filing service, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s to:
- Align with broader Making Tax Digital (MTD) policies
- Streamline different digital services
- Improve data accuracy and integrity across siloed government departments
The joint filing service closure follows other recent changes, including the autumn 2025 introduction of identity verification requirements on Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA).
What Happens After April 2026?
After April 2026, all limited companies (regardless of size, turnover or accounting period) in the UK must submit their company tax returns to HMRC, and their annual year-end accounts to Companies House separately, using each organisation’s individual platform.
Both submissions will still have their existing deadlines:
- Company tax returns: 12 months after the end of your accounting period
- Annual accounts: 9 months after your company’s financial year-end (for private limited companies)
The change doesn’t alter these deadlines. It merely requires two separate submissions instead of one combined filing.
Considerations for New Filing Requirements
The move to separate filings introduces several considerations:
- As you’ll need to complete two separate filing processes rather than one, this could double the time spent on compliance.
- Your accounting software must support separate submissions to both HMRC and Companies House, so this must be reviewed to ensure it can transition to dual-filing.
- Filing separately could increase the risk of discrepancies between accounts, particularly if making manual adjustments.
- Even if using the same underlying accounts, additional preparation and time may mean separate deadlines could be missed.
- Some software providers may charge separately for each filing, potentially adding an extra financial obligation.
What Should Limited Company Owners Do?
To ensure continued compliance and avoid disruption, take these steps now:
- Review your accounting software to see if it will support separate filings after April 2026. Most popular software packages (including Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and FreeAgent) support joint filing, but whether they will transition automatically to support separate filing options remains unclear.
- Speak with your accountant. If Hamlyns or another accountant prepares your tax returns and year-end accounts, discuss how the change will affect service agreements, costs, and filing processes. We’re updating our procedures to ensure seamless compliance for all our clients.
- Download historical records which will not be available once the system closes. HMRC and Companies House recommend downloading and securely storing 3+ years of company accounts and tax returns that have been jointly filed.
- Review and update any internal procedures, checklists and workflows to accommodate dual-filing, rather than sole filing.
- Set up separate reminders for HMRC tax return deadlines and Companies House accounts deadlines to avoid late filing penalties.
- Consider conducting a trial run with your accountant or software provider before the deadline.
How Hamlyns Can Help
Navigating regulatory changes like the joint filing service closure requires careful planning and expert guidance. At Hamlyns, we’re actively preparing for this transition to ensure zero disruption for our clients.
Our services include:
- Reviewing your current filing arrangements and identifying any necessary changes
- Managing both HMRC and Companies House submissions on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and timely compliance
- Updating software and systems to support the new separate filing requirements
- Maintaining consistency between your tax returns and filed accounts
- Providing regular updates on compliance deadlines and requirements
The April 2026 deadline has come around fast, so act now, particularly if software changes or process updates are necessary. Don’t wait until the joint service closes to discover your systems aren’t ready.
Contact Hamlyns today to review your current filing arrangements and ensure your business is fully prepared for the transition to separate HMRC and Companies House submissions.
