Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who currently use Companies House and HMRC’s joint online filing service will have to change their processes next year.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced plans to close the service, effective from 31 March, 2026. After this date, businesses will have to use commercial software to submit their for company accounts and tax returns.
Businesses can continue to use the existing HMRC online service to file and amend their tax returns and submit accounts to Companies House until the closure date. HMRC recommends that businesses download and save copies of at least three years of previously filed returns from the online service before March 31, 2026, as access will not be available after this date.
Guidance on the HMRC website states: “The service to support small, unrepresented businesses with simple tax affairs with their online filing does not meet modern digital standards, or recent changes to UK company law.
“Since online filing for corporation tax was introduced in 2011, the market has matured and grown. Commercial products can offer much more than the current service, such as improved validation and tax support and reminders.”
HMRC has published a list of software providers which can manage company accounts and returns.
Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The clock is ticking towards the implementation of changes in the way annual accounts and tax returns are filed with HMRC.
“We would urge businesses to start preparations for April 1, 2026, and ensure they source a suitable software package. Where relevant, seek professional advice that is appropriate for any ongoing filing obligations.”
Judith Smith, of South Staffordshire-based environment and sustainability consultancy Sustainabilitysmith, said the upcoming changes were ‘daunting’ for small business owners.
She said: “As a micro business it seems a bit of a daunting task to go through the list to see which software is most suitable. There will also be an additional cost to my business.”
