Free Company Tax Filing Has Ended

Free Company Tax Filing Has Ended – What Directors Need to Know

The free company tax filing service run by Companies House and HMRC closed on 31 March 2026, with effect from 1 April 2026. Companies must now use commercial software to file corporation tax returns, as the old free system is no longer available.  

This change affects all UK companies, including property companies and SPVs commonly used by landlords. 

Why Was the Service Closed? 

Companies House confirmed the service was withdrawn because it was outdated and no longer compatible with modern digital standards, enhanced corporation tax requirements, or recent changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. 

What Does This Mean in Practice? 

Since 1 April 2026: 

• Corporation tax returns must be filed using commercial software 

• There is no free HMRC filing option 

• Amended or resubmitted returns also require software 

• Accounts can still be filed at Companies House using: 
  –  An accountant
  –  Third‑party software
  –  WebFiling services
  –  Paper filing (where permitted)
   

Loss of Historic Records 

All records held within the old online filing service were deleted after 31 March 2026. 

Companies House had advised directors to download at least three years of accounts filings before closure. These records are no longer accessible via the old system and cannot be recovered. 

Previously submitted corporation tax returns may still be retrievable via HMRC Online (“Track your submissions”), where available, by downloading them in HTML format. 

Making Amendments Now 

Following the closure, corporation tax return amendments must be made using  commercial software, or a paper return sent to HMRC however, there limited exceptions apply. 

Changes to filed accounts must be submitted using software or by post. Paper filing is only accepted in very limited circumstances, such as filing in Welsh or where HMRC accepts a valid reasonable excuse. 

Need Help? 

At UK Landlord Tax, we already file company tax returns for landlords using compliant commercial software and can deal with new filings and amendments on your behalf.  Get in touch today! 

Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website 

Thandi Nicholls Ltd
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