HMRC to End Free Company Tax Filing Service

three people working at a desk with cubicles on the left and right

From 31 March 2026, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will permanently close its free online system for filing Company Tax Returns and annual accounts. This move marks a significant shift in how businesses must submit their Corporation Tax filings—and it’s essential to prepare now.

Why is HMRC Closing the Free Filing System?

The current platform was originally designed over ten years ago for small, unrepresented companies with straightforward tax affairs. However, it no longer aligns with modern digital standards or recent changes in UK company law.

Instead, HMRC is encouraging companies to use commercial tax software that offers greater functionality, including:

Improved validation checks

Integrated reminders and support

Seamless filing to both HMRC and Companies House

blocks of letters saying do it now

What You Need to Do to Stay Compliant

To avoid disruption, businesses should start preparing well before the March 2026 deadline. Here’s how to get ready:

Step 1: Review Your Current Filing Process

If you currently use HMRC’s free portal, now is the time to consider a new approach.

Step 2: Choose the Right Software

Select a commercial tax filing software that supports:

CT600 Corporation Tax Returns

Tax computations

Company accounts for Companies House

Step 3: Set Up and Test Early

Install and test your new software ahead of your next filing deadline to ensure everything works smoothly.

Note: You don’t need to inform HMRC or Companies House when you switch to commercial software.

business books on a shelf

IMPORTANT: Download Past Company Tax Returns Before They’re Deleted

After 31 March 2026, you will no longer be able to access previously submitted returns through HMRC’s system. To avoid losing important records, we recommend downloading and securely saving at least the last three years of submissions.

To download:

Log into your HMRC account

Go to ‘Track your submissions’

Select the filing period

Click ‘Save your return in HTML’

Store the file securely for future reference

Amending or Refiling Returns After the Shutdown

Once HMRC’s service is retired, you will no longer be able to make changes through the portal. Instead, you will need to:

Use your new commercial software

Submit amendments by post to HMRC

Ask an accountant or tax agent to act on your behalf

Companies House will also only accept changes via software or by paper submission.

paperwork on a table

Do Dormant Companies Still Need to File?

Yes. Even if your company is dormant and not trading, you must still file annual accounts with Companies House. While some dormant companies (e.g. charities, flat management companies, and community amateur sports clubs) may be exempt from Corporation Tax, they still have annual filing obligations.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

As the deadline approaches, more businesses will be transitioning to commercial software—potentially leading to:

Longer support wait times

Limited training availability

Increased risk of filing errors

Switching early gives you time to get comfortable with your new system and avoid last-minute stress.

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