Companies House Closes WebFiling for Annual Accounts — What UK LTD Directors Must Know in 2026
WebFiling for Annual Accounts Is Gone
On 31 March 2026, Companies House permanently shut down its WebFiling service for submitting annual accounts. This affects every UK Limited company that previously relied on the free, government-provided online portal to file their financial statements.
The closure was accelerated after a security vulnerability was discovered on 13 March 2026. Rather than patch the aging system, Companies House decided to retire WebFiling entirely for account submissions.
What Changed?
- WebFiling for annual accounts — permanently closed as of 31.03.2026
- Only third-party software can now submit accounts to Companies House
- All submissions must use the iXBRL format (Inline XBRL)
- Other WebFiling services (confirmation statements, director changes) remain available — for now
How to File Your LTD Accounts Now
UK LTD directors now have two main options:
- Use HMRC-approved accounting software — platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and Sage support direct iXBRL filing to Companies House. If your accountant already uses one of these, you’re covered.
- Work with an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — a registered intermediary (such as your formation agent or accountant) can file accounts on your behalf using their own software.
What This Means for Your LTD
If you’ve been handling your own accounts filing through WebFiling, you need to act now. The DIY route is no longer available. You’ll need either:
- A subscription to accounting software that supports Companies House iXBRL filing
- A professional accountant or ACSP to handle your filings
Key Deadlines to Remember
This change doesn’t affect your filing deadlines — only how you submit:
- First accounts: 21 months after incorporation (for private LTDs)
- Ongoing accounts: 9 months after your accounting reference date
- Late filing penalties still apply — £150 to £1,500+ depending on how late
Don’t Get Caught Out
The closure of WebFiling, combined with the upcoming ECCTA identity verification requirements and MTD ITSA digital reporting from April 2026, makes 2026 a year of significant change for UK LTD directors.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup is compliant, get in touch for a review of your filing arrangements.
