Companies House to Introduce Mandatory iXBRL Accounts Filing from April 2028

Mandatory Companies House iXBRL filing will become a requirement for all companies from April 2028 as part of the UK government’s corporate transparency reforms. Under the new rules, organizations will need to file accounts using commercial software in Inline XBRL (iXBRL) format, replacing paper-based accounts filing and existing web-based submission routes.

The reforms form part of the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) and are intended to improve the quality of financial information on the register, strengthen corporate transparency, and support efforts to tackle economic crime.

The changes will take effect from  April 2028, giving organizations time to prepare for the transition to mandatory software-based iXBRL filing. 

Key Highlights

1. All companies will be required to file accounts using commercial software from April 2028.
2. Accounts will need to be submitted in Inline XBRL (iXBRL) format.
3. Paper filing of accounts will no longer be permitted.
4. Existing web-based accounts filing routes will close for accounts submissions.
5. Other Companies House WebFiling services will remain available for non-accounts filings.
6. Small companies and micro-entities will be required to file a profit and loss account with Companies House.
7. Eligible small companies and micro-entities will be able to opt out of making their profit and loss account publicly available on the register.
8. Abridged accounts will no longer be accepted.
9. Companies claiming audit exemption will be required to provide enhanced eligibility statements.
10. All components of the accounts package must be filed together.

Why This Matters

The move to mandatory iXBRL filing represents a major step in the modernization of UK corporate reporting.

By requiring structured digital reporting, Companies House will be able to improve the quality, consistency, and usability of company data. Structured financial information can be validated more effectively, supporting greater confidence in the accuracy of filings and enabling more efficient analysis by regulators, lenders, investors, and other stakeholders.

The reforms also seek to balance transparency with commercial confidentiality. While small companies and micro-entities will be required to submit profit and loss accounts to Companies House, eligible businesses will be able to opt out of having this information displayed publicly on the register.

For many organizations, the changes will require a transition away from paper-based and web-based accounts filing processes toward software-driven preparation and submission of iXBRL reports. Companies should use the time before the April 2028 implementation date to assess reporting processes, technology requirements, and compliance readiness. 

Ez-XBRL: Supporting the Transition to Mandatory Companies House iXBRL Filing

With Companies House confirming mandatory software-based iXBRL accounts filing from April 2028, organizations need a reliable way to transition from paper and web-based filing processes to structured digital reporting.

Ez-XBRL helps companies prepare for this shift by simplifying iXBRL report creation, validation, review, and submission readiness within a controlled reporting environment.

Integix — Streamlined iXBRL Preparation

1. Convert statutory accounts from Excel, Word, or PDF into Inline XBRL (iXBRL)
2. Prepare Companies House filing-ready reports using a structured workflow
3. Apply taxonomy tagging accurately and consistently
4. Perform automated validations before filing
5. Reduce manual effort and improve reporting efficiency

XOR — Review, Validation, and Governance

1. Review accounts in a clear, human-readable format
2. Verify tagging accuracy and completeness
3. Maintain audit trails and version control
4. Support structured approval workflows prior to filing
5. Improve governance and oversight across the reporting process

Additionally, Ez-XBRL enables organizations to:

1. Prepare for the transition from paper and web-based accounts filing to software-driven reporting
2. Improve data quality through automated validation checks
3. Establish repeatable, scalable reporting processes ahead of the April 2028 implementation date
4. Support ongoing compliance as UK digital reporting requirements continue to evolve

Flexible Engagement Models

Self-Service: Your team prepares and manages iXBRL tagging using the platform.

Managed Services: Ez-XBRL prepares filing-ready reports, with your team reviewing and approving.

Hybrid Model: A collaborative approach that combines internal control with external expertise.

Across all engagement models, organizations benefit from a secure, scalable infrastructure (ISO 27001:2022) and a delivery approach proven across the UK, EU, US, India, and South Africa.

Book a demo to explore how Ez-XBRL can support your transition to mandatory Companies House iXBRL filing.