Filing annual accounts with Companies House is an important legal responsibility for every UK-registered company. Whether your business is trading, dormant or small, you generally need to prepare and submit accounts each year. Filing online can make the process faster, easier and more convenient while helping reduce the risk of errors and late submissions. In this guide, we explain Companies House accounts filing online, what you need before you start, how the process works and what companies should know about upcoming changes. What Is Companies House Accounts Filing Online?Companies House accounts filing online is the process of submitting your company's annual accounts electronically to Companies House. Companies can currently use Companies House online services or suitable commercial accounting software, depending on the type of accounts they need to file. The online filing system allows businesses to submit their accounts without printing and posting paper documents. Companies House provides online services for several types of accounts, including certain small, micro-entity, dormant and abridged accounts. It's important to remember that filing accounts with Companies House is separate from filing a Company Tax Return with HMRC. The joint online service previously used for both closed on 31 March 2026. Companies now need to use the appropriate service or commercial software for their Companies House accounts and use software for their Company Tax Return with HMRC. Who Needs to File Accounts?Most UK companies must file annual accounts with Companies House, even if the company is dormant or has not traded during the accounting period. The exact accounts your company needs to prepare can depend on factors such as its size, whether it is dormant and whether it qualifies for certain exemptions. Before filing, company directors should make sure the accounts are prepared correctly and approved by the directors. If you're unsure which type of accounts your company should file, it can be useful to speak to an accountant or professional adviser. How to File Accounts Online With Companies HouseThe process for filing company accounts online is relatively straightforward when you have the necessary information ready. 1. Prepare Your Annual AccountsFirst, prepare the company's annual accounts according to the requirements that apply to your business. Your accounts should be reviewed and approved by the company directors before submission. 2. Check Your Filing DeadlineEvery company has a deadline for filing its accounts. Missing the deadline can result in a late filing penalty, so it is advisable to prepare your accounts well before the due date. 3. Have Your Authentication Code ReadyYou will generally need your company's Companies House authentication code when filing online. You may also need Companies House account login details, depending on which online filing service you use. 4. Sign In and Select Your Filing ServiceCompanies House now provides an online service that allows companies to file certain abridged or full accounts. For other types of accounts, WebFiling or commercial software may be required. 5. Submit Your AccountsEnter the requested information, upload or complete the required accounts and carefully check everything before submitting. Once your filing is processed, you should receive confirmation of whether it has been accepted or rejected.
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