Preparing for Digital Accounts Filing: What Software Should You Choose
From April 2026, Companies House will require all UK companies to file their accounts digitally using a structured format. This change is part of a wider programme of corporate transparency reforms designed to improve data quality, reduce fraud, and modernise company reporting.
For many businesses — particularly small and micro-entities — this will be the first time they’ve had to consider how their accounting software links directly with Companies House. For others, it’s a timely reminder to review the tools they’re using and ensure everything is ready ahead of time.
At Merranti, we’re already using approved software — including TaxCalc, Xero and QuickBooks — to support clients through this change. In this post, we explain what’s changing, who it affects, and how to make sure your software is up to the job.
Why is Companies House moving to digital-only filing?
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House is being given new powers to modernise its services and improve the integrity of company data.
One of the most immediate and wide-reaching changes is the requirement for companies to file their statutory accounts in a structured digital format. This is expected to be mandatory for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2026, though Companies House is encouraging early adoption where possible.
Key points:
- Paper accounts and PDF uploads will no longer be accepted.
- Companies must file using iXBRL or a similar tagged format via approved software.
- The change will apply to micro, small, medium and large companies, as well as dormant companies.
This is not just an admin change — it will affect how accounts are prepared, reviewed, and submitted, and businesses that wait until 2026 to act may find themselves unprepared.
What does structured digital filing actually mean?
Digital filing doesn’t just mean emailing your accountant a spreadsheet or uploading a PDF to Companies House. Structured filing means your accounts need to be:
- Created using specialist software that formats accounts according to your reporting standard (FRS 105, FRS 102, etc.)
- Tagged using iXBRL — a machine-readable language that identifies each figure and disclosure
- Submitted electronically via a Companies House‑approved gateway
If you’ve ever submitted a corporation tax return, this may sound familiar — iXBRL tagging is already required by HMRC for CT600 filings. Companies House is now aligning with this approach for all company accounts.
The benefit to regulators is clear: digital accounts are easier to compare, analyse and validate. For companies, however, this means manual systems and Word templates will no longer be compliant.
What software do I need?
The good news is that, at Merranti, you don’t need to worry about software compliance — we’re already using leading solutions including:
- TaxCalc – our primary tool for preparing and filing statutory accounts and corporation tax returns. It fully supports iXBRL-tagged filings and is updated regularly to comply with both HMRC and Companies House requirements.
- Xero and QuickBooks – widely used for day-to-day bookkeeping and management reporting. While these platforms don’t file statutory accounts directly, they integrate smoothly with our accounts production tools, allowing us to extract your year-end data and prepare fully compliant filings.
If you’re a Merranti client, your year-end accounts are already being produced using this compliant workflow. As the April 2026 deadline approaches, we will simply adjust the filing route to match the new Companies House format — with no disruption to you.
What if you currently prepare your own accounts?
For businesses that don’t use an accountant — or prepare their own accounts internally — now is the time to assess whether your systems are ready for digital filing.
Some micro-companies may currently prepare accounts manually in Excel or Word and file a PDF. That approach will no longer be accepted after April 2026. Instead, you’ll need to use:
- Cloud software that includes accounts filing (e.g. FreeAgent for micro-entities)
- Statutory accounts production software like TaxCalc, BTCSoftware or Capium
- An accountant who will handle tagging and submission on your behalf
Even if you only file dormant accounts, they will still need to be in the correct digital format.
Can I continue using Xero or QuickBooks?
Yes — but with limits.
Xero and QuickBooks are excellent for day-to-day bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll and reporting. However, they do not currently generate statutory accounts in iXBRL format suitable for direct submission to Companies House.
That’s where Merranti comes in.
We use your Xero or QuickBooks data to prepare full statutory accounts using TaxCalc, which then handles the tagging and submission. If you currently prepare your own accounts using these platforms, you may still need an accountant or third-party tool to file them compliantly from 2026 onwards.
What if I’m a micro-entity?
Micro-entities will still need to file digital accounts, but the reporting requirements remain relatively simple. If your company qualifies as a micro-entity under the new April 2026 thresholds (turnover ≤ £1 million, balance sheet total ≤ £500,000, and ≤ 10 employees), you’ll be able to file using FRS 105.
Software like FreeAgent (which some clients access free via NatWest or Mettle) includes built-in Companies House filing for micro-entity accounts. However, for most clients, using Merranti’s TaxCalc workflow is easier, more accurate, and gives you full control over your filings.
Should I change anything now?
If you’re already a Merranti client, the answer is: no — you’re covered. We’re already using software that meets the upcoming requirements. However, if you’re considering a software change, or thinking about preparing your own accounts in-house, here’s what to bear in mind:
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Don’t leave this until 2026. If your next accounting period begins after 1 April 2026, the new rules apply. Meaning you may need new software, or a new relationship with your accountant.
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Software must be Companies House-approved. Not all accounting software can handle statutory filings — especially when it comes to tagging and submission. Check with your provider or ask us for guidance.
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Review your company size status. If your business is growing, you may move from micro to small or small to medium in 2026. Which will affect not just your filing software but also your disclosure requirements.
Final thoughts
The shift to digital-only accounts filing is not just a Companies House admin tweak — it’s part of a wider move toward structured, transparent and high-quality financial reporting in the UK. For many small businesses, it marks the end of informal or spreadsheet-based submissions and the beginning of a new compliance standard.
If you’re a Merranti client, you’re in good hands. We already use TaxCalc for accounts production and work with Xero and QuickBooks to ensure your bookkeeping feeds directly into a compliant filing process. As 2026 approaches, we’ll continue to adjust our processes to meet the new rules — so you don’t need to.
If you’re currently preparing accounts manually or unsure whether your systems will meet the new standards, now is the time to act. The earlier you adapt, the smoother the transition will be.
Need help reviewing your digital filing setup?
Speak to the team at Merranti Accounting to book a Digital Accounts Compliance Check — and make sure you’re ready for 2026.
