The UK Government has officially closed its online filing service for Corporation Tax and company accounts — a change that affects thousands of UK businesses. If your company previously relied on the free HMRC or Companies House service to file returns, it’s time to take action.
This blog breaks down what the closure means, what your new filing options are, and how Legacy Accounting can guide your business through a smooth and compliant transition.
What Has Changed?
As of 31 March 2025, any private limited company required to submit Corporation Tax returns must use commercial Corporation Tax software for accounting periods beyond that date (unless returns are filed early). Companies must file their returns within 12 months of the end of their accounting period.
For example, a company with a 31 December year-end must submit its 2025 Corporation Tax return before 31 March 2026 to file via the HMRC online service.
Certain clients, such as charities, community amateur sports clubs, or dormant companies, may be eligible for a Corporation Tax filing exemption.
This closure affects:
- Limited companies that filed tax returns directly through the HMRC online service.
- Corporations that submitted annual accounts via the Companies House WebFiling system.
- Businesses relying on the government’s now-redundant filing portal instead of accounting software.
If you’ve been using these services, you can no longer file returns via HMRC’s online portal — unless you have a valid reason and prior approval for paper filing.
What Are My Filing Options Now?
With the closure in place, companies now have two main options to ensure compliance:
1. Use HMRC and Companies House-Approved Commercial Software
This is the primary and recommended method going forward. Businesses must use approved third-party accounting software to submit Corporation Tax returns and file annual accounts.
Popular HMRC-recognised software includes:
Xero · QuickBooks · Sage · FreeAgent · Zoho Books
These platforms are:
- MTD (Making Tax Digital)-compatible
- User-friendly and automated
- Reliable for both tax calculations and submission tracking
Switching to commercial software helps reduce errors, save time, and keep your business compliant year-round.
2. Submit Paper Returns (Only in Exceptional Cases)
Manual paper filing is only permitted if you have a reasonable excuse, such as:
- Disability or age-related difficulties
- Religious objections to using technology
- No access to the internet
- Other exceptional and approved circumstances
🔔 Important: You must apply to HMRC for approval to file a paper return. Filing manually without permission may result in penalties or rejected submissions.
Why This Matters: The Risk of Non-Compliance
Filing company accounts and Corporation Tax returns on time is not just a routine task — it’s a legal obligation. Missing deadlines or failing to adapt to the new filing system can lead to:
- Hefty late-filing penalties from HMRC and Companies House
- Increased scrutiny from tax authorities
- Risk of being struck off the company register
- Damaged reputation and loss of business credibility
To stay compliant:
- Maintain accurate financial records
- File returns before your deadlines
- Use software or work with professionals to stay up to date
How Legacy Accounting Can Help You Stay Compliant and Stress-Free
We understand that this change can feel overwhelming — especially for small businesses and limited companies unfamiliar with commercial accounting tools.
That’s where Legacy Accounting comes in:
Our Services Include:
🔹 Digital Software Setup
We’ll get you set up with HMRC-recognised, MTD-compliant software tailored to your business.
🔹 Expert Tax Filing
From Corporation Tax to year-end accounts — we handle it all, accurately and on time.
🔹 Ongoing Support & Deadline Reminders
Never worry about missing a due date again — we’ll keep you informed and compliant.
🔹 Compliance Checks & Error Prevention
Avoid unnecessary penalties and errors with our detailed review process.
Act Now – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
With the government’s free online filing service no longer available, proactive planning is crucial. Whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, or limited company — it’s time to transition to a smarter, compliant filing system.
📞 Let Us Handle the Numbers — You Focus on Growth
📱 Call us: 01235 820000
📧 Email us: info@legacyaccounting.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.legacyaccounting.co.uk
🔗 Read the official update from HMRC & Sage:
Sage UK – HMRC Online Filing Service Closure
Gov.uk – Corporation Tax: File your return
