Using software to file your company's information
How to send information to Companies House using using commercial software.
About software filing
Software filing packages allow you to send information to Companies House through our extensible markup language (XML) gateway.
Some of the benefits of using software to file include:
- no postage costs
- it’s cheaper to file documents that have a fee
- a faster, more secure delivery with immediate acknowledgement of receipt
- automatic confirmation when your filing is accepted or rejected
- less chance of errors and rejected filings
- a reduced risk of late filing penalties
When you file company accounts with commercial software, we receive and process them in inline extensible reporting language (iXBRL) format. This is a worldwide technical standard that combines HTML with machine readable ‘tags’. It allows documents to be read by both machines and humans.
File company information using software
What you will need
To file company documents using software, you’ll need:
- your company authentication code
- to apply for a presenter account - you’ll get a presenter ID and code
- to apply for a Companies House credit account (if you need to file documents with a fee)
If you need to file charge (mortgage) documents for other companies, you must register as a lender.
What information you can file
You can file most statutory information with Companies House using software. For example, you can:
- file your annual accounts
- register (incorporate) a company
- change your company’s name
- appoint, remove or make changes to your company’s directors and secretaries
- change your company’s registered office address
- file your confirmation statements
- update your company’s share capital
- register information about charges (mortgage)
- make changes to your company’s people with significant control (PSCs)
- change your company’s year end (accounting reference date)
- change where your company’s registers are held
You can also file similar information for a limited liability partnership (LLP), such as updating your LLP members.
Hire a professional to file for you
If you do not want to buy commercial software, you can hire a professional (such as an accountant) to file on your behalf. A professional can help you file and stay compliant - but you’re still legally responsible for your company’s accounts, records and performance.
File your own accounts
You will need to:
- know what type of accounts you’re filing - you can ask a professional for advice
- find suitable software for the type of accounts you need to file
- contact your chosen software providers and consider changing to software filing as soon as possible
If you use software for another business process, such as payroll, you may be able to add an option to file your accounts with Companies House. Some commercial software will also allow you to file with HMRC at the same time. Check with your software provider for more information.
You may have different deadlines for sending your accounts to Companies House and your Company Tax Return to HMRC.
If you have any concerns about data protection when using commercial software, check your provider’s privacy policies and contact them directly for more information.
Updates to this page
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Changes to accounts filing will not be introduced in April 2027. The reforms are still under review and a final decision will be announced shortly. Companies will receive at least 21 months’ notice to prepare.
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Guidance updated with information on how to prepare for changes to accounts software filing. Guidance on developing software removed to be published as a separate guide.
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Added 2025 taxonomies and entry points.
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Accounts taxonomies – added 2024 taxonomy entry points
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Removed 2019 taxonomy entry points - taxonomy retired.
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A new validator link for previewing your submission has been added.
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You can file accounts using the 2023 FRC suite of taxonomies from 5 April 2023.
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Users can now file iXBRL accounts using the FRC 2022 suite of taxonomies.
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The FRC published the 2022 suite of taxonomies on 8 October 2021. We are currently working to update our systems and you’ll be able to file accounts using these taxonomies from April 2022.
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New 2021 taxonomies added, and older 2014 taxonomies deleted.
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From 13 October 2020, the note 'Average number of employees during the period' will become a compulsory field and will be validated.
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Added translation