The Government has confirmed that important changes to Companies House filing requirements will now take effect from April 2028 (rather than April 2027), giving small companies and micro-entities additional time to prepare for the new rules.

One of the most significant changes is the requirement for small companies and micro-entities to file a profit and loss account with Companies House. This marks a substantial change from the current position, where many smaller businesses can submit abbreviated financial information that does not include details of their trading performance.

The announcement will be of particular interest to owner-managed businesses, many of which have traditionally valued the privacy afforded by the existing filing regime. Concerns have been raised by businesses and professional advisers that the publication of detailed profit information could make commercially sensitive data available to competitors, suppliers and customers.

In response to these concerns, the Government has confirmed that smaller companies will be able to opt out of having their profit and loss account placed on the public register. While the information will still need to be submitted to Companies House, it is not expected that it will automatically become available for public inspection. Further details of how this process will operate are expected before the new rules come into force.

The changes form part of a wider programme of reforms designed to improve the quality and transparency of information held by Companies House, while also helping to tackle economic crime and strengthen confidence in the UK corporate environment.

Although the new requirements will not apply until April 2028, directors of small companies may wish to begin considering how the changes could affect their business and what additional information may need to be prepared as part of their annual accounts process.