For over a decade, the “joint filing” service provided by HMRC and Companies House has been the go-to for small UK companies. It allowed directors to file their statutory accounts and Company Tax Returns (CT600) in one sitting, for free.
That door is closing.
HMRC has officially announced that this joint service will be permanently decommissioned on March 31, 2026. If you are a non-resident founder managing a UK entity, this change isn’t just a technicality; it’s a major shift in how you maintain compliance.
The Big Change: From “One-Stop” to “Software-Only”
Currently, micro-entities and dormant companies can type their figures directly into a government portal. From April 1, 2026, this will no longer be possible.
HMRC is moving toward a fully digital, software-driven model. This means:
- No more manual portal entries: You must use HMRC-recognised commercial software.
- Separate workflows: Accounts and Tax Returns will now require distinct digital submissions.
- Access risk: After March 31, 2026, you will likely lose access to your historical filings on the old joint service.
Why is this happening?
The government’s goal is to modernize the UK’s tax system. The old portal is being replaced to align with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which introduces stricter identity verification for directors and requires more robust digital “tags” (iXBRL) on financial data that manual entry simply can’t provide.
How Launchese Simplifies the Shift
At Launchese, we saw this coming. We’ve already transitioned our clients away from outdated manual filings to a more secure, automated future.
1. Professional Accounting Department
Our dedicated accounting team doesn’t just “file forms.” We manage your entire fiscal year. As a non-resident, navigating UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) can be daunting. Our experts ensure your company remains in good standing without you having to study HMRC’s ever-changing rulebook.
2. Powered by Xero
We use Xero, the world leader in cloud accounting, as our primary engine.
- Direct Integration: Xero connects directly to HMRC’s new systems, ensuring your filings are submitted via the required commercial software channels.
- Real-Time Data: You get a dashboard view of your company’s health, rather than waiting for a year-end surprise.
- iXBRL Compliance: Xero automatically handles the complex digital tagging that HMRC now mandates, reducing the risk of rejection or late-filing penalties.
Your 2-Step Action Plan
The deadline is March 31, but waiting until March is a recipe for stress. Here is what we recommend doing this month:
- Secure Your History: Log into your HMRC Gateway and download the last 3 years of your company’s tax returns. Once the service closes, these records may become difficult to retrieve.
- Modernize Your Setup: If you are still self-filing via the portal, it’s time to move to a software-backed solution.
Don’t let the March 31st deadline catch you off guard. By moving your compliance to Launchese now, you’re not just getting software; you’re getting a professional accounting department that uses the best tools available to keep your UK business running smoothly.
