As you will be aware, we have been developing a new service to ‘File package accounts with Companies House’. This service uses ZIP functionality for the submission of multi-component accounts filings that have been prepared on third party software and tagged in iXBRL.
In April 2021, we introduced the ability for Public Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange to File United Kingdom Single Electronic Format (UKSEF) accounts electronically using the XML Gateway API. This route has a file size limit of 30MB. Due to this file size restriction, we have not received any UKSEF filings via this route.
The new package accounts service addresses this issue and forms part of our work to prepare for the future mandation of accounts filings via software. This service will initially have a ZIP file size limit of 100MB and our intention is to increase this limit to ensure any submissions that exceed that limit are catered for.
On 22 January 2025, we will release the new service for UKSEF filings only. The new service will be located within the main ‘File your company’s annual accounts with Companies House’ GOV.UK journey.
In order to give notice of the introduction of ZIP functionality for other package types, in April 2025 we will expand the service to cater for:
• Welsh accounts with an English translation
• Group package accounts - section 400, parent incorporated under UK law
• Group package accounts - section 401, parent incorporated under non-UK law
• Community Interest Companies (CIC) accounts
• Audit exempt subsidiary accounts
• Dormant exempt subsidiary accounts
• Limited Partnership accounts
The April release will coincide with the 2025 taxonomy suite release and we will confirm the exact date in due course.
At a future date, we will expand the service to cater for overseas companies. We also plan on introducing a new API integration for the ZIP functionality.
Use of this new package accounts service will remain voluntary for all accounts types until Companies House mandates accounts filings by software only.
This move will be phased in over the next 2 to 3 years. We’re preparing a timetable for the roll-out of software-only filing, and an extensive notice period will be given ahead of the changes coming in.
We appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration with the changes to accounts filings at Companies House and hope that this new service will be a welcome expansion of our digital offering that will also allow you to expand your products to cater for more accounts types.
SDN