As of 1st April 2026, it is no longer possible for a company to file its tax return with HMRC using their free, online service. 

Companies must now use commercial software to file their tax return (CT600).

 

Filing a paper tax return is only permitted in limited circumstances, or if you are filing in Welsh.

 

This will mean a lot of small companies and charities, who have previously filed their tax returns online themselves will now either need to pay for commercial software or pay for a professional to file the return with HMRC.

 

Link below to further HMRC guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/closure-of-the-service-to-file-your-company-accounts-and-tax-return