“Smallest companies now need a clean software or assisted filing route.”
- Digital Reporting UK
This guide is written for Micro-Entities that need a dependable way to prepare Corporation Tax returns, statutory accounts, tax computations and iXBRL files for UK filing.
After HMRC’s previous free joint accounts and Company Tax Return filing route closed, directors and finance teams need a software-based or expert-assisted workflow. The goal is simple: prepare the right filing pack, tag it correctly, validate it early and avoid deadline disruption.
Why micro-entities are most exposed to the 2026 change
Micro-entities often relied on the previous free joint filing service because their accounts were short and relatively simple. After the closure of that route, directors need software or assisted filing support.
Key points for Micro-Entities:
- Filing route: HMRC’s old free joint filing route has closed, so commercial software or a specialist filing workflow is now required.
- Core package: CT600, accounts, tax computation and iXBRL files should agree before submission.
- Validation: technical checks should happen before the deadline, not after an HMRC rejection.
- Evidence: keep final files, review notes and submission confirmations for your records.
What still has to be filed
The filing package can include micro-entity accounts, a Corporation Tax computation, the CT600 return and iXBRL-tagged accounts and computations for HMRC submission.
Accounts
Final statutory accounts should be complete, approved and consistent with the tax computation.
Tax Computation
Tax adjustments, losses, reliefs and tax payable should be supported and reviewed.
iXBRL Tagging
Accounts and computations should be tagged using the correct taxonomy and contexts.
Validation
The full package should be checked for technical errors before filing.
Micro does not mean risk-free
Even simple companies can have director loans, dividends, bank interest, payroll, disallowable expenses or losses. These items should be reflected consistently in the accounts and computation.
- Inconsistent numbers: profit, tax, reserves or balance sheet figures do not agree across documents.
- Wrong period dates: accounts, computation and CT600 periods are not aligned.
- Missing iXBRL facts: required values are present visually but not tagged properly.
- Late review: tagging starts only after the deadline pressure has already arrived.
A practical checklist
Confirm the accounting period, reconcile bank balances, finalise accounts, prepare the tax computation, tag the accounts and computation, validate the iXBRL package and retain submission receipts.
- Confirm the entity and period: verify company name, UTR, registration number and accounting dates.
- Lock the accounts: avoid tagging moving numbers.
- Prepare the computation: support all adjustments and tax balances.
- Tag and review: complete iXBRL tagging and review facts, signs and contexts.
- Validate and file: fix errors before submission and retain confirmation evidence.
How Digital Reporting helps
Digital Reporting (UK) helps micro-entities move from accounts to a validated digital filing package without directors needing to learn iXBRL tagging themselves.
- Accounts and computation review
- iXBRL tagging for accounts and computations
- Validation checks before submission
- Secure filing workflow and support
Related UK iXBRL and CT600 Support
Explore related filing support from Digital Reporting (UK):
- CT600 Filing Service — Prepare and submit Corporation Tax returns with a structured workflow.
- iXBRL Tagging Service — Convert accounts and computations into HMRC-ready iXBRL files.
- iXBRL for Accountants — White-label production support for accounting firms.
- Urgent Filing Help — Support when your CT600 deadline is approaching.
Digital Reporting UK Team
iXBRL SpecialistsOur specialists focus exclusively on digital reporting, iXBRL tagging and UK filing workflows for companies, LLPs, groups and specialist entities. We help businesses and accounting firms meet HMRC and Companies House requirements efficiently and accurately.
Need Help With This Filing?
Digital Reporting (UK) can help you prepare, tag, validate and submit your CT600 and iXBRL filing package with a clear, secure and reviewable workflow.