HMRC closing its online filing service 31 March 2026

[aragon]

Hello! I just saw that HMRC is closing its online filing service next year. Business owners will be required to use "commercial software" to file their tax returns after 31 March 2026.

Is anyone already using commercial software to submit their returns? I'm trying to find the cheapest/easiest options for a very simple UK Ltd holding company.

Honestly I find this to be a load of BS. If there were public documentation on HMRC's API I would write my own script and file directly to the API. Why must I pay a 3rd party to file a tax return?

 

[daniels27]

All utter bs. I used
https://www.mtdsorted.co.uk/

They are free for VAT. What are you filling?‌

 

[aragon]

Only corporate income tax. Thanks for‌ your input!

 

[Xshore]

I've used easydigitalfiling.com. The HMRC option doesn't support foreign currency transactions to I couldn't use‌ it

 

[daniels27]

I think UK is an example of privatisation and government distrust gone bad.

Why would‌ I buy an ID card from some random company?
https://www.citizencard.com/

Why would I want to‍ file my taxes with some random companies that have access to an API?

Does anybody⁠ know what it takes to get API access? And why no EFF or something paid⁤ and made a public wrapper around?

 

[churumbelo]

It seems it is only for VAT, but not for‍ annual accounts?

 

[daniels27]

The list is here:
https://www.gov.uk/software-company-accounts/y/unaudited/small-accounts

I think the cheap ones are
https://www.informdirect.co.uk/business-overview/pricing/
https://www.sa2000.co.uk/cttaxes.htm

 

[mickyrde]

We use free agent software if you open BA with NatWest we got it for‌ free.we used wise as additional BA so far we had no issues filing and accounting‍ with bank integration.

 

[daniels27]

Welcome to British Airways!

Thanks. Indeed it is free: "If you have a business current account with‍ NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, for as long as you retain the⁠ account - or have a Mettle bank account and make at least one transaction a⁤ month."

https://www.freeagent.com/pricing/

So actually it is a BCA 😉