GuidesFiling your Corporation Tax return without an accountant

Filing your Corporation Tax return without an accountant

Filing your own company tax return is entirely achievable if your company is straightforward. Here is what the return consists of, and how to submit it to HMRC now that the free government service has closed.

Why you now need software

HMRC withdrew its free online filing service on 31 March 2026. Since then, you need approved commercial software to submit your tax return, tax computation and accounts to HMRC.

OneFiler is designed for exactly this situation — a small company owner filing a straightforward return — rather than for accountancy practices managing many clients.

What a company tax return consists of

The CT600 form itself, which sets out your income, profits, any reliefs, and the tax due.

A tax computation, which shows how the profit in your accounts becomes the figure you are taxed on.

Your accounts. All three are submitted to HMRC together in the digital format it requires.

How the filing works

You add your company details and dates, enter or import your figures, review the tax calculation, and submit to HMRC — with your Companies House accounts filed as part of the same process.

One thing to bear in mind: you are responsible for the accuracy of the figures and for meeting your deadlines. If any aspect of your situation is complex, we recommend having an accountant review it.

Common questions

Is it legal to file my own Corporation Tax return?

Yes. There is no requirement to use an accountant — directors can prepare and file the company’s return themselves, provided it is accurate and filed through software HMRC recognises.

What replaced HMRC’s free filing service?

Commercial filing software. HMRC publishes a list of recognised providers, and OneFiler files through the official HMRC gateway in the required format.

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