HMRC's free CT600 filing service is ending
HMRC has confirmed that its free online service for filing CT600 Corporation Tax returns will close in March 2026. If you've been using it to file your company's tax return, you need to find an alternative — fast.
The good news? There are several options available, and most are simpler and more reliable than HMRC's tool ever was.
Why is HMRC closing the free filing tool?
HMRC is moving all Corporation Tax filing to commercial software. The free tool was basic — no error checking, no iXBRL accounts generation, and a clunky interface that hadn't been updated in years.
The move to commercial software means:
- Better error checking before submission
- Automatic iXBRL generation (required for accounts)
- Guided workflows that reduce mistakes
- Faster processing through modern APIs
Your options for filing CT600 in 2026
1. Taxpipe — £59 per return
Taxpipe is purpose-built for directors who previously used HMRC's free tool. At £59 per return with no subscription, it's the most affordable commercial option.
What you get:
- Guided wizard — answer plain-English questions, no accounting knowledge needed
- Automatic tax computation including marginal relief
- iXBRL micro-entity accounts included (no separate filing needed)
- Direct HMRC submission with instant confirmation
- 100% money-back guarantee
Best for: Solo directors and small companies who want the simplest possible filing experience.
2. Use an accountant — £300–£1,000+ per year
An accountant handles everything for you, but at a significant cost. For a straightforward company with simple finances, this is often overkill.
Pros: Expert advice, handles complex situations Cons: Expensive, slow turnaround, back-and-forth communication
Best for: Companies with complex tax situations, multiple directors, or international operations.
3. Full accounting software — £15–£50/month
Tools like Xero, FreeAgent, or Sage offer CT600 filing as part of a complete accounting package. If you already use accounting software, check whether CT600 filing is included.
Pros: Integrated with your bookkeeping Cons: Monthly subscription (£180–£600/year), learning curve, more features than you need for just CT600
Best for: Companies that need ongoing bookkeeping software anyway.
4. Other CT600-only tools
Several other tools offer CT600 filing:
- TinyTax — £99 per return
- GoSimpleTax — from £58.44/year (subscription)
- 123Sheets — from £59.99/year
Most require subscriptions or charge more per return.
How to choose the right alternative
Ask yourself:
- How complex is your company? If it's straightforward (one director, UK income, no complex tax planning), a simple filing tool is perfect.
- Do you need ongoing accounting? If yes, full accounting software makes sense. If you just need to file CT600, a dedicated tool is cheaper.
- What's your budget? At £59 one-time, Taxpipe is the cheapest option for a single return. Subscriptions add up over years.
- How much time do you have? Software takes 15–30 minutes. An accountant takes days or weeks.
Don't wait until March 2026
The deadline is approaching fast. Thousands of companies will be looking for alternatives at the last minute, which could mean:
- Longer support queues at software providers
- Accountants fully booked
- Rush to learn new tools under time pressure
Start now. Try Taxpipe's free calculator to see your Corporation Tax computation, then sign up when you're ready to file.
The bottom line
HMRC's free tool closing isn't a disaster — it's an upgrade. Modern CT600 software catches errors before submission, generates required iXBRL documents automatically, and makes the whole process faster and less stressful.
For most small companies, Taxpipe at £59 is the closest replacement to what HMRC offered — but better in every way.