HMRC Free CT600 Filing Ends March 2026: Your 5 Best Alternatives

HMRC Free CT600 Filing Ends March 2026: Your 5 Best Alternatives

From 1 April 2026, you can no longer file your CT600 for free through HMRC's online service. If you've been using HMRC's Corporation Tax Online to file your company tax return, you need to find an alternative — fast.

This affects an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 UK limited companies that currently use HMRC's free tool. Here's what's happening and your best options.

What's Changing?

HMRC's free CT600 filing service (part of HMRC Corporation Tax Online) is being decommissioned on 31 March 2026. After that date:

• You cannot file a CT600 through HMRC's website
• All CT600 filing must use commercial third-party software
• The CT600 must be submitted electronically in iXBRL format
• There is no free HMRC alternative being launched

Why is HMRC doing this?

HMRC is moving all tax filing to Making Tax Digital compatible software. The free CT600 tool was old, inflexible, and didn't support the advanced features HMRC wants for the future. Rather than rebuild it, they're requiring taxpayers to use commercial software.

What about the HMRC app?

The HMRC app doesn't support CT600 filing and won't be adding it.

Your 5 Best Alternatives (Compared)

1. Taxpipe — £59 per filing (BEST VALUE)

taxpipe.co.uk

Pros:

• Cheapest option for annual filers
• No subscription — only pay when you need to file
• Built specifically for directors who file themselves
• Plain English throughout — no accounting jargon
• Automatic iXBRL generation (required by HMRC)
• Real-time HMRC status tracking

Cons:

• No bookkeeping features (filing only)
• Newer service (launched 2026)

Best for: Small companies that filed through HMRC's free tool and want the closest equivalent experience at the lowest cost.

2. EasyDigitalFiling — £80-£100 per filing

Pros:

• Established provider
• Handles various account formats
• No subscription required

Cons:

• More expensive than Taxpipe
• Interface can be confusing for non-accountants
• Some users report a steeper learning curve

Best for: Companies wanting an established provider and willing to pay more.

3. Xero — From £15/month (£180/year)

Pros:

• Full accounting platform
• Bank feed integration
• Good for companies needing day-to-day bookkeeping
• MTD for VAT compatible

Cons:

• CT600 filing requires additional integration or add-on
• Expensive if you only need CT600 filing
• Monthly subscription whether you file or not
• Overkill for simple companies

Best for: Companies that want full accounting software and will use it throughout the year, not just at filing time.

4. FreeAgent — From £14/month (£168/year)

Pros:

• CT600 filing built in (no add-ons needed)
• Specifically designed for small companies and freelancers
• Automatic corporation tax estimates
• Free with NatWest/RBS business accounts

Cons:

• Monthly subscription adds up (£168+/year)
• Too much software if you only need filing
• Limited for larger or more complex companies

Best for: Freelancers and contractors who want accounting + filing in one and will use it year-round.

5. Accountant — £500-£2,000+ per year

Pros:

• Professional handling of everything
• Tax advice and planning
• Handles complex situations (groups, R&D, international)
• Peace of mind

Cons:

• Most expensive option by far
• Many small companies don't need a full accountant
• You still need to provide all the underlying records
• Quality varies enormously

Best for: Companies with complex tax affairs or directors who want someone else to handle everything.

Price Comparison at a Glance

What to Look for in CT600 Software

Must-haves

• ✅ HMRC-recognised — listed on HMRC's approved software list
• ✅ iXBRL generation — required for all CT600 submissions
• ✅ Electronic filing — direct submission to HMRC
• ✅ Corporation tax calculation — automatic computation
• ✅ Capital allowances — AIA, full expensing, WDA calculations

Nice-to-haves

• 📋 Guided data entry (step-by-step wizard)
• 📋 Plain English explanations (no jargon)
• 📋 HMRC status tracking (acceptance/rejection notifications)
• 📋 Filing history and records
• 📋 CT600 supplementary pages support

Red flags

• ❌ No iXBRL — means you can't file electronically
• ❌ Paper-only — HMRC requires electronic filing
• ❌ No HMRC recognition — may not be accepted
• ❌ Hidden fees — watch for "per return" charges on top of subscription

How to Switch from HMRC's Free Tool

Step 1: Gather your information

Before the free tool disappears, download/save:

• Your previous CT600 returns (PDF or reference numbers)
• Your company's UTR
• Your Government Gateway credentials
• Any HMRC correspondence about your Corporation Tax

Step 2: Choose your new software

Based on the comparison above, pick the option that fits your company's needs and budget.

Step 3: Set up before 31 March 2026

Don't wait until your next filing deadline. Set up your account now so you're ready when you need to file.

Step 4: File your next return

When your next CT600 is due, use your chosen software to file. Most options (including Taxpipe) guide you through the entire process.

What If Your Filing Deadline Is Before 31 March 2026?

If your CT600 is due before 31 March 2026, you can still use HMRC's free tool. But consider switching now anyway — the free tool offers limited error checking compared to commercial software, and you'll need to switch eventually.

What If You Miss the Transition?

If 1 April 2026 arrives and you haven't sorted alternative software:

• You cannot file through HMRC's website
• Your CT600 obligation doesn't go away
• Late filing penalties apply (£100 immediately, escalating)
• You need to sign up for commercial software ASAP

Don't risk it. Sign up for Taxpipe now — it takes 2 minutes and you only pay when you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HMRC really ending free CT600 filing?

Yes. HMRC confirmed this as part of the Making Tax Digital programme. The free CT600 filing tool will be decommissioned on 31 March 2026.

Will there be a free alternative?

No. HMRC has stated that all CT600 filing must use commercial software. There is no plan for a replacement free tool.

What's the cheapest option?

Taxpipe at £59 per filing is the most affordable option for companies that only need CT600 filing. No subscription, no hidden fees.

Can I still use my Government Gateway credentials?

Yes. Your Government Gateway login is still needed for HMRC's business tax account, payment, and other services. Only the CT600 filing tool is being removed.

What about Companies House filing?

Companies House filing is separate and not affected by this change. You can still file annual accounts at Companies House through their own service.

Do I need to switch before 31 March 2026?

If your next CT600 is due after 31 March 2026, yes — you need commercial software before then. If it's due before, you can still use the free tool but should plan your transition.

The simplest switch from HMRC's free tool: Taxpipe — same direct filing, guided entry, just £59. No subscription, no complexity. Start now.

Related Articles

• Taxfiler vs Taxpipe: Which CT600 Software Is Better?
• HMRC CT600 Online vs Software: Which Is Better?