Currently over  80% of companies file their documents digitally, with Companies House estimating that some key transactions, such as annual returns and incorporations, 99% are now submitted digitally.

The agency is now on a push to encourage all companies to move over to online for all communications, pointing out that the fees associated with some documents are lower when filing online compared to paper. For example, an annual return costs £13 when filed online, but £40 when filed by paper.

Companies Houses says online filing also features built-in checks to help avoid errors, and the possibility of rejection. When it receives a document filed online, an acknowledgement is sent almost immediately, followed by confirmation once the document has been accepted. If an item is rejected, the applicant can then correct and resubmit it.

Web filing has additional features, including email reminders and alerts of when company account and annual returns are due for filing, plus protected online filing (PROOF) which Companies House says prevents attempts to change a company’s registered office address or directors without its knowledge.

For companies who file a lot of documents, Companies House offers software filing via its XML gateway, which streamlines workflow and costs. Incorporating a company using software filing costs £13, while doing this by paper costs £40. Same day incorporations are £30 by software filing, and £100 by paper.

In addition, Companies House can receive and process company accounts produced in iXBRL format, and says more software package providers are making this available.

Companies House says most online documents are processed within 24 hours, and cites faster, more secure delivery as a key benefit along with no postage costs, no need for covering letters, automatic confirmation of acceptance and rejection and reduced risk of late filing penalties.

Details of how to register for Companies House webfiling are here