After months of delay, the government has decided to go ahead with balance sheet and profit and loss (P&L) filing for small companies and micro-entities from 1 April 2028, but with a major caveat after intense lobbying against the plans.

While they will have to file more detailed accounts, these smaller businesses will not be required to have their full accounts details published on Companies House for public view on the register.

Small companies and micro-entities will be able to ‘opt out of publication’, Companies House confirmed.

The decision to permit companies to opt out of the public register is a major win for the small business community.