iXBRL package accounts are a set of accounts and related documents delivered to Companies House together as a ZIP file, with the accounts tagged in iXBRL by software.
What they are
iXBRL (inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is a format that tags each figure in a set of accounts so a computer can read it, while keeping the document readable by people. Companies House and HMRC both use it for accounts filed with software.
Some filings are more than one document: for example a subsidiary’s accounts with its parent’s group accounts, a community interest company’s accounts with its CIC34 report, accounts in Welsh, or an overseas company’s accounts. Companies House accepts these as iXBRL package accounts: the documents are delivered together in a ZIP file, with the accounts iXBRL-tagged using software. Since 25 September 2026 overseas companies can also file package accounts online.
Why it matters from 2028
From 1 April 2028 all accounts must be filed with software in iXBRL, and CIC accounts must be filed as a package together with the CIC report.
Read more: Preparing for April 2028.