Software you use vs a service that files for you
WeFile is software. Its dormant accounts page says you can file dormant accounts yourself using its wizard. It submits to Companies House and, where needed, to HMRC.
SimpleFilings is a service. You answer plain questions, we prepare the dormant accounts, you confirm the full period was dormant, and we submit them once you approve. You pay £4.99 for each filing.
The nil CT600 is the main difference
WeFile's £15 dormant filing includes a nil CT600 return for HMRC, if one is required.
SimpleFilings does not file Company Tax Returns. Our dormant accounts service files with Companies House only. If HMRC has sent the company a notice to file a Company Tax Return, that return must still be filed, even if the company is dormant.
If HMRC has not asked for a return, you can tell HMRC the company is dormant for Corporation Tax. SimpleFilings can do this for £4.99. It does not file or withdraw a CT600 that HMRC has already asked for.
Comparing the cost
For dormant accounts with no CT600 needed, WeFile lists £15 per filing and SimpleFilings charges £4.99. WeFile's pages did not say whether the £15 includes VAT. Companies House charges no fee to file accounts.
If HMRC has asked for a CT600, WeFile's £15 covers both filings, while SimpleFilings would cover only the accounts.
A dormant company also needs a confirmation statement each year. We did not find a confirmation statement service on WeFile's pages. At SimpleFilings it costs £4.99 plus the £50 Companies House fee, so £54.99. You can also file it yourself on Companies House WebFiling for £50.
Worked example: one year for a dormant company with no notice to file
- SimpleFilings: £4.99 for the dormant accounts, plus £4.99 and the £50 fee for the confirmation statement. £59.98 in total.
- WeFile for the accounts and WebFiling for the confirmation statement: £15 per filing (VAT not stated) plus £50.
- Filing both yourself on Companies House WebFiling: £50 in total.
What changes in April 2028
Companies House has announced that from April 2028 all accounts, including dormant accounts, must be filed using commercial software. Web and paper filing will close for accounts. Confirmation statements and director updates can still be filed on the web.
When another option may suit you better
- HMRC has asked your dormant company for a Company Tax Return. WeFile's dormant filing includes a nil CT600 if required. SimpleFilings does not file Company Tax Returns.
- Your company trades and you want to prepare and file its accounts and CT600 yourself. WeFile lists a trading company filing at £25. SimpleFilings does not prepare accounts or file CT600s.
- You are an accountant filing for many companies. WeFile lists an Accountant Membership at £250 a year for up to 100 filings.
- You are comfortable doing the filing yourself in software and would rather not have someone else prepare it.