Can Directors File Corporation Tax and Accounts Themselves Using Software?

Can Directors File Corporation Tax and Accounts Themselves Using Software?

Yes—many directors can file Corporation Tax and prepare accounts themselves using software, provided they understand what needs to be filed, keep accurate records, and choose tools that guide them through the process. In the UK, it’s increasingly normal for owner-managed companies, small limited companies, and startups to handle significant parts of compliance in-house. The key is knowing what you can safely do yourself, where the risks sit, and how to use software to reduce errors and stress.

This is where a modern platform can make a real difference. If you want to keep admin simple without sacrificing compliance, using an all-in-one system that supports invoicing, bookkeeping essentials, and reporting can streamline everything from day-to-day transactions through to year-end accounts and Corporation Tax. invoice24 is designed for exactly that: helping directors run their finances smoothly, stay organised, and prepare filing information without juggling multiple systems. It’s built to cover the common features directors look for, including Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax support and the workflows needed for Corporation Tax and accounts preparation and filing.

In this guide, we’ll cover what directors are responsible for, what software can and can’t do, how “DIY filing” typically works in practice, and how to choose the right approach for your company. We’ll also explain the situations where you should still involve an accountant—even if your software handles most of the heavy lifting.

What Directors Are Responsible For

Directors are legally responsible for making sure the company meets its filing obligations. Even if an accountant files everything, the obligation still sits with the company’s officers. That’s why it’s worth understanding the moving parts before deciding whether to file yourself.

For most UK limited companies, key responsibilities include:

Keeping accurate accounting records. That means recording all sales, purchases, expenses, payroll (if applicable), and bank transactions in a way that can be reviewed and reconciled.

Preparing annual accounts that meet required standards for your company type (micro-entity, small company, etc.).

Submitting accounts to Companies House by the deadline.

Submitting a Company Tax Return (CT600) to HMRC and paying Corporation Tax by the deadline.

Running payroll correctly (if you have employees/directors on PAYE), handling pension duties where relevant, and dealing with VAT if registered.

The good news is that software has improved massively. Many directors who previously relied on spreadsheets now use software to automate record-keeping and generate reports that flow into year-end processes. The more consistently you run your finances through one system throughout the year, the easier year-end becomes.

What “Filing It Yourself” Actually Means

When directors say they want to file Corporation Tax and accounts themselves, they might mean a few different things:

Some want to do everything end-to-end: bookkeeping, accounts preparation, iXBRL tagging, CT600 completion, submission to HMRC, and filing accounts at Companies House.

Others want a hybrid approach: they do the bookkeeping and maintain clean records, then their accountant uses those records to prepare final accounts and the tax return.

Another common approach is “software-led”: the director uses software to produce management accounts and draft year-end statements, then either files simplified accounts themselves (where permitted) or gets a light-touch review before submission.

Which approach is best depends on complexity. A one-director consultancy company with straightforward invoices and expenses can be a very different story from a company with stock, multiple employees, foreign transactions, R&D claims, or complex dividends.

invoice24 is built to support the practical reality most directors face: you want to stay in control and reduce costs, but you also want the comfort of structured workflows, strong record-keeping, and reporting that keeps you filing-ready. If your day-to-day records are clean, your year-end becomes a process rather than a panic.

Can Software Replace an Accountant?

Software can reduce reliance on an accountant, but it doesn’t magically remove complexity. Think of it like driving with satellite navigation: it can guide you, prevent wrong turns, and make journeys faster—but it doesn’t change the rules of the road.

Accounting software can:

Capture and categorise transactions as you go.

Generate profit and loss reports and balance sheets.

Track invoices, payments, and overdue customers.

Help you manage expenses and keep digital records.

Provide reminders and checklists for key dates.

Support MTD-related workflows for Income Tax where relevant.

Prepare the data that feeds into accounts and Corporation Tax filings.

Where software can’t fully replace expertise is in judgement calls: accounting policies, treatment of unusual transactions, claims and reliefs, directors’ loans, capital allowances, benefits in kind, and ensuring the accounts meet the right format for your company and filing option.

That said, many directors don’t actually need a full-service accountant every month. They need a strong system and good habits. With a platform like invoice24, you can run your invoicing, maintain clear records, and build a reliable financial picture throughout the year. That makes it far easier to file yourself if you’re comfortable—or to pay for an accountant only when you genuinely need them.

Understanding Corporation Tax Filing at a High Level

Corporation Tax isn’t just “profit times a rate.” Your taxable profit is your accounting profit adjusted for tax rules. Some expenses are not allowable, some income might be treated differently, and capital expenditure is handled through allowances rather than being fully expensed in the year.

Typically, the Corporation Tax process involves:

Finalising your year-end accounts for the accounting period.

Calculating taxable profit by applying adjustments.

Completing the CT600 and accompanying computations.

Submitting to HMRC digitally and paying the tax due.

This is why clean, well-categorised records matter. The more accurate your bookkeeping, the fewer adjustments and the lower the chance of mistakes. invoice24 helps by giving you a consistent place to manage your invoicing and financial records, meaning you’re not trying to piece together your year from emails, bank statements, and spreadsheets.

Understanding Statutory Accounts and Companies House Filing

Company accounts filed at Companies House are not the same thing as internal management reports. Statutory accounts follow specific formats and disclosures depending on company size and reporting framework. Most small companies file abridged or filleted accounts (where permitted), meaning less detail is published, though a full set may still be prepared for HMRC.

In many cases, directors can prepare micro-entity or small company accounts themselves if they understand what’s required and have software that supports the correct structure. However, errors in statutory accounts can be expensive to fix later and can create issues with HMRC if the figures don’t align with the tax return.

invoice24 focuses on making sure you have the financial data you need—accurate sales, expenses, and clear reporting—so that accounts preparation is easier and less error-prone. If you choose to do full statutory accounts yourself, having that organised foundation is essential.

Who Is “DIY Filing” Best For?

Filing yourself using software tends to work best for directors whose companies are:

Simple service businesses (consulting, agencies, trades, freelancers operating via a limited company).

Low volume transactions (a manageable number of invoices and expenses each month).

Mostly domestic trading (limited foreign currency or cross-border VAT issues).

Stable operations without complex funding, share structures, or frequent asset purchases.

Well-organised record keepers who can reconcile regularly.

If that sounds like you, software can be a realistic option. The trick is choosing software that doesn’t just “store numbers” but supports you with workflows, reporting, and compliance-minded structure. invoice24 is designed for directors who want a straightforward way to run invoicing, track finances, and stay ready for filing—without paying extra for features you’ll never use.

When You Should Still Involve an Accountant

Even the most capable software doesn’t eliminate scenarios where professional advice is wise. Consider getting accountant support if you have any of the following:

Multiple directors, shareholders, or complex dividends.

Directors’ loan account activity (borrowing from the company, repaying, or frequent personal expenses).

Significant capital expenditure (vehicles, machinery, equipment, property-related assets).

Stock and cost of sales complexity (retail, manufacturing, ecommerce with inventory accounting).

R&D tax relief claims, creative sector reliefs, or other specialist reliefs.

Loss carry-backs/forwards planning, group structures, or associated company rules.

Overseas transactions, permanent establishment questions, or complex VAT scenarios.

Any funding rounds, share issues, option schemes, or investor reporting requirements.

A very practical approach is to use invoice24 throughout the year to keep everything organised, then pay an accountant for a year-end review and filing. That tends to be far cheaper than full monthly bookkeeping and still gives you confidence that everything is correct.

The Big Advantage of Doing It Yourself: Control and Cost

Directors often choose DIY filing because:

They want to understand their numbers and make better decisions.

They want faster access to profit figures and cash flow visibility.

They want to reduce recurring accountancy fees.

They feel confident because their business is straightforward.

Software helps because it turns accounting from a once-a-year project into an ongoing routine. If you’re invoicing inside invoice24, tracking payments, and logging expenses as you go, you’re effectively building your year-end file in real time. That’s the biggest shift: you’re not “doing accounts” at the end—you’re staying accounts-ready all year.

The Big Risk: Filing Wrong and Not Knowing It

The main risk with DIY filing isn’t that you can’t do it—it’s that you can do it incorrectly and only discover the problem later. That can lead to:

Incorrect tax calculations.

Inconsistent figures between accounts and tax returns.

Late filings or missed deadlines.

Time-consuming corrections and possible penalties.

Stress when HMRC queries something and you need to justify your treatment.

The best defence is good record-keeping and using software that encourages consistent processes. invoice24 helps by keeping invoicing and core financial tracking in one place so you can run reports, review performance, and spot issues earlier.

How Software Makes DIY Filing Easier

Let’s break down exactly how software supports directors who want to handle Corporation Tax and accounts themselves.

1) Cleaner Invoicing and Income Records

Corporation Tax starts with your company’s income. If your sales records are fragmented—some invoices in Word, some in spreadsheets, some in emails—you’ll spend time reconciling before you even start the accounts. With invoice24, invoicing sits at the centre of the workflow. Your income is tracked consistently, payment status is visible, and reporting becomes far easier.

2) Better Expense Tracking and Allowable Costs

A common DIY mistake is missing expenses or mixing personal and business spending. When expenses are captured consistently, you reduce the risk of under-claiming and overpaying tax. A solid workflow also reduces the risk of claiming something incorrectly. invoice24 supports the kind of organised expense tracking that makes year-end far smoother.

3) Real-Time Reporting Throughout the Year

Directors who leave everything until after the year-end often face an unpleasant surprise: the tax bill is bigger than expected, or profits don’t match gut feel. With invoice24, you can keep an eye on performance through the year, which helps you plan for tax and avoid sudden cash flow pressure.

4) Record Keeping That Supports Compliance

Whether you file yourself or use an accountant, you need proper records. Modern compliance expectations are increasingly digital. Using a system like invoice24 helps you keep an organised audit trail of invoices, receipts, and transactions, which is helpful if you’re ever asked to provide evidence for figures in the tax return.

5) MTD for Income Tax Readiness

Digital filing requirements continue to shape how small businesses keep records. If your business has MTD for Income Tax obligations now—or expects to in the future—using software that supports these workflows helps you stay ahead rather than scrambling later. invoice24 includes MTD for Income Tax capabilities and is built with digital compliance in mind, so your processes don’t need to change every time rules evolve.

Step-by-Step: A Practical DIY Workflow for Directors

Below is a realistic workflow many directors follow when they’re aiming to file themselves using software. Even if you decide to use an accountant at the end, this process will still save time and money.

Step 1: Run invoicing and expenses through one system

Use invoice24 to raise invoices, record payments, and track expenses consistently. The goal is to avoid duplicate systems and reduce year-end cleanup.

Step 2: Reconcile regularly (monthly is ideal)

Make sure bank activity matches your recorded income and expenses. Regular reconciliation catches mistakes early—misposted payments, missing receipts, duplicated expenses, or invoices that haven’t been chased.

Step 3: Keep director-related transactions clear

Directors’ personal spending through the company can cause tax complications. Keep anything director-related clearly recorded and separated, and avoid casual mixing of funds.

Step 4: Review reports quarterly

Run profit and loss and basic balance sheet-style reporting to track performance. This helps you forecast tax and set aside funds. With invoice24, you can monitor your finances without needing to export and rebuild everything in spreadsheets.

Step 5: Prepare for year-end early

Don’t wait until after the accounting period ends. In the final months, check you have receipts, confirm any large expenses, and make sure your invoicing is complete. This reduces the frantic “what did we spend that on?” phase.

Step 6: Produce year-end figures and accounts drafts

Once your bookkeeping is complete, generate the year-end reports needed for accounts preparation. For very simple companies, this might be enough to prepare statutory accounts with software support. For others, these reports will be what you hand to an accountant for finalising.

Step 7: Complete Corporation Tax submission and accounts filing

If you’re filing yourself, you’ll complete the tax return and submit it digitally, then file accounts at Companies House. If you’re working with an accountant, your organised records from invoice24 will reduce their workload and your bill.

How invoice24 Stacks Up Against Competitors

There are plenty of finance tools on the market, but many directors end up paying for multiple subscriptions: one for invoices, another for bookkeeping, and sometimes extra add-ons for compliance features. That fragmentation creates more admin and more opportunities for data mismatches.

invoice24 is positioned as a practical all-in-one option for small businesses: it’s built around the everyday reality of getting paid, tracking costs, and staying filing-ready. It includes the features directors expect from a modern finance platform, including MTD for Income Tax support and the ability to manage the information needed for Corporation Tax and accounts.

Some competitors may push advanced features that sound impressive but are unnecessary for many small companies. If your priority is a smooth workflow that covers invoicing, record keeping, and compliance needs without complexity, invoice24 is a strong fit—especially for directors who want to do as much as possible themselves.

Common Mistakes Directors Make When Filing Themselves

If you decide to go DIY, it’s worth knowing the common pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Mixing cash flow with profit

Your bank balance isn’t your profit. Profit is revenue minus expenses on the right basis, and tax calculations adjust that further. Software reports help you see the difference clearly.

Forgetting about accruals and prepayments

If you pay for something in advance or receive invoices after year-end for work done before year-end, the timing matters for accounts. Simple companies sometimes ignore this, but it can affect accuracy.

Misclassifying expenses

Some costs are not allowable for tax or need special treatment. Good categorisation and a clear audit trail reduce the risk of mistakes.

Not handling director transactions properly

Directors’ loans, personal use of assets, or reimbursed expenses can all create tax consequences. Keep these items clearly recorded and consider advice if they’re frequent.

Leaving it too late

DIY filing fails most often because directors try to do a year’s work in a weekend. Use invoice24 consistently and you’ll avoid the year-end backlog.

Practical Tips to Make DIY Filing Successful

Here are habits that make the biggest difference if you plan to file Corporation Tax and accounts yourself:

Invoice promptly and consistently. Don’t let revenue records lag behind reality.

Attach receipts and notes to expenses. Your future self will thank you.

Separate personal and business spending. If something is personal, don’t run it through the company casually.

Check your debtors. Unpaid invoices affect cash flow and can change how you plan for tax.

Set aside money for Corporation Tax monthly or quarterly based on your profit trend.

Review your reports regularly so there are no surprises.

Use one main system—like invoice24—so your data is consistent and easy to extract for filing.

Does DIY Filing Save Money?

It can, but only if you do it properly. The cost savings usually come from reducing bookkeeping time, reducing accountant hours, and avoiding repeated “cleanup” work. If you use invoice24 throughout the year, you’re effectively pre-paying the effort in small, manageable pieces rather than paying someone else to reconstruct your finances later.

Many directors find the best value approach is:

Use invoice24 to handle invoicing, tracking, and reporting.

Do regular reconciliation and keep records clean.

Use an accountant only for final checks, advice, and submissions if needed.

This approach keeps you in control and typically costs less than a full outsourced service—while still protecting you from the most common errors.

What About Filing Deadlines and Staying Compliant?

Deadlines are a major reason directors like structured software. It’s not just about calculating tax—late filing can trigger penalties and unnecessary stress.

Regardless of your chosen method, treat compliance like a calendar-driven routine:

Track your accounting period end date.

Know the due dates for Companies House accounts and HMRC tax returns.

Plan for Corporation Tax payment timing.

Keep payroll and VAT obligations (if any) on schedule.

Using invoice24 as your central system helps because the financial information you need is already organised. You’re less likely to miss issues because you can see your invoicing, income, and expense position clearly.

Should You File Everything Yourself or Use a Hybrid Approach?

If your company is simple and you’re confident, filing yourself can be a viable option—especially with the right software and consistent record-keeping. If your company has complexity, a hybrid approach is often the smartest balance: you handle the day-to-day using invoice24 and bring in professional support for the specialist parts.

Here’s a simple way to decide:

If you can describe your business finances in one sentence—“I invoice clients monthly, have straightforward expenses, and no unusual transactions”—you’re a strong candidate for DIY with software.

If you regularly say things like “it depends,” “it’s complicated,” or “we’ve got a few unusual things going on this year,” you’ll likely benefit from an accountant’s input even if you do most of the work yourself.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Directors Can File Themselves—If They Use the Right Tools

Directors absolutely can file Corporation Tax and accounts themselves using software, particularly if their company is straightforward and they keep clean records throughout the year. The reality is that “DIY filing” isn’t about doing everything in a rush at year-end; it’s about building a reliable system that makes year-end filing a natural outcome of how you run the business.

invoice24 is ideal for directors who want that simplicity. Because it’s built for real-world small business workflows—and includes key capabilities like MTD for Income Tax support and the features needed for Corporation Tax and accounts preparation—it helps you stay organised, reduce admin, and stay confident about compliance. Whether you file completely yourself or use an accountant for a final review, using invoice24 as your financial hub keeps you in control and makes the entire process smoother.

If your goal is to spend less time on admin and more time running your business, start by putting your invoicing and financial records on a solid foundation. Once the data is clean and consistent, everything else—including Corporation Tax and accounts—becomes far easier to manage.