How to File in iXBRL in the UK?
Complete guide to UK iXBRL filing process and software
Choose HMRC-approved software, prepare documents, apply taxonomy tags, validate, and submit. Comprehensive guide covering manual processes, automated solutions, and AI-powered tagging platforms.
Quick Answer: How to File in iXBRL?
Choose HMRC-approved software, prepare documents, apply taxonomy tags, validate against rules, and submit. AI-powered solutions complete this in 2-4 hours with expert review.
- Software Selection: HMRC-approved platform mandatory from April 2027
- Document Preparation: Financial statements in Word/Excel/PDF format
- Tagging Process: Map data to HMRC taxonomy (automated with AI)
- Validation & Submit: Check against rules, file to HMRC/Companies House
Need help with iXBRL filing? Get expert tagging from £50, 48-hour turnaround, zero-risk guarantee. View pricing
ISO
27001 Security Certified99.8%
Success First-Time Acceptance2,500+
Clients Trusted by UK FirmsHMRC
Approved Compliant ProviderHow to Implement iXBRL for Your UK Business
UK businesses have three main options for creating iXBRL files: DIY software, accountancy services, or specialist iXBRL providers. Your choice depends on technical capability, volume, and budget.
Option 1: DIY iXBRL Software
Best for: Accountants and finance teams with technical expertise who file multiple returns regularly.
- Tools available: Arelle, CoreFiling, Workiva, IRIS CARBON®, Fujitsu XWand
- Cost: £500-£5,000+ annually depending on features and volume
- Time investment: 2-4 hours per filing after initial learning curve
- Technical skill required: Moderate to high—understanding of taxonomies and tagging rules
Pros: Full control, cost-effective for high volumes, immediate turnaround
Cons: Steep learning curve, taxonomy updates require manual attention, validation errors need technical troubleshooting
Option 2: Accountancy Practice Services
Best for: Small businesses without in-house finance teams who already use an accountant.
- Service model: Accountant prepares accounts and handles iXBRL tagging as part of annual service
- Cost: £800-£2,500+ per filing (often bundled with accounts preparation)
- Time investment: Minimal—accountant handles everything
- Technical skill required: None—fully outsourced
Pros: Zero technical burden, trusted advisor relationship, integrated with accounts prep
Cons: Higher cost per filing, turnaround depends on accountant's schedule, less control over timing
Option 3: Specialist iXBRL Service Providers
Best for: Businesses seeking fast, accurate, cost-effective iXBRL without software investment or technical expertise.
- Service model: Upload PDF/Word accounts, receive validator-clean iXBRL in 24-48 hours
- Cost: Fixed pricing (£200-£800 per entity depending on complexity)
- Time investment: 10-15 minutes to upload and review
- Technical skill required: None—hybrid AI + expert tagging
Pros: Fastest turnaround (24-48 hours), transparent fixed pricing, 99%+ first-time acceptance, always-current taxonomies, unlimited revisions
Cons: Requires uploading accounts to third-party provider (ensure ISO 27001/GDPR compliance)
Digital Reporting (UK) Recommendation
For most UK businesses, specialist iXBRL providers offer the best balance of speed, cost, and accuracy. Digital Reporting (UK) delivers validator-clean iXBRL in 24-48 hours with fixed transparent pricing, hybrid AI + UK XBRL specialists, and a zero-risk guarantee—full refund if HMRC/Companies House rejects due to our error.
HMRC-Approved iXBRL Software Options
From April 2027, all Companies House filings must use approved commercial software. Choose between DIY platforms, managed services, or AI-powered solutions.
Desktop and cloud-based software for in-house iXBRL creation. Requires technical knowledge of taxonomy tagging and validation rules.
Popular Platforms:
- Iris Elements (Desktop)
- ARKK Solutions (Cloud)
- CoreFiling True North (Enterprise)
- Workiva (Large Companies)
- Various accountancy software modules
Pros
- • Full control
- • Lower per-filing cost
- • Learn process
Cons
- • Steep learning curve
- • Time-consuming
- • Technical expertise required
Typical Time: 1-3 days per filing (after learning curve)
Expert teams handle the entire iXBRL creation process from document upload to regulatory submission. No technical knowledge required.
Service Providers:
- DataTracks (Global Leader)
- ARKK Solutions (Expert Service)
- Iris CARBON (Quality Focus)
- Local accounting firms
- Specialist iXBRL bureaus
Pros
- • No learning required
- • Expert quality
- • Reliable delivery
Cons
- • Higher cost per filing
- • Less control
- • Dependency on provider
Typical Time: 3-7 working days turnaround
Software Selection Criteria
HMRC Approval
Verified on HMRC's approved software list for corporation tax filing
Processing Speed
Time from document upload to validated iXBRL file ready for submission
Cost Structure
Fixed pricing vs. variable costs, setup fees, annual subscriptions
Support Quality
Technical assistance, validation help, deadline guidance
5-Step iXBRL Filing Process
Follow this systematic approach for successful iXBRL filing to HMRC and Companies House. Each step ensures compliance and accuracy.
Document Preparation
Gather and organize all required financial documents in digital format. Ensure accuracy and completeness before proceeding to tagging.
Required Documents:
- Statutory accounts (Balance Sheet, P&L, Notes)
- Corporation tax computation
- Directors' report and strategic report
- Auditor's report (if applicable)
- Company information (registration number, addresses)
Accepted Formats
Taxonomy Mapping & Tagging
Apply appropriate HMRC taxonomy tags to financial data elements. This is the most critical and technical step requiring understanding of UK GAAP and taxonomy structure.
Key Tagging Areas:
- Financial statement line items
- Monetary amounts and dates
- Contextual information (periods, segments)
- Calculation relationships
- Entity-specific disclosures
Common Challenges:
- Complex calculation linkbases
- Extension taxonomy creation
- Period-end date accuracy
- Decimal precision requirements
- Mandatory vs. optional tags
Validation & Quality Checks
Comprehensive validation ensures the iXBRL file meets all HMRC technical requirements and will be accepted by the filing gateway.
Schema Validation
- • XBRL syntax compliance
- • Taxonomy conformance
- • Instance document structure
- • XML namespace accuracy
Business Rules
- • Mathematical calculations
- • Mandatory field completion
- • Date logic validation
- • Cross-reference accuracy
Gateway Testing
- • Pre-submission checks
- • File size validation
- • Character encoding
- • Submission format tests
Regulatory Submission
Submit validated iXBRL files to the appropriate regulatory authorities through their online filing portals.
HMRC Submission:
- Corporation Tax Online portal
- Government Gateway authentication
- CT600 form + iXBRL computations
- Confirmation receipt provided
Deadline: 12 months after accounting period end
Companies House Submission:
- WebFiling portal (until April 2027)
- Approved software (from April 2027)
- iXBRL statutory accounts
- Payment of filing fee (£13-£40)
Deadline: 9 months after accounting period end
AI-Powered iXBRL Solution
Skip the complexity with Digital Reporting UK's AI-powered platform. Upload documents, get expert-validated iXBRL files ready in hours, not days.
How Our AI Works
Intelligent Document Analysis
AI scans your financial documents to automatically identify and extract key data points, financial figures, and contextual information.
Automated Taxonomy Mapping
Advanced algorithms map extracted data to the correct HMRC taxonomy tags based on context, patterns, and regulatory requirements.
Expert Validation & Review
Qualified professionals review AI-generated tags, verify accuracy, and ensure compliance with current regulations before delivery.
Ready-to-File Delivery
Receive validated iXBRL files ready for immediate submission to HMRC and Companies House with full compliance guarantee.
Why Choose Digital Reporting UK?
Lightning Fast
2-4 hour turnaround vs 1-3 days manual
Expert Validated
Professional review ensures accuracy
Fixed Pricing
Transparent costs, no surprises
UK Support
Expert help when you need it
Solution Comparison
| Feature | DIY Software | Traditional Service | Digital Reporting UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnaround Time | 1-3 days | 3-7 days | 2-4 hours |
| Technical Expertise Required | High | None | None |
| Cost Predictability | Variable | Variable | Fixed |
| Quality Assurance | Self-validated | Expert review | AI + Expert review |