Companies House Changes: What You Need to Know
Major reforms are coming to UK company law, and business owners need to be prepared. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House is set to roll out a wide-ranging package of changes between now and the end of 2026 — with the aim of improving corporate transparency, preventing fraud, and modernising reporting requirements.
While the details continue to evolve, a clear implementation timetable has now been released. Here’s what you need to know:
Identity Verification Becomes Mandatory
Starting autumn 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). This will:
Apply to new incorporations and new appointments first.
Extend over a 12-month transition period to cover the 7 million+ existing directors and PSCs.
Be completed either via:
GOV.UK One Login (online verification),
In-person verification at selected Post Offices,
Or through an authorised agent known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or solicitor.
By Spring 2026, identity verification will also be required for anyone filing documents on the Companies House register — including agents, presenters, and third-party representatives. Only registered ACSPs will be able to file on behalf of others.
Tougher Rules Around Filing and Compliance
A phased rollout will bring more rigorous checks and restrictions on company filings:
Autumn 2025–Spring 2026:
Companies House will begin rejecting filings made by disqualified directors, unless submitted via an authorised agent and legally permitted.
The confirmation statement will now include identity verification for company officers and PSCs.
End of 2026:
All individuals on the register must be verified.
Companies House will begin compliance action for non-verification.
Limited Partnerships will face new, stricter filing requirements.
What’s Changing in Accounts Filing?
Although no firm dates are confirmed, Companies House has indicated a future overhaul of how accounts are submitted, including:
Software-only filing for all companies
The end of abridged accounts for small and micro businesses
Mandatory filing of:
Profit & loss accounts
Balance sheets
Directors’ reports (for small companies)
Stronger declarations when claiming audit exemptions
Limitations on how often companies can shorten their accounting period
These changes will especially impact small companies, who may face more public scrutiny of their financial position than ever before.
Personal Information & Data Privacy
By Summer 2025, individuals will be able to apply to suppress certain personal data from public documents, including:
Day of birth (on pre-2015 documents)
Signatures
Residential addresses
Business occupations
This is part of a wider effort to strike a balance between transparency and personal security.
What Should You Do Now?
Directors should begin identity verification via GOV.UK One Login to avoid future delays.
Companies should review their Companies House records to ensure all director and PSC details are accurate.
Clients working with agents should ensure their accountant or adviser is registered as an ACSP.
Exchange Accountants will continue to provide updates as Companies House confirms more details.
