Upcoming changes at Companies House
If you’ve recently received emails from Companies House about upcoming changes, rest assured – they’re legitimate. And they’re significant.
In a move to enhance transparency and reduce corporate fraud, Companies House is rolling out a series of reforms – some already underway, others scheduled to take effect over the coming months and years.
Here’s what you need to know, and how these changes might impact you.
1. Registered email address now mandatory
All limited companies must now provide a registered email address when submitting their confirmation statement. This is so Companies House can contact you securely via email as well as by post.
Importantly, this email address won’t be published on the public register – but it will be used for confidential notices, so using a shared mailbox is not advised. Most businesses should already have this in place.
2. Filing on behalf of a company? You must register as an ‘ACSP’
From autumn, anyone submitting documents to Companies House on behalf of a company – such as an adviser, agent, or third-party administrator – will be required to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Under the current system, it’s enough to have login credentials and the company’s authentication code. But this will no longer be the case. The upcoming change is designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of data held on the public register, ensuring that only verified individuals and firms can make submissions.
If you plan to continue filing documents directly with Companies House after this change takes effect, you’ll need to complete the ACSP registration process.
3. Identity checks for directors and PSCs becoming mandatory
As part of the Companies House reforms, identity verification will become mandatory for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) from autumn.
Previously, these checks were typically carried out by banks or professional advisers during company formation. But going forward, Companies House will require direct verification to help tackle fraud and improve trust in the register.
Verification can be completed in one of three ways:
• Online using a valid passport or photo ID
• In person at a participating post office
• Through an authorised provider – our company secretarial team can support you with this
It’s important to note that only one contact per company will receive the official notification, sent to the registered email address. So please ensure that all directors and PSCs are aware of the requirement and complete the process promptly.
And a key point for anyone planning to set up a new company: formations won’t be allowed until every relevant individual has been verified. This may delay the process compared to today’s fast-track, same-day turnaround.
4. Online webform filing to be withdrawn by 2027
If you currently use Companies House’s online webform to file your company accounts, be aware that this option is being phased out.
From 1 April 2027, the webform service will be withdrawn, and all filings must be submitted using compatible third-party software.
If we already prepare and file your accounts, there’s nothing you need to do – we use the required software as standard. But if you currently file independently, now is a good time to start planning ahead.
We recommend speaking to our team before selecting any new software to make sure it’s suitable for your reporting needs and compliant with the upcoming changes.
5. Profit and loss accounts will become mandatory for all companies
Another major change coming into effect from 1 April 2027 is that all companies – including small and micro entities – will be required to file a profit and loss account at Companies House.
This marks a significant shift from the current rules, which allow small companies to withhold this level of financial detail from the public register.
The aim is to increase transparency across the board – but for many businesses, especially smaller ones, this may feel like a big step. If you’re unsure what this means for your reporting obligations or want to prepare in advance, we’re here to help.
There is still more consultation ahead to decide exactly how much information is shared, however, the guidance at the moment it is likely to be income, total expenses and profit.
Final thoughts
These reforms reflect a wider government agenda to strengthen corporate governance and improve trust in the business register. While many of the changes are straightforward, some may require action on your part – especially if you currently file your own documents or are planning to incorporate a new company.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes affect your business, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you navigate the transition with confidence.