Companies House Changes: Planning for 2025 and Beyond

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) introduces major reforms to UK company law, with key changes taking effect from 18 November 2025.

These reforms aim to enhance corporate transparency and combat economic crime.

This briefing outlines the practical steps your company should take now to ensure compliance.

1. Complete Mandatory Identity Verification

From 18 November 2025, Companies House are introducing mandatory identity verification for individuals involved in UK companies. From Spring 2026, only verified directors, Persons of Significant Control (PSCs), or their employees, and registered Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will be able to file documents on behalf of a company with Companies House.

Who will need to comply with this?

• All company directors (existing and new)
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• LLP members
• Individuals filing documents on behalf of companies (from Spring 2026)

What to do to prepare:

• Individuals should complete identity verification now to avoid delays.
• There are a number of verification methods that can be used:
  • GOV.UK One Login (online)
  • Post Office face-to-face service
  • Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – such as accountants or solicitors registered with Companies House.

 What are the deadlines for compliance?

• New directors: before appointment
• Existing individuals: by next confirmation statement
• New PSCs: within 14 days of registration

2. Review Filing and Governance Processes

There are some changes to Companies House processes that companies should be aware of:

Key changes:

• Companies House can now query, reject, or amend inaccurate filings.
• Formal requests for additional information may be issued.
• Non-compliance with these requests for more information may result in:
  • Financial penalties
  • Annotations on the company record
  • Prosecution

What to do to prepare:

• Audit internal filing procedures
• Ensure accuracy and readiness to respond to Companies House queries

3. Prepare for Digital-Only Filing

From 1 April 2027, Companies House will retire its online portal for annual accounts.

What to do to prepare:

Companies should identify and onboard a compliant commercial software provider for future filings.

4. Understand Changes to Company Registers

From 18 November 2025, companies will no longer need to maintain internal registers of:

• Directors
• Directors’ residential addresses
• Secretaries
• PSCs

 Companies should however ensure this information is correctly filed and kept up to date with Companies House.

5. Consider Data Suppression Options

From 21 July 2025, individuals have been able to apply to suppress certain sensitive personal data from historical filings.

If this is of concern, individuals may review historical filings and consider applying for suppression of:

• Home addresses
• Dates of birth (for documents pre-October 2015)
• Signatures
• Business occupation

6. Assess Exposure to New Offences

From 1 September 2025, a new offence of failure to prevent fraud will apply to large organisations (meeting 2 of the following 3 criteria):

• 250 employees
• £36 million turnover
• £18 million in assets

Recommended Action:

• Review internal fraud prevention policies
• Consider legal advice if your company meets the thresholds

 In Conclusion: Start Preparing Now

These reforms represent a major shift in UK corporate governance. Early preparation will help your company avoid disruption and ensure full compliance.

 

If you have any questions about the issues raised in this article, please contact our Banking & Finance team.

This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor.

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