It can be confusing trying to keep pace with the changes to Companies House since the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
The biggest concern around these changes is that if any slip under the radar, you face penalties and fines for noncompliance.
We know that Companies House is committed to tighter scrutiny and greater transparency, but what this looks like is still being ironed out.
As such, we are going to break down the changes that have happened recently, those that are coming soon, and those that may never come to pass.
What has changed with Companies House?
2025 has been a big year of changes for Companies House, as we see the conclusion of the first big wave of reform.
January saw the ability for individuals to apply to suppress a residential address.
This is especially useful for those who may have used their home address, back when the rules around registered addresses were more relaxed.
This is a positive change that allows people to secure their personal data now that standards have shifted.
In the spirit of data protection, overseas entities also gained the ability to apply to protect trust member details if certain criteria were met.
Another positive change saw the increased ease of access to Companies House services through the GOV.UK One Login.
Starting in February, Users of the Find and Update Company Information service were able to use the same login as for other Government services.
This allows for a more streamlined approach to corporate filings in a secure environment.
Springtime saw the focus shift towards identity verification, laying the groundwork before the mandatory deadline in the autumn.
For the first time, third-party providers performing identity verification on behalf of clients had to be registered as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
This was done to crack down on misfiling, enhance overall compliance and keep an eye out for money laundering all in one move.
With the ACSPs established, anyone who would need their identity verified to make Companies House filings could voluntarily do so.
Remember, if you are:
- A director
- A Member
- A general partner
- A managing officer
- A person with significant control
- Or someone who files for the company, like a company secretary
You will need to have your identity verified to ensure you can file with Companies House.
What are the upcoming changes?
As mentioned, the biggest upcoming change is the mandating of identity verification.
From the autumn, we have the end of the voluntary registration for identity verification.
All new directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity, while existing ones will have to do so within 12 months.
This means that, by autumn 2026, all relevant identities must be verified, and Companies House will begin clamping down on those that are not.
Before that, though, we have a relatively minor change to round out the summer.
By the end of August, trust-related information on the register will be made available on request.
This is another transparency measure aimed at letting the public know who is involved in businesses, especially those with ties overseas.
Looking ahead to 2026, there is much we do not yet know.
One of the few confirmed changes is the targeting of Limited Partnerships.
These entities will need to file details about partners and control structures with Companies House and will have to verify identity using an ACSP.
Unlike other businesses, they will not be able to self-verify their identity and must use an ACSP.
More information about the upcoming changes in the next five years will be released in the 2025-2030 strategy, which is due to be released later this year.
What changes have been scrapped?
One of the most controversial changes to Companies House regards the publication of Profit and Loss (P&L) forms.
As these are highly sensitive documents, many small businesses are uncomfortable about them being publicly accessible, with many fearing it will sound the death knell for competition.
There have been reports that such measures have been delayed or scrapped, but it is worth noting that this has not been officially decided one way or the other just yet.
All we know for now is that these proposals are deeply unpopular and the Government seems aware of this.
Whether that means it will listen to the will of the people is another matter entirely, though, so it is not quite time to breathe a sigh of relief just yet.
We are on hand to help guide you through the changes to Companies House so that you can stay compliant.
When the 2025-2030 strategy comes out, we will be there to break it down and help you understand what the future holds.
Until then, be sure to get in touch for professional support to help your business thrive.
Don’t get caught out by Companies House changes. Speak to our team today!
