Highlighting Upcoming Companies House Changes

Devil in the detail with new identity checks for directors 

The new identity verification requirements, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, are being rolled out in stages and will soon become compulsory.  It is important that companies check their records are accurate and up to date ahead of the formal rollout, as mismatched information could prevent successful verification, leading to penalties and blocked filings.

Anyone who is a company director, a person with significant control (PSC), or who files on behalf of a company will need to go through an identity verification process, either through the GOV.UK One Login service or by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider - a registered agent that must be supervised for anti-money laundering purposes, such as an accountant or solicitor.

Companies should check that the personal details listed for each director and PSC are accurate. If anything doesn’t match the ID document, the verification process cannot be properly completed when it becomes mandatory.

As well as providing the necessary ID documentation and answering knowledge-based security questions, personal details will be checked, including full name, any former names, residential address, and recent previous addresses, date of birth, and a valid e-mail address not used by anyone else for verification.

The move is part of wider efforts to clamp down on fraud and improve transparency in the UK’s corporate landscape. In future, unverified individuals will not be allowed to make filings, and companies that fail to comply may face financial penalties or further enforcement action.

These new identity verification measures are scheduled to become mandatory from 18th November 2025. When that happens, directors will have to comply with the requirement to verify their identity, obtaining a personal code, before annual filings can be made at Companies House going forward.

This is a step by the UK government to fight economic crime, but for businesses this should encourage good practice. Getting records in order and verifying identity now will make compliance easier and help avoid problems when these rules come into place.

Company records can be checked and updated via the find and update company information service on the Companies House website. Many changes can be made online, but some must still be made using paper forms.

The Upcoming Closure of the Combined Companies House and HMRC Online Filing Service: What It Means for Your Business

In recent years, filing accounts and tax returns online has been done simply thanks to a combined company registry and tax filing service. This service allowed businesses to manage both their company accounts and their company tax return filings through one platform, streamlining the process and reducing administrative burden. However, in a significant move, the UK government has announced that the official deadline for the closure of this online filing service is 1 April 2026, as the supporting technology is now outdated.

For businesses that have become accustomed to this combined filing method, this development might amount to significant disruption. However, it is essential to understand what the change means and how businesses should prepare. Below is more detail about the implications of this closure, alternative filing methods, and what businesses need to know to ensure they remain compliant in the future.

For businesses, this means they will no longer be able to use the combined platform to submit both their accounts and tax returns together. Companies will therefore need to use alternative methods for filing accounts at Companies House and tax returns with HMRC to ensure that they remain compliant.

1.        Filing Accounts with Companies House: Businesses will still be required to file their annual accounts with Companies House. The platform for submitting these accounts remains open, but businesses will need to ensure they are using an updated method that meets Companies House filing requirements.

2.       Filing Company Tax Returns with HMRC: Similarly, the requirement to submit a company tax return (CT600) to HMRC remains unchanged. However, businesses will need to ensure they are using approved software for this filing, as HMRC will no longer accept manual paper submissions or filings that don't comply with its digital standards.

The Impact on Hard Copy Filings

One of the important considerations for businesses is whether they can continue to file their accounts and tax returns in hard copy. Businesses may still be able to do this, but with some caveats.

While the trend towards digital filing has been growing steadily, filing hard copy documents may still be possible for a while after the joint online service shuts down. It’s expected that over time, manual paper filings will become less accepted, particularly as more businesses and government services transition to fully digital platforms bringing the efficiency, accuracy, and speed to the process and it’s likely that more businesses will move to digital methods, with paper filings increasingly seen as outdated and to be used as a last resort.

What Should Businesses Do to Prepare?

With the closure of the combined service approaching, businesses should start planning to ensure they remain compliant and avoid any disruptions. Here’s what you can do to prepare:

1.        Explore New Filing Options: The government has provided resources to help businesses find new software for filing both accounts and company tax returns. Using software that is compatible with both Companies House and HMRC is essential for ensuring that filings are completed correctly and efficiently. For businesses unsure where to start, the UK government’s website offers helpful tools and guidance. - Find software for filing company documents: Filing annual accounts, returns and tax accounts - GOV.UK

2.       Consult with Accountants and Advisors: Many businesses rely on accountants or tax advisors to manage their filing obligations. If your company currently uses the combined filing service, it’s a good idea to consult with your accountant about the changes and how best to transition to the new system. This can help ensure that your filings are done correctly and on time.

3.       Understand the Deadline: The official deadline for the closure of the service is 1 April 2026. While this provides some time to make the necessary adjustments, businesses should not wait until the last minute to begin the transition. Being proactive now will help avoid any last-minute hurdles or filing delays.

4.      Plan for Ongoing Digital Compliance: As the trend towards digital filing continues, businesses should prepare for the possibility that hard copy submissions may be phased out in the coming years. Adopting digital filing solutions now will place your business ahead of the curve, ensuring smoother compliance with the laws of England and Wales moving forward.

Conclusion

The closure of the combined Companies House and HMRC online filing service marks a significant shift in how businesses will manage their filing obligations in the future. While this transition may seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity to streamline filing processes and move towards a fully digital system.

Businesses should take the necessary steps now to explore approved filing software, consult with professional advisors, and prepare for the end of the combined service. By making these changes well ahead of time, companies can ensure they remain compliant with laws and avoid disruptions.

For more information on this closure and to explore available filing software options, visit the following resources:

• The online accounts and company tax return service is closing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Find software for filing company documents: Filing annual accounts, returns and tax accounts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As digital filing becomes the standard, staying ahead of the curve will not only make the filing process easier but will also ensure your business is compliant with current and future regulations.