The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) brings the biggest overhaul of Companies House processes in decades. The goal? To crack down on fraud, increase corporate transparency, and make UK company data more reliable.
These changes affect directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), corporate secretaries, and filing agents. Many of them are already in place or are scheduled over the next two years.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates on Companies House rule changes and how your business can stay compliant.
Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs
Launch timeline:
- From 4 March 2024: Companies House began strengthening powers (but ID checks not yet enforced).
- Expected from Autumn 2025: Identity verification will become mandatory for:
- All new company directors
- PSCs
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company
How it works:
- Verification can be done via:
- A new Companies House online portal, or
- An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (e.g. your accountant or agent)
Why it matters: No verified ID = you cannot be appointed or act as a director. This helps prevent fraud and impersonation.
Registered Office and Email Address Requirements
Effective from 4 March 2024:
- Companies must now have an “appropriate address” – no PO Boxes allowed. The address must be able to receive documents and be acknowledged.
- A registered email address must also be provided for all new and existing companies. It won’t be publicly visible, but Companies House will use it for statutory communications.
Failure to comply with Companies House rule changes may result in administrative action or even being struck off the register.
Profit & Loss Accounts to Become Public
Scheduled for 1 April 2027:
- Small and micro-entity companies will be required to file full profit and loss (P&L) accounts with Companies House.
- These will be publicly visible, ending the long-standing option for small firms to withhold turnover and net profit data.
What’s changing:
- Abridged or filleted accounts will be removed.
- All companies must file full accounts, including:
- Balance sheet
- Profit and loss statement
- For small companies: a directors’ report (micro-entities are exempt)
Why this matters: This move aims to increase transparency and reduce fraud but may expose sensitive financial info to competitors.
Corporate Director Restrictions
Expected from Autumn 2025 (subject to secondary legislation):
UK companies will be allowed only one corporate director, and only if:
- The corporate director is a UK entity with legal personality
- All directors of that entity are natural persons who have completed identity verification
Foreign corporate directors will no longer be permitted.
Centralisation of Company Registers
Effective from 4 March 2024:
Companies are no longer required to keep internal registers for:
- Directors
- PSCs
- Secretaries
Instead, these details must be kept up-to-date and submitted directly to Companies House, creating a single, central, authoritative record.
Transition to Digital Filing
Date TBC but likely by 2026–2027:
- Companies House will phase out paper and online form filing
- All accounts and confirmation statements must be filed using approved digital software
- This change will improve security, efficiency, and reduce fraud
- Now is a good time to review your filing process and software setup.
What Your Business Should Do Now
To stay ahead of the Companies House rule changes:
- Review your company records – check addresses, emails, PSCs
- Prepare directors for identity verification
- Plan for full P&L disclosure if you’re a small/micro company
- Ensure your accountant is set up for authorised filing
- Consider digital filing software ahead of the deadline
How Crossley & Davis Can Help
We can guide you through:
- Verifying directors and PSCs
- Updating your registered office and email
- Filing compliant, full statutory accounts
- Navigating the transition to digital reporting
Contact us today for a free Companies House compliance check and to futureproof your filings.
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