Companies House Changes: What UK Directors Must Know

If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or contractor operating through a limited company, there are major regulatory changes coming that you can’t afford to ignore. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is reshaping how UK businesses interact with Companies House — with new rules on identity verification, digital filing, and financial transparency.

At SBX Accountants, we make sure our clients stay ahead of these changes, remain compliant, and avoid costly penalties.

What Is the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act?

This new legislation aims to:

• Strengthen the integrity of the Companies House register
  Crack down on fraud and financial crime
  Modernise how companies file information and accounts

Whether you run a limited company, are self-employed and incorporated, or act as a director, these reforms apply to you.

Identity Verification Will Be Mandatory for Directors and PSCs

From Autumn 2025, new directors, shareholders, and key people in UK companies must verify their identity before being listed on Companies House. Existing directors will have until Autumn 2026 to complete verification.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

• Company Directors
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Anyone filing on behalf of a company (e.g. accountants, agents)

How Will Verification Work?

You’ll need to:

• Upload valid ID (passport or driving licence)
• Verify via Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service
• Provider (ACSP) – like SBX Accountants
• Use your new Companies House Personal Code when filing or acting on the company’s behalf

⚠️ If you don’t verify, you won’t be able to:

• Register a company
• Update company details
• File confirmation statements or annual accounts

Digital-Only Filing of Accounts Starts April 2027

From 1 April 2027, all companies must file annual accounts using compliant digital software. Paper filings and manual uploads will no longer be accepted.

Key Changes to Know

• Accounts must be submitted using iXBRL-compatible software
• Profit & loss accounts will be mandatory for small and micro-entities
• Filing must go through approved digital platforms only

This ties in with Making Tax Digital (MTD) and the government’s broader effort to eliminate fraud and increase data accuracy.

What SBX Accountants Clients Need to Know

We’ve already built these changes into our processes to keep your business ahead of the curve. Here’s what you get when you work with us:

Full Identity Verification Support

We act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, so we can:

• Verify directors and PSCs on your behalf
• Ensure your filings remain valid and compliant
• Guide you through the personal code and new digital ID process

Seamless Digital Filing Using QuickBooks

We provide QuickBooks Online to all clients at no extra cost (also proficient in Xero, Sage and FreeAgent). Your accounts will be:

• MTD-compliant
• Submitted in the correct format
• Reviewed and filed by your dedicated accountant

Hands-Off Compliance and Peace of Mind

• Annual accounts and CT600 filed digitally
• Confirmation statements submitted on time
• Statutory registers maintained
• Regular legislative updates so you’re never caught off guard

Don’t Let These Changes Catch You Off Guard

This is just the beginning. More digitisation and regulatory changes are coming, and non-compliance will carry heavier penalties.

If you’re running a limited company, getting help from an experienced accountant like SBX will make the difference between stress and simplicity.

Talk to SBX Accountants Today

We’re already helping small businesses across the UK prepare for these Companies House reforms – and we’d love to support yours too.

👉 Request a callback today to get a quote to find out how we can help you stay compliant, tax-efficient, and focused on growth.