All UK companies will have to verify the identity of its directors and persons with significant control with the Companies House. Identity verification is a new legal requirement with the intention of helping to deter people intending to use companies for illegal purposes.
Who will need to be verified?
You’ll need to verify your identity if you are:
- a director
- the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers
- a person with significant control (PSC)
- an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – also known as a Companies House authorised agent
- someone who files for a company – for example, a company secretary
In most cases, you’ll only need to verify your identity once.
This may be done in a number of ways:-
- online
- In person at a Post Office
- By a registered ASCP
When you have successfully verified, you’ll get a unique identifier known as a Companies House personal code. The code is personal to you, not your company or a company you work for. This code will be used when making filings or setting up a company with Companies House
For more information on how to verify your identity with Companies House click here
Authorised Service Provider (ACSP)
You will be required to register as an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) with Companies House if you are delivering documents to the Registrar on behalf of companies or undertaking identity checks.
To be an ACSP, you need to have a UK registered address. This will cause a significant issue for any presenters in Ireland that do not have a UK registered address.
For more information on how to register as an ACSP see below links:-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/being-an-authorised-corporate-service-provider
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applying-to-register-as-a-companies-house-authorised-agent
https://www.informdirect.co.uk/opinion/what-is-authorised-corporate-service-provider-acsp/
Changes to Filing Accounting Documentation
From 1 April 2027, all companies will need to file their annual accounts using commercial software. This means we’ll be closing our web and paper-based systems for account filings on that date. Whether you file accounts yourself or through an accountant or agent, you’ll need to use software from that point forward.
From 1 April 2027:
- accounts must be filed digitally using software – web and paper filing options for accounts will no longer be available from this date
- profit and loss accounts will be required for small and micro-entity companies
- other changes are planned, including updates to audit exemptions and accounting reference periods
For more information on changes to accounts click here
To keep up to date with Companies House changes click here
NB: The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.
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