Filing Changes Are Coming – Is Your Company Ready?


British businesses are about to see some of the biggest changes to company filing and director verification in decades. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, new requirements are being phased in over the next two years that will affect how companies interact with Companies House.

These changes focus on two key areas: identity verification (IDV) for company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of companies, and new rules on company accounts filing, especially for small and micro entities.

Identity Verification (IDV): What’s Changing?

From 8 April 2025, directors, PSCs, and company filers will be able to voluntarily verify their identity. By autumn 2025, this will become mandatory for all new company incorporations, as well as any newly appointed directors and PSCs.

  • Existing directors and PSCs will enter a 12-month transitional period starting autumn 2025, during which they must complete verification when filing the annual confirmation statement.
  • By Spring 2026, only verified offices or employees of a company – or authorised third parties – will be able to file documents at Companies House.

How Identity Verification Works

There are two main routes for verification:

  • Directly through Companies House via the GOV.UK One Login system, using an app, web browser, or in person at a Post Office. Most people a biometric passport will find this the easiest option.
  • Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider such as accountants or company formation agents. They will charge a fee but may be the only option for non-UK directors or PSCs who don’t have biometric passports.

Once verified, individuals will be issued a unique identifier code that must be included in company filings from the point at which IDV becomes mandatory.

Changes to Accounts Filing

A further major change is the requirement to file accounts using commercial software from 1 April 2027. Paper and web-based filings will no longer be accepted.

Key Changes for small and micro-entity companies:

  • Micro entities will need to file both a balance sheet and a profit and loss account.
  • Small companies must file a balance sheet, director’s report, auditor’s report (unless exempt), and a profit and loss account.
  • Abridged accounts will no longer be an option.
  • Any company claiming an audit exemption must include an enhanced statement on the balance sheet, confirming which exemption is claimed and that the company qualifies.

These changes are designed to improve transparency and data quality on the Companies House register, while modernising the filing process.

What Businesses Should Do Now

  • Get ready for Identity Verification:
    • Directors and Persons with Significant Control should ensure they have valid documents, ideally biometric passports, to make verification smooth.
    • Consider whether you’ll use the Companies House service or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. If you have non-UK directors, speak with your advisers early.
  • Plan for digital filing:
    • Review your current accounting software or speak with your accountant to confirm they use a package compatible with Companies House filing requirements.
    • If you file accounts in-house, identify and adopt suitable software well before the April 2027 deadline.
  • Review your reporting obligations:
    • Small and micro entities should prepare for the increased disclosure requirements, especially the need to file profit and loss accounts.
    • Directors should familiarise themselves with the enhanced audit exemption statement requirements.

These changes present a major shift in how UK companies are regulated, with identity verification and fully digital filing set to reshape compliance. Businesses that act early to prepare – by verifying directors and updating accounting systems – will ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruption when the rules become mandatory.