UK Limited Companies: New Filing System for 2025 and Beyond

The introduction of new filing requirements for companies in the UK is part of a broader effort to strengthen corporate transparency and compliance. These changes follow the Change of Company Law in April 2024, which laid the groundwork for tighter regulations on UK companies. The new filing system is designed to further support this effort, ensuring that company records are accurate and reliable, and aligning with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act that aims to improve the security of company filings and combat economic crime.

What is Changing for Firms Filing with Companies House?

From February 2025 (delayed to March 2025), professionals, including accountants, who file documents on behalf of clients must register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This requirement is designed to improve security and ensure that only qualified, regulated professionals are submitting key company documents, such as confirmation statements, annual accounts, and changes to company directors or registered office details. However, full implementation of this requirement won’t occur until Spring 2026, providing time for accountants and businesses to adjust. Recognised professional bodies in this aspect include solicitors, accountants, and a few government institutes, who have need to file for their corporate clients, example, register new companies, confirmation statement, statutory filings ...etc.

Previously, accountants were already required to register as HMRC tax agents to file tax returns on behalf of clients, which helped establish trust in their expertise. With the new Companies House system, the role of filing certain corporate documents will now fall under a separate registration. This ensures that Companies House can rely on professionals with a verified identity, ensuring that corporate filings meet a higher standard of integrity.

Why is This Happening?

These reforms are part of a broader initiative to improve the accuracy of company records and combat fraud. The ECCT Act in April 2023 and the Change of Company Law in April 2024 are part of a push to increase corporate transparency in the UK. The new requirements will strengthen identity verification and compliance for company directors and significant controllers (PSCs), helping to ensure that the information submitted to the public register is accurate and reliable.

While HMRC has long managed tax filings, Companies House is now stepping up its efforts to ensure compliance on its part. This shift reflects an effort by both authorities to enhance compliance standards and improve the overall integrity of limited company filings.

What Does This Mean for Filing?

From February 2025, businesses can still file documents with Companies House through their accountants without needing to be registered as an ACSP. However, this will only be permitted until Spring 2026. After that, only registered ACSPs will be able to file key documents on behalf of their represented clients, such as confirmation statements, annual accounts, director changes, and changes to the registered office.

This transition is part of a phased approach to gradually implement the new requirements. The aim is to ensure that, by Spring 2026, only verified professionals can submit company filings for client's behalf, leading to greater accuracy and reliability in public records.

What Does This Mean for You?

If a UK limited company files documents with Companies House, it’s crucial to understand these upcoming changes. While the transition period gives you time to adjust, being aware of the new requirements will help prevent any disruptions once full implementation begins in Spring 2026.

Once fully rolled out, only ACSP-registered professionals will be able to file on your behalf. This is part of an ongoing effort to professionalize the industry and ensure that sensitive filings are handled securely and by those qualified to do so.

How to Prepare for the New System

As these changes are phased in, it’s important for businesses to stay informed and prepare for the transition. The new registration process will require your accountant to verify client identity before continue submitting documents on their behalf. Early registration begins in February 2025, so it’s wise to start preparing for this transition to avoid last-minute delays.

We Are Here to Help!

We are a registered ACSP and a regulated agent for identity verification of overseas entities for Companies House. Additionally, we are HMRC tax agents and qualified, practising accountants in the UK, with extensive experience in handling UK tax matters.

Talk to us to ensure that your business stays compliant with the latest filing requirements and that your company records are accurate and up-to-date.

***Contact us to learn more.

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