News

New rules have come in place which will affect company directors and people with significant control (PSC) for UK companies, LLPs and Limited Partnerships.  This all relates to our Corporate Taxes services.

From Autumn 2025 it will be compulsory to provide identity verification with Companies House for all new directors and PSCs on incorporation and appointment.  There will then be a 12 month transition period for existing directors and PSCs to comply with the new requirements – usually when the next Confirmation Statement is submitted to Companies House.

Failure to comply with the new requirements will be an offence resulting in a number of consequences for the company such as financial penalties or the company being struck off.  Directors who fail to comply may also be disqualified.

Who will be affected?

The new rules will apply to:

• Directors and owners* of incorporated companies in the UK
• Directors and owners* of overseas companies registered with Companies House
• Existing and newly incorporated companies
• Members/partners of LLPs and limited partnerships

*owners means those already required to register as a Person with Significant Control (PSC) – usually a person with greater than 25% share of the relevant company.

What will I need to do?

Option 1 – Online

If you have the identity documents and information required you can verify online via GOV.UK One Login.  There is no charge for this.

You will need one of the following photo ID:

• Biometric passport from any country
• UK photo driving licence
• UK biometric residence permit
• UK biometric residence card
• UK Frontier Worker permit

Once you have logged in, you will be asked some simple questions and guided through the process depending upon your answers.

Option 2 – In person at a Post Office

You will be asked to enter details from your photo ID on GOV.UK and then go to a Post Office that offers ‘in branch verification’.  They will usually scan your photo ID , take a photograph of you and then email the result of the check to you.  There is no charge for this service.

Option 3 – Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

An ACSP or Companies House authorised agent such as an accountant or solicitor can also verify your identity.  You will need to provide documents from an approved list so that they can verify your identity and they will need to be registered with Companies House.  They may charge a fee for this service.

What happens next?

Once you have been successfully verified, you will receive a Companies House personal code – a unique identifier that is personal to you.

You need to keep it safe as you may need it to file confirmation statements or if you are appointed as director.  If you use a third party such as an accountant to file for you, you will need to share this code with them.

For more information please contact us.