Keeping up with Companies House updates since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 can feel overwhelming and missing a key change could land you with fines or penalties.
While it’s clear that stricter oversight and greater openness are on the way, exactly how that will play out is still being finalised.
To help you stay compliant, here’s a rundown of reforms already in force, those on the near horizon, and proposals that might never actually come to pass.
What are the recent reforms?
2025 has marked the end of the first major wave of changes.
In January, individuals whose home addresses were once publicly listed gained the right to apply for address suppression.
This has been viewed as a welcome safeguard for personal data that may have been submitted before the registered address rules were tightened.
At the same time, qualifying overseas entities can protect certain trust-member details under specified conditions, further bolstering data security.
February brought seamless access to Companies House via the GOV.UK One Login.
Users of the Find and Update Company Information service now sign in with their existing government credentials, streamlining filings in a secure portal.
While those changes were smaller, quality of life improvements, the main reforms got underway in the spring.
The attention turned to identity checks as the way was paved for the voluntary process ahead of it eventually becoming mandatory.
All third-party verifiers must now register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) although it is worth noting that not every ACSP will offer identity verification services.
Remember, if you are:
You will need to have your identity verified to ensure you can file with Companies House.
What’s coming next for Companies House
The big shift that is coming is the move from voluntary to compulsory identity verification.
From autumn 2025, the voluntary window closes and all new directors and PSCs must verify their identity on appointment.
Existing officeholders have 12 months to comply before they lose the ability to make filings as well.
By autumn 2026, every relevant individual on the register will need verified identification or face enforcement action.
Before then, expect one minor tweak by the end of August.
Trust-related entries on the public register will become available on request, enhancing transparency around overseas-linked interests.
Looking into 2026, Limited Partnerships will see a significant change to how they are viewed by Companies House and will be required to file detailed partner and control-structure information as well as have identities verified through an ACSP.
It will not be possible for those in Limited Partnerships to do it themselves.
More details of what’s coming in 2026 and beyond will be revealed later this year in Companies House’s 2025-2030 strategy.
Which proposals are currently in limbo
Publishing Profit and Loss (P&L) accounts has been met with much concern from business owners who fear that this would be greatly damaging for competition.
Currently, there is a bit of hope that this may never come to pass as there are reports that Ministers are hesitant about the implementation.
However, until there is an official announcement that the changes will not come to pass, businesses should continue to voice concerns in the hopes that it will sway the Government’s decisions.
Whatever happens with the future of Companies House, we will be on hand to help you stay compliant.
When the 2025–2030 strategy is released, we’ll break down each development and explain precisely how it affects your company.
In the meantime, get in touch for tailored advice to keep your filings and your business on track.
Don’t let Companies House reforms catch you off guard. Speak to our team today!
