As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), Companies House is introducing new rules aimed at tackling fraud, increasing transparency, and raising standards across the board.
These reforms are designed to clean up the register, reduce abuse, and build trust in the UK’s business environment. From identity verification to stronger data oversight, every company director and business owner will be affected.
In this guide, we walk you through what has already changed, what is on the horizon, and what steps you need to take to stay compliant.
Changes already made
In March 2024, Companies House received new powers to reject filings that appeared false or suspicious. This marked a major shift in its role, moving from a passive receiver of information to an active enforcer of accuracy and transparency.
• Registered office and company name rules tightened
The government introduced stricter rules around registered office addresses. Companies are now required to provide an address where official documents can be reliably delivered and acknowledged. At the same time, company names that seemed misleading or potentially linked to illegal activity could be refused.
• Lawful purpose requirement introduced
A new measure required all companies to declare a lawful purpose. This had to be confirmed at incorporation and again in each confirmation statement. The aim was to prevent companies from being created or maintained for fraudulent or illegitimate reasons.
• Voluntary identity verification rolled out
In April 2025, Companies House introduced a voluntary identity verification system for directors and persons with significant control. This was a step towards building a transparent register that ensures individuals linked to companies can be verified and held responsible.
These early reforms helped prepare the register for more advanced measures, which are now confirmed and scheduled to roll out through late 2025 and into 2026.
4 new reforms confirmed in June 2025
The 2025–2026 business plan outlines how Companies House will continue implementing the next stage of the ECCTA reforms. These changes are wide-reaching and will have practical consequences for nearly every registered company in the UK.
1. Identity checks become a legal requirement
One of the most significant reforms is the introduction of mandatory identity checks for key individuals involved in running or filing on behalf of companies.
From 18 November 2025, anyone appointed as a company director or a person with significant control will be required to verify their identity before their appointment can be confirmed. This will apply to all new appointments made after the rules come into force.
In addition, Companies House will begin a twelve-month transition period where existing directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must also complete identity verification. This process will be linked to the filing of the annual confirmation statement, making it part of regular compliance.
From spring 2026 onwards, anyone who files documents on behalf of a company will need to be verified as well. This applies to company officers and to third parties such as accountants or administrators. Filing will only be permitted if the individual is verified or if the filing is made through an approved intermediary.
Identity verification can be completed in two ways:
- through the GOV.UK One Login system, which has become the new secure access point for Companies House services, or
- via a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Jump Accounting is officially recognised as an ACSP, which means we’re authorised to carry out identity checks and ensure all your filings are accurate, secure and fully compliant with the new Companies House requirements.
Contact our team today, and we’ll handle the process for you.
2. Filings can no longer be completed by individuals
As part of the reforms, Companies House will restrict who is permitted to file documents on behalf of others. Only Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will be allowed to submit filings on behalf of clients.
This reform is designed to ensure that all submissions are made by regulated, trained and accountable professionals, providing greater confidence in the quality and legitimacy of the data entering the register.
Additionally, disqualified directors will no longer be able to submit documents directly. In exceptional cases where they are permitted to act, filings must go through an ACSP like Jump Accounting. This measure is intended to protect the integrity of the register and reduce the risk of misuse by individuals previously removed for misconduct.
3. Paper submissions will no longer be accepted
Companies House will fully transition to digital-only filing. All company accounts and key submissions will need to be sent in approved digital formats. Paper forms will no longer be accepted.
This change will help reduce delays, minimise errors, and support better integration between government systems. For companies still relying on manual processes or outdated software, now is the time to adapt.
At Jump Accounting, we are a cloud-based accounting practice that exclusively supports clients with secure digital filing. If you need help getting ready for these changes, we are here to make the transition simple and smooth. Reach out here!
4. GOV.UK One Login becomes mandatory for WebFiling
From 13 October 2025, you will no longer be able to access your Companies House WebFiling account without connecting it to GOV.UK One Login. This new system provides a single and more secure way to access multiple government services, including Companies House.
Key benefits of GOV.UK One Login include:
- one set of login details for multiple government services
- enhanced security with two-factor authentication
- the option to use the same login to verify your identity for Companies House
To prepare, make sure the email address on your WebFiling account is up to date and ideally matches the one you use for your Companies House “Find and update company information” account. Suppose you don’t have a GOV.UK One Login: You will need to create one before October 2025.
You can complete this process directly through the GOV.UK website, or if you would prefer not to do it by yourself, Jump Accounting can handle it for you and ensure your business remains fully compliant.
Latest Companies House update:
on 24 June 2025, Companies House confirmed that one of its key reforms will be postponed. The rule that would have limited who can file documents on behalf of a company will not be introduced this autumn as originally planned.
This decision followed feedback from small business owners and Members of Parliament, who expressed concerns about how the reform could affect smaller companies. In response, Companies House will take more time to consult and consider how best to support small businesses during the transition. A revised timeline is expected, and there may be an option to adopt the new filing process voluntarily before it becomes mandatory.
The government has also paused or put under review the planned requirement for small and micro-entities to file full profit & loss accounts and to use software-only filing by default. These specific rules were due to take effect from April 2027, but are now subject to further consultation, providing smaller companies with temporary relief from additional disclosure and mandatory software usage.
However, it is important to note that these delays apply only to certain elements of the reform package. Other measures are moving forward as planned, including:
- From 13 October 2025, GOV.UK One Login will become mandatory for WebFiling access
- From 18 November 2025, identity checks will become a legal requirement for directors, people with significant control and third-party agents
- The wider move to digital-only submissions is continuing across the Companies House system
Here’s what we recommend:
- Use this time to prepare. Start reviewing your internal processes, get familiar with digital reporting tools, and ensure your company records are accurate and up to date.
- Make sure you are ready for GOV.UK One Login by checking your email addresses and account connections now.
- If you are already working with Jump Accounting, no action is needed. As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we will handle your filings and keep your business fully compliant.
If you are not yet working with an approved intermediary, this is the right time to make the switch.
Switch to Jump Accounting! We can help you plan at your own pace, with expert support every step of the way.
