Companies House filing reforms put on pause
The government has paused plans to tighten Companies House filing rules, aiming to reduce the regulatory burden on UK businesses.
The changes, originally set for April 2027, would have required small and micro companies to submit profit and loss accounts for the first time. These companies currently benefit from exemptions allowing them to file abridged accounts.
The proposed reforms, part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, also included a move to mandatory digital filing using iXBRL-compliant software. Paper accounts and certain online filing methods would no longer have been accepted.
The goal of these changes was to improve data quality and reduce fraud. However, business groups expressed concerns over the extra costs and disruption for small firms, many of whom would need to purchase specialist software or hire agents to file on their behalf. There were also fears that increased transparency could allow competitors to scrutinise margins and weaken negotiating positions.
The government now appears to be rethinking the reforms as part of its new industrial strategy, which aims to cut red tape by 25%. The Federation of Small Businesses has called the pause a “relief” for company directors, although some critics argue that scrapping the reforms could be a step backwards for corporate accountability.
Companies House had already started advising firms to prepare for the changes, noting that software filing would improve accuracy and speed up processing. For now, businesses can continue with current filing practices.
New registration rules for accountants and agents
While filing reforms are on hold, other Companies House changes are moving forward. From 18 March 2025, accountants, solicitors, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs) who are registered for anti-money laundering supervision in the UK can apply to become authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs) with Companies House.
Initially voluntary, the ACSP regime will become mandatory from spring 2026 for agents such as accountants and lawyers who file on behalf of companies. Registered ACSPs will be able to verify client identities and pass these details to Companies House, which will have greater powers to strike off companies registered on a false basis.
A new identity verification service launched on 8 April 2025 as an optional step for new companies. From 18th November 2025, all new company registrations and directors must complete ID verification. Existing directors and persons with significant control (PSC) will have 12 months to comply, as part of their annual confirmation statement. These changes are expected to affect around seven million directors and PSCs.
Limited liability partnership (LLP) members will also need to verify their identity, with reforms to limited partnerships (LPs) planned for spring 2026, aimed at improving transparency and accessibility of company information.
Wheeler’s clients:
If you’ve received a notification about the registration changes, don’t worry — Wheeler’s will handle the process for you as your agent when the time comes.
Talk to us!
If you’re unsure how these Companies House changes may affect your business, get in touch with our team. We’ll make sure your filings and registrations remain fully compliant — and as stress-free as possible.