Companies House: everything you need to stay compliant in 2026
Identity verification is now mandatory. New financial penalties are in force. The joint HMRC filing service closed 31 March 2026. This hub covers what UK company directors, PSCs, and business owners need to know — clearly, accurately, and in one place.
Identity verification is live
Mandatory from 18 Nov 2025. Existing directors must verify by Nov 2026.
New civil financial penalties
In force from 2 May 2024. Up to £10,000 per offence — including missed filings.
HMRC joint filing closed
CATO service ended 31 March 2026. File accounts separately from April.
All directors appointed before 18 November 2025 must verify their identity with Companies House by this date. Missing the deadline is a criminal offence and blocks your company’s confirmation statement filing. Full identity verification guide →
Seven guides for directors, expats, and business owners
No residency requirement, no UK bank account needed to register. Step-by-step from choosing a name to your first confirmation statement — with the expat-specific wrinkles covered.
Since May 2024, Companies House can issue civil penalties up to £10,000 for Companies Act offences — including missed confirmation statements. The full penalty table, process, and how to avoid a fine.
If your foreign company opens a UK office or branch, you must register within one month. The OS IN01 process, £124 fee, accounts obligations, and what must be disclosed on all UK correspondence.
How to verify remotely using GOV.UK One Login, what to do without a biometric passport, the ACSP route, and the OS VS01 form for overseas company directors.
Mandatory from 18 November 2025. Who must verify, how to get your personal code, and what happens if you miss your confirmation statement deadline.
Deadlines, penalties, WebFiling vs software, and what to do now that the HMRC joint filing service has closed. Late filing penalties from £150.
Directors, PSC data, filing history, mortgage charges, insolvency records — all publicly available at no cost. How to use it for due diligence and KYC.
Companies House is becoming a more active gatekeeper
Fraud prevention is the driving force
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is behind every change — from identity checks to financial penalties. Companies House is moving from a passive filing repository to an active register with real enforcement powers. Errors, omissions, and delays are now noticed.
Deadlines are tighter than they appear
The identity verification transition runs to November 2026 in theory — but your practical deadline is your company’s next confirmation statement, which could be weeks away. One unverified director blocks the entire filing. Acting early is the safest approach.
The public register is more transparent than ever
Everything filed with Companies House is publicly searchable — directors, PSC data, accounts, charges. Identity verification means that data is now tied to verified individuals. For expats setting up businesses or doing due diligence on UK partners, this is worth understanding.
Need a UK accountant or tax adviser?
Our directory lists vetted accountants and tax professionals who can handle Companies House filings, identity verification, and annual accounts on your behalf.