Robertsons Tax Ltd
01786 238696 / 01764 456818
Operating from Dunblane, Auchterarder and London
The UK company landscape is undergoing one of its biggest changes in years. New identity verification requirements are being introduced at Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
These changes are designed to improve corporate transparency, prevent misuse of UK companies, and reduce economic crime.
If you are a company director, person with significant control (PSC), or someone who files documents at Companies House, this affects you.
Why Was ID Verification Introduced?
For many years, Companies House operated largely as a filing registry — it accepted information in good faith but had limited powers to verify or challenge what was submitted.
Unfortunately, that system was open to abuse.
The new legislation was introduced to:
Who Must Comply?
ID verification will apply to:
1. Company Directors. All existing and newly appointed directors of UK companies must verify their identity.
2. Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). Anyone who:
3. People Who File at Companies HouseIndividuals submitting documents on behalf of companies must either:
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
Failure to comply can result in:
This is not optional. Verification will become a legal requirement.
How Identity Verification Works
There are two routes:
1. Direct Verification via Companies HouseIndividuals can verify their identity themselves through the official Companies House system.
2. Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)An ACSP is a regulated professional firm authorised to carry out ID verification and submit filings on behalf of clients.
This is often the simpler and more secure option for busy business owners.
How Robertsons Tax Ltd Can Help
At Robertsons Tax Ltd, we are able to act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
That means:
As a Chartered Accountant practice with over 30 years’ experience, we combine technical compliance knowledge with practical business understanding.
We already handle your accounts, tax and Companies House filings — so adding ID verification into that process keeps everything streamlined and under control.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
Many directors are not yet aware these changes are coming.
Waiting until the last minute could delay filings, prevent company changes being processed, or create compliance risks.
Taking action early ensures:
Next Steps
If you are:
Book a 15-minute discovery call to discuss your position and ensure you are ready for the new Companies House ID verification requirements.
Robertsons Tax Ltd
Big company thinking. Small company personality.
Making your accounts less taxing.
These changes are designed to improve corporate transparency, prevent misuse of UK companies, and reduce economic crime.
If you are a company director, person with significant control (PSC), or someone who files documents at Companies House, this affects you.
Why Was ID Verification Introduced?
For many years, Companies House operated largely as a filing registry — it accepted information in good faith but had limited powers to verify or challenge what was submitted.
Unfortunately, that system was open to abuse.
The new legislation was introduced to:
- Reduce fraud and money laundering
- Prevent false or fictitious directors being appointed
- Improve trust in the UK corporate register
- Strengthen the integrity of UK companies
- Give Companies House stronger powers to query and reject suspicious filings
Who Must Comply?
ID verification will apply to:
1. Company Directors. All existing and newly appointed directors of UK companies must verify their identity.
2. Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). Anyone who:
- Owns more than 25% of shares
- Controls more than 25% of voting rights
- Has the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors
3. People Who File at Companies HouseIndividuals submitting documents on behalf of companies must either:
- Verify their own identity, or
- Be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
Failure to comply can result in:
- Inability to make filings
- Civil penalties
- Criminal offences
- Directors potentially being prohibited from acting
This is not optional. Verification will become a legal requirement.
How Identity Verification Works
There are two routes:
1. Direct Verification via Companies HouseIndividuals can verify their identity themselves through the official Companies House system.
2. Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)An ACSP is a regulated professional firm authorised to carry out ID verification and submit filings on behalf of clients.
This is often the simpler and more secure option for busy business owners.
How Robertsons Tax Ltd Can Help
At Robertsons Tax Ltd, we are able to act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
That means:
- We can verify your identity on your behalf - we can do this via a virtual check it does not need to be in-person
- We can manage Companies House filings for you
- We ensure compliance with the new legislation
- We keep your records accurate and up to date
- We provide ongoing support as the rules evolve
As a Chartered Accountant practice with over 30 years’ experience, we combine technical compliance knowledge with practical business understanding.
We already handle your accounts, tax and Companies House filings — so adding ID verification into that process keeps everything streamlined and under control.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
Many directors are not yet aware these changes are coming.
Waiting until the last minute could delay filings, prevent company changes being processed, or create compliance risks.
Taking action early ensures:
- No interruption to company filings
- No compliance penalties
- Peace of mind
- Proper governance of your business
Next Steps
If you are:
- A company director
- A shareholder with significant control
- Starting a new company
- Unsure whether the rules apply to you
Book a 15-minute discovery call to discuss your position and ensure you are ready for the new Companies House ID verification requirements.
Robertsons Tax Ltd
Big company thinking. Small company personality.
Making your accounts less taxing.