If you’ve recently received an email from Companies House asking you to verify your identity—you are not alone.

These messages are part of a new government-led process to increase transparency in UK businesses. At Moore Accountancy, we’ve already had several clients contact us with questions about what this means and whether action is required.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing, who it affects, and how we’re here to help.

 

Key Changes and Deadlines

These changes fall under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which gives Companies House new powers to verify company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs).

Key dates:

• 18 March 2025: Companies House began registering authorised service providers (like Moore Accountancy).
• 8 April 2025: Voluntary identity verification opened for new directors and PSCs.
• Autumn 2025: Identity verification will become legally required for all new directors and PSCs.
• By Autumn 2026: Existing directors and PSCs will need to have completed verification.

 

What Moore Accountancy Can (and Can’t) Do

We are registering with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This means we can:

• Submit company accounts and confirmation statements on your behalf
• Keep your company’s statutory filings up to date

However, we cannot verify your identity or complete this process for you. The identity checks must be completed directly through the GOV.UK One Login system.

In short:

We’ll continue supporting your compliance, but each director and PSC will need to complete identity verification themselves when prompted.

 

What Does This Mean for Our Clients?

Right now, identity verification is optional—but this will change.

• From Autumn 2025, it will become legally required for all new directors and PSCs.
• Existing directors and PSCs will have until Autumn 2026 to complete their verification, but we suggest you do this before this time.

If you are a limited company client, you don’t need to act until Companies House invites you to do so. But when that time comes, each individual involved in running your company will need to complete the process.

In the meantime:

• Check that your email address is correct at Companies House
• Don’t ignore verification requests when they arrive
• Contact us if you’re not sure what action to take or believe an email is phishing or spam.

 

 What Does ID Verification Involve?

When Companies House contacts you, you’ll need to:

1. Provide your name, date of birth, and home address
2. Upload a valid form of ID (passport or driving licence)
3. Complete a short online verification check

This will be done through the secure GOV.UK One Login system.

Learn more: GOV.UK One Login

 

Why Is This Happening?

These reforms are designed to:

• Improve the accuracy of the Companies House register
• Prevent misuse of company structures
• Reduce fraud and economic crime

While this adds another step for directors and PSCs, it’s a key part of improving trust in the UK business system.

 

Our Role at Moore Accountancy

As your accounting and compliance partner, we’ll continue to:

• Handle your company filings
• Keep your deadlines on track
• Update you on any changes that affect your responsibilities

 

Companies House is currently sending emails to directors and PSCs as part of their phased rollout. These messages explain the new identity verification requirements and what’s coming next.

Please be cautious: Not every email that appears to be from Companies House will be genuine. If you receive something you’re unsure about, forward it to us—we’re always happy to double-check before you take action.

 

Got a Question?

If you’re not sure whether these changes apply to you, or when you need to act, just get in touch. We’re here to help you navigate the updates smoothly and without stress.

info@mooreaccountancy.co.uk
0161 470 7878