What Does Companies House Do for Small Businesses UK?
Key Takeaways Companies House is the UK’s official registrar for companies, providing a secure legal foundation for small businesses, including company registration, compliance management, and a transparent public record. Registering your small business with Companies House makes it a separate legal entity, protecting your personal assets through limited liability. All limited companies must file a […]
Role of Companies House in the UK: Duties, ID Checks & 2025 Changes
Key Takeaways Companies House is the UK’s official register, overseeing company formation, compliance, and statutory filings for all limited companies in England & Wales. New ID verification requirements for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) are being introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, with phased deadlines from 2024 to 2026. Late […]
Companies House vs HMRC Difference: Duties, Filings & Deadlines
Key Takeaways Companies House and HMRC have very different roles: Companies House manages corporate records and public filings; HMRC handles taxation and corporation tax payments. Every UK limited company must file annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House, and a corporation tax return (CT600) with HMRC. Missing a Companies House or HMRC filing […]
Why Register with Companies House? Legal Requirements & Key Benefits
Key Takeaways Registering your business with Companies House is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006 for all UK limited companies. Failing to register may lead to significant penalties, forced company dissolution, and personal liability risk for directors. Registration establishes legal credibility, offers liability protection, and is essential for banking and raising investment. Incorrect […]
Companies House WebFiling Explained: 2026 Rule Changes & ID Checks
Key Takeaways Companies House WebFiling Explained: Major changes from February 2026 require all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to complete new ID verification checks before submitting any documents online. Strict Verification is Mandatory: Failure to verify your identity can lead to immediate rejection of filings, late penalties, compliance issues, and potential legal disputes. […]
How to File Accounts at Companies House: Step-by-Step Guide 2024
Key Takeaways Filing accounts at Companies House is a strict legal obligation for every UK company. Missing deadlines leads to instant financial penalties and, if persistent, potential legal action or company strike-off. Always check your company’s accounting reference date (ARD) and confirm which accounts type you need—micro-entity, small, or full accounts—to stay compliant and avoid […]
Companies House Authentication Code Explained: Guide for Directors
Key Takeaways The Companies House authentication code is a unique six-digit password that acts as your company’s electronic signature for secure online filings in England & Wales. You need the authentication code to complete essential statutory filings, including confirmation statements, director appointments, and updates to your registered office address. If you lose your authentication code, […]
How to Submit Confirmation Statement Online: Step-by-Step UK Guide
Key Takeaways Submitting your UK confirmation statement online is a legal obligation for limited companies and LLPs under the Companies Act 2006. It ensures your company details are accurate and up to date. Late or incorrect confirmation statement filing risks penalties, public strike-off, and potential legal action against directors. You must verify your identity using […]
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act Explained: UK Compliance Guide 2024
Key Takeaways The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, enforced from 2023, introduces mandatory Companies House reforms and new director duties for UK businesses. All companies must identify and verify every Person of Significant Control. Failing to meet PSC verification requirements can result in severe penalties. The Act introduces a failure to prevent fraud offence, […]
How to Protect Your Companies House Authentication Code
Key Takeaways The Companies House authentication code is a unique digital key that controls access to your company’s official filings. Protecting your Companies House authentication code is essential to prevent unauthorised filings, fraud, or loss of company control. If your code is compromised, your business faces real risks—financial loss, regulatory breaches, and director liability. Only […]
