Major Changes Coming to Companies House in 2025 & 2026 – What You Need to Know

Big changes are on the horizon for UK companies as Companies House implements new regulations throughout 2025 and 2026, under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These reforms are aimed at improving transparency, cracking down on fraud, and modernising how companies report and file information.

Here’s a summary of what’s changing – and how it may affect your business.

From 2025: Stronger Checks and Transparency Requirements

✅ Registered Email Address Requirement
All companies must provide a registered email address to Companies House. This will not appear publicly but will be used for official correspondence – and it’s a legal requirement.

✅ Lawful Purpose Confirmation
New companies must confirm their lawful business purpose when incorporating. Existing companies will need to reconfirm this annually as part of their confirmation statement.

✅ Greater Scrutiny of Company Information
Expect stricter identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs), as well as stronger checks on submitted data.

From 2026: Filing Reforms and New Account Requirements

✅ Accounts Must Be Filed Digitally
Starting in 2026, Companies House will begin phasing out paper and web-based account filings. You’ll need to use MTD-compliant or approved software to submit your company accounts.

✅ Mandatory Profit & Loss Accounts
Even small and micro-entity companies will need to file a profit and loss account — this change will make company financials more transparent and improve access to credit and business confidence.

✅ Stricter Filing Deadlines & Penalties (Expected)
Although not finalised, Companies House is also consulting on shorter deadlines for filing accounts and harsher penalties for non-compliance.

Why It Matters to Your Business

These changes are more than just admin tweaks – they’ll have real impacts on:

• How and when you file your accounts
• What financial information becomes public
• What software and systems your business needs

How HPL Accountancy Can Help
We’re here to support you through all the upcoming reforms – from ensuring your records are compliant, to helping you transition to digital filing and software-based submissions.

📩 Need help preparing for these changes?

Contact martin@hplaccountancy.com or call 07766 880246

Let’s get your company future-proofed today.

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