Identity Verification at Companies House – why is this being introduced and what do I need to do?

Paula Veysey-Smith • 26 August 2025

Have you ever been a victim of identity fraud? It’s very unpleasant, can cause financial hardship and always causes distress. My own son himself found out that he had been appointed a Director of a bogus Limited Company with no knowledge! I have also included a guide further down as to what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunately situation.

From 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity at Companies House. Its primary aim is to prevent misuse of UK companies, namely fraud, money laundering, illicit financial activity, and concealment of ownership. The requirement helps ensure individuals registered as directors or PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) are genuine, not fictitious or fraudulent identities.

Why are these changes happening?

The new measures are certainly a good safeguard to avoid innocent individuals being taken advantage of. Fraud and false entries have been a persistent problem, including cases of fictional directors like “Darth Vader” or “Santa Claus.” The Identity Verification (IDV) system will help to reduce such abuse. It’s also intended to improve data quality, helping users of the register, such as investors, banks, and regulators, make informed decisions.

The move also fits within global trends of combating shell company abuse and boosting beneficial ownership transparency which does prevent financial crime through identity clarity.

However, it does require some necessary administration in completing the verification Here’s a guide to help you comply:

How to Complete Verification

Two Main Routes:

Directly via Companies House using GOV.UK One Login
Free and online.
Requires a government-issued photo ID (e.g., biometric passport or driving licence), a selfie, or bank statement for identity confirmation.
Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
These include accountants, solicitors, formation agents etc., supervised under UK Anti-Money Laundering regulations, and approved by Companies House.
ACSPs conduct the ID check and submit on your behalf.

Once verified, individuals receive a personal code from Companies House, reusable across all company roles.

I have used the first route myself and it was relatively easy and did not take much time.

What If You Don’t Comply?

It will be Illegal to act as a director or PSC without completing verification by the relevant deadline.

Companies may be prevented from filing documents, face financial penalties, director disqualification, and even company dissolution.
Enforcement will include annotations on the register, rejection of filings, and fines.
Some third-party providers are charging between £45–£250, despite the process being quick and free via One Login.

What You Can Do Now

Verify early, especially if you’re a director or PSC. It's quick via GOV.UK One Login.
Confirm your confirmation statement dates, which will determine your deadlines. After 18 November, the Companies House register will show upcoming due dates.
Ensure your company’s registered email is up to date to receive guidance, reminders, and notices from Companies House.

What Can I do if my name has been used fraudulently as a Company Director?

1. Confirm the Details

Check the entry on the Companies House register using their free webcheck service.
Download the filing history and director details to confirm where and how your name has been used.
Note the company number, filing date, and any associated documents.

2. Report the Fraud to Companies House

Email: integrity@companieshouse.gov.uk providing the following details:
Your full name and contact details
The company number and name
Copies/screenshots of the record showing your name
A statement that you have no connection to the company

Companies House has a dedicated team handling such “identity misuse” cases. They can annotate the register to flag the record as potentially fraudulent while they investigate.

3. Report to Action Fraud

Go to Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud).
File a report of identity theft/corporate identity fraud.
You will get a crime reference number, which may help if you need to dispute financial or credit implications later.

You can take further action such as considering a Protect Statement, protecting yourself against wider identity theft and even seeking legal advice.

MPower is not an ACSP so we can’t conduct the ID check and submit on your behalf. However, we are available to guide you through the process of completing the identity verification at Companies House so please do contact us if you need a helping hand.

R is for Reward

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 8 July 2026

The finish line isn't just a destination. It's proof of everything you put in to get there. “Nothing feels so good as when you've succeeded at something you set out to do.” We made it. Seven letters, seven posts, and one very important journey. If you've been following this series from the beginning, you'll know that back in January we started with a goal — a triathlon in July. And as I write this, sitting in the garden with an iced coffee and a medal around my neck, I can tell you: it happened. R is for Reward. And it might just be my favourite letter of the lot.

HMRC mileage rate increase 2026 -- car dashboard representing business travel costs

HMRC Increases Mileage Rate to 55p Per Mile

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 5 June 2026

HMRC has increased the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate from 45p to 55p per mile for the first time in 15 years. Find out what the new rates mean for employees, directors and self-employed individuals from 6 April 2026.

E is for Evaluate

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 18 April 2026

Setting a goal is just the beginning. What keeps it alive — and keeps you moving towards it — is what you do in between. “Evaluating what you're doing is so important. What worked, what didn't, what can I do better?” We're six letters into the SMARTER framework now. We've covered Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Today we reach E for Evaluate — and I'll be honest with you, I think this might be the most important letter of the lot.

MTD for Income Tax Is Here: What It Means for You

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 13 April 2026

HMRC’s new system Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment has now arrived! This isn’t just a regulatory update. It’s a shift in how your records are kept, how often you report, and what you will need to do throughout the year. What’s changing for you: Under MTD for Income Tax, if you’re a sole trader or landlord within scope: You’ll need to keep digital records Quarterly updates will need to be digitally submitted to HMRC An End of Period Statement (EOPS) will need to filed A Final Declaration will be needed to finalise your tax position for the year In short: instead of one annual deadline, your tax reporting becomes a year-round process. Why using compliant bookkeeping software is now essential? To meet MTD requirements, HMRC requires fully digital record keeping and submissions . Manual spreadsheets alone are no longer sufficient You’ll need to use MTD-compliant bookkeeping software Sending your accountant paper records or incomplete information will cause delays The upside (it’s not just compliance) While MTD is mandatory, it also brings real benefits: Clear visibility of your tax position throughout the year Better cash flow planning Fewer surprises at year-end What support do you need to navigate this new system? The support of qualified accounting professionals is now more necessary than ever. We don’t expect you to navigate this alone and here’s how MPower Accounting can ensure that you not only comply with, but thrive under, this new reporting requirement. We’ll help you choose and set up the right software We work with trusted platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and others. We’ll recommend what fits your business best and get everything set up correctly. We’ll ensure you stay compliant Review your records regularly Submit your quarterly updates accurately and on time Handle all year-end submissions We’ll take the stress off your shoulders With the right system in place: Your records stay up to date automatically We can spot issues early You avoid last-minute pressure and surprises All we’ll need from you to make MTD work smoothly, is access to your chosen bookkeeping software, regular uploaded receipts so we can keep records current and a little of your time when there are questions. The more up-to-date your records are, the more value and proactive advice, we can provide. Your role is simple but important. Letting us take the strain of compliance will save you time and cause significantly less stress, enabling you to focus on what is important, that is running your business successfully. Next steps If you haven’t already: Speak to us about getting set up on MTD-compliant software Let us review your current bookkeeping process Make sure you’re ready for quarterly reporting