New Companies House Identity Verification Starts Tomorrow
Tax Effective Ltd is now an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — here’s what you need to know
From tomorrow, Companies House begins enforcing the first phase of the new identity-verification regime under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA). This is one of the most significant changes to UK company law in decades, designed to combat fraud and improve corporate transparency.
Every director, person with significant control (PSC), company secretary, and authorised filer must now have their identity verified through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) or directly with Companies House.
As an ACSP, we are authorised to verify the identity of company directors, PSCs (persons with significant control), company secretaries, and anyone who files information on behalf of a company. This is now a mandatory legal requirement for all UK companies in the future.
Why Identity Verification Is Now Required
The UK government has introduced identity verification for all directors and PSCs to combat fraud, protect the UK business ecosystem, and improve corporate transparency.
From tomorrow onward:
- New directors must verify their identity before their appointment is filed.
- New PSCs must verify their identity before the change is registered.
- Individuals filing on behalf of a company must also be verified.
- Existing directors and PSCs must verify their identity before the company’s next confirmation statement.
Failure to verify can result in:
- Rejected appointments and blocked filings
- Delays to transactions and corporate actions
- Regulatory penalties or offences for deliberate non-compliance
In short, verification is no longer optional — it is a legal requirement for all UK companies.
How Tax Effective Can Help
As a registered ACSP, we provide Companies House–compliant identity verification using both in-person checks and digital IDVT technology, making the process quick, secure, and flexible for all clients — including overseas directors.
Our ACSP verification service includes:
- Identity verification for directors and PSCs
- Verification for company secretaries and filing individuals
- Support for UK and overseas passports and other approved documents
- Secure biometric and document checks using IDVT
- A full audit trail for AML and Companies House records
- Support with new incorporations and changes in company officers
- Bulk verification for multi-company groups and franchises
- Guidance on key deadlines and obligations under ECCTA
Two Easy Ways to Get Verified
Companies House allows identity verification to be carried out via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. At Tax Effective Ltd, we offer two practical pathways:
Option 1: Visit Us In Person (Face-to-Face Verification)
You can visit our office for immediate, in-person identity verification with a member of our compliance team.
Best for: Local clients, urgent cases, or if you prefer face-to-face support
Location: 42 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5SH
What to bring:
- A valid UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, or overseas biometric passport
- Proof of current address (Recent bank statement or utility bill)
- Year you moved into your current address
We’ll complete your verification immediately using electronic checks that meet Companies House and anti-money laundering standards.
Option 2: Digital IDVT Verification (Remote Online Service)
Best for: Overseas directors and PSCs, busy professionals, remote teams or shareholders based outside the UK
Here’s how it works:
- We send you a secure online link.
- You upload a clear image of your passport or driving licence.
- You complete a biometric facial scan (selfie check).
- You enter your current residential address and the year you moved in.
- We complete the electronic verification and submit the result to Companies House as your ACSP.
The process typically takes 3–5 minutes and can be completed from anywhere in the world. Your current address and year moved in help us perform electronic address-matching and verification, which are part of the Companies House identity checks and AML requirements.
What Identification Is Accepted?
We can verify identity using a range of approved documents, including:
- UK biometric passport
- UK photocard driving licence
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Overseas biometric passports
- Some EU/EEA national ID cards (subject to eligibility)
Non-biometric or expired documents may require additional checks, which can affect the time and cost involved. We will advise you if this applies in your case.
Why Early Verification Matters
Identity verification affects a wide range of company activities, including:
- Appointing or removing directors
- Registering or updating PSCs
- Incorporating new companies
- Filing confirmation statements
- Recording changes in company officers
- Any filings submitted on behalf of a company
By verifying early, you can:
- Avoid blocked or delayed filings
- Prevent disruption to corporate transactions
- Stay compliant with ECCTA and Companies House requirements
- Protect your business from unnecessary risk and penalties
This is one of the most significant changes to UK company law in decades. Acting now reduces the risk of last-minute issues and ensures your company continues to operate smoothly.
Book Your Identity Verification Today
Our team is ready to support you through the new Companies House identity-verification requirements, whether you prefer to verify in person or via our digital IDVT service.
Email: info@taxeffectiveltd.com
Phone: 0207 096 1192
Address: 42 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5SH
Website: www.taxeffectiveltd.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does verification take?
A: In-person verification is immediate. Digital verification typically takes 3–5 minutes to complete, with results processed within 24–48 hours.
Q: Do I need to verify if I’m already a director?
A: Yes. Existing directors and PSCs must verify their identity before the company’s next confirmation statement.
Q: Can overseas directors use this service?
A: Absolutely. Our digital verification service works worldwide and accepts overseas biometric passports.
Q: What if my documents have expired?
A: Expired documents may require additional verification steps. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Q: Is there a fee?
A: Please contact us for current pricing. We offer competitive rates for individual and bulk verifications.
As a fully registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Tax Effective Ltd provides a trusted, compliant, and efficient identity-verification service for all UK companies — ensuring you remain fully compliant under the new ECCTA regime.
