Accounting technology / Glossary / Companies House filing

What is Companies House filing?

Definition

Companies House filing is the set of documents a UK company must send to the registrar of companies: annual accounts, a confirmation statement at least once a year and notices of changes such as new directors or a new registered office. Since 18 November 2025 directors and people with significant control must also verify their identity with Companies House.

Also calledfiling with Companies Housestatutory filing

Compare the softwareBest practice management software for accounting firms →All 11 practice management vendors →

Private company accounts: Due 9 months after year end
Identity checks: Since 18 November 2025
Software-only accounts: From 1 April 2028

How Companies House filing works

Private companies file accounts within nine months of the end of their financial year and public companies within six months, and late filing brings automatic penalties. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is changing the process. Identity verification for directors and people with significant control began on 18 November 2025, and existing directors must be verified before the company files its next confirmation statement. From 1 April 2028 accounts must be filed through commercial software in iXBRL format, with the web and paper routes closed for accounts. Accounts production software such as Silverfin, and Xero Tax, prepare the iXBRL file and submit it to Companies House.

Common questions

What has to be filed at Companies House each year?+

Annual accounts and a confirmation statement. Changes, such as appointing or removing a director or moving the registered office, are filed as they happen.

Do directors need to verify their identity with Companies House?+

Yes. Since 18 November 2025 new directors must verify their identity, and existing directors before the company's next confirmation statement. Verification is through GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as an accounting firm registered for it.

When does Companies House accounts filing become software-only?+

For accounts filed on or after 1 April 2028. From then accounts must be submitted through commercial software in iXBRL format; the web and paper routes stay open for other filings.