UK limited companies – get ready for upcoming changes to Companies House filings

While some may think that Companies House filings aren’t the most exciting part of running a business – they’re absolutely crucial!

Following the changes outlined in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House have outlined the first tranche of changes they plan to make to ensure that UK limited companies are complying with their legal obligations, which they anticipate will take effect from 4 March 2024.

The first change is the requirement for companies to make a statement that their intended future activities are lawful. All companies incorporated on or after 4 March 2024, and companies completing confirmation statements dated 5 March 2024 onwards, will be required to make this statement as part of their annual compliance work.

The second change is the requirement, from the same time, for companies to provide a “registered email address”, for Companies House to contact the company.  This address will not be public but needs to be one which is checked regularly since important communications will be sent to this address.

The final change to take place from this date is the requirement to have an “appropriate” registered office address. An appropriate address is one where:

• Any documents sent to the registered office should be expected to come to the attention of a person acting on behalf of the company.
• Any documents sent to that address can be recorded by an acknowledgement of delivery.

Although this doesn’t mean you can’t use an agent’s address (for example, an accountant or solicitor), it does mean you can’t use a PO Box anymore. Where Companies House identify an inappropriate address being used, they will reset the address to a placeholder, held at Companies House’s offices. If the company are not able, to provide a suitable address and evidence of the company’s link to that address within 28 days, Companies House will commence the process of striking the company off.

None of these changes are complicated to manage, but compliance is crucial to avoid financial penalties. There will be more changes over the next few years as ECCTA takes effect, but our team are up to date with the requirements and are happy to advise on the requirements or prepare the necessary filings on your behalf.

For more information or to discuss your circumstances, please get in touch with your usual EQ contact or call one of our offices.