Navigating the Latest Companies House Changes: A Guide to CS01 Filing, ID Verification, and PSC Requirements in 2026

As a UK business owner or director, staying compliant with Companies House regulations is essential for smooth operations. Recent reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 have introduced significant updates, particularly around the Confirmation Statement (CS01 filing), identity (ID) verification, and Persons with Significant Control (PSC) verification. These changes, effective from 18 November 2025, aim to enhance transparency, combat fraud, and ensure accurate public records.

Whether you’re handling micro entity accounts filing, dormant accounts filing, or seeking reliable company filing services, understanding these updates is crucial to avoid penalties and delays. At Filing Accounts, we offer expert business filing services to simplify compliance, from CS01 submissions to full accounts preparation. If you’re navigating these new rules, contact us today for tailored support.

What is the CS01 Confirmation Statement?

The CS01, or Confirmation Statement, is an annual filing that verifies your company’s details are up-to-date with Companies House. It includes information on directors, shareholders, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), share capital, and SIC codes. Unlike annual accounts, it’s not financial but confirms no changes (or details changes) since the last statement.

Key filing requirements:

Deadline: Annually, within 14 days of the review period end (typically your incorporation anniversary or last CS01 made-up date).
Fee: As of 1 February 2026, the digital filing fee increased to £50 (up from £13), while paper filings rose to £110 (from £40). These hikes reflect Companies House’s push toward digital submissions.
Penalties for Late Filing: Start at £150 for up to 1 month late, escalating to £1,500 for over 6 months, with doubles for repeat offenses and potential prosecution.

Failing to file on time can lead to your company being struck off the register. For businesses using company filing services, integrating CS01 with other obligations like micro entity accounts filing or dormant accounts filing ensures efficiency.

Recent Companies House Changes: An Overview

The 2023 Act has transformed Companies House from a passive register to an active gatekeeper. Key reforms rolled out in phases, with major impacts on CS01 filing starting late 2025:

Increased Fees (February 2026): Beyond CS01, incorporation fees rose to £100 digitally (from £12), and other services like name changes increased to £50.
Identity Verification Mandate (From 18 November 2025): All directors and PSCs must verify their ID, with a 12-month transition period ending November 2026.
Enhanced PSC Rules: Stricter verification and reporting to prevent misuse of company structures.
Future Changes (No Earlier Than November 2026): ID verification for all filers (presenters) and mandatory registration as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) for third-party agents.

These updates emphasize digital compliance and accuracy, affecting everything from new incorporations to routine filings.

ID Verification: What Directors Need to Know

Identity verification is now a legal prerequisite for directors, aimed at confirming you’re who you say you are. This involves matching your details against government databases or using approved third-party providers.

For New Directors (Appointed After 18 November 2025)

Verify ID before appointment via Companies House’s online service.
Provide a personal verification code (a unique identifier) during registration.
Without verification, the appointment won’t be accepted.

For Existing Directors

Transition period: Verify by your company’s next CS01 filing date after 18 November 2025, up to November 2026.
On the CS01, include your personal code for each director.
If unverified, the CS01 will be rejected, halting other filings.

Process:

Log into Companies House with your WebFiling account.
Submit photo ID (e.g., passport) and proof of address.
Receive a personal code upon successful verification.

Penalties: Acting as a director without verification can lead to fines or disqualification. For businesses relying on business filing services, professional help ensures timely compliance.

PSC Verification: Stricter Rules for Persons with Significant Control

PSCs are individuals or entities controlling more than 25% of shares/voting rights, or with significant influence. The new rules require separate verification, even if the PSC is also a director.

For New PSCs (From 18 November 2025)

Verify within 14 days of appointment or company incorporation.
Use the “Provide identity verification details for a PSC” online service.
Submit the VS01 form (Verification Statement) electronically, including your personal code.

For Existing PSCs

If also a director: Provide PSC code separately within 14 days after the company’s CS01 date (e.g., if CS01 is 31 March 2026, window is 1-14 April 2026).
If not a director: 14-day window from the 1st to 14th of your birth month, or as notified by Companies House.
Use the VS01 form for submission—failure to do so risks penalties.

Key Differences from Directors:

PSCs use a dedicated service/form (VS01/EF-VS01 for electronic).
Even matched identities (director and PSC) require dual submissions.
Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs) as PSCs will face similar rules later, but no timeline yet.

Non-compliance: Fines up to £5,000 for persistent failures, plus potential civil penalties. Accurate PSC details are vital for transparency, especially in micro entity accounts filing where ownership structures matter.

Verification Type	Who It Applies To	Deadline/Window	Submission Method	Consequences of Non-Compliance
Director ID	New: Before appointment Existing: By next CS01	Transition to Nov 2026	WebFiling with personal code on CS01	CS01 rejection; fines/disqualification
PSC Verification	New: 14 days post-appointment Existing (Director): 14 days post-CS01 Existing (Non-Director): Birth month 1-14	As notified (14-day window)	VS01 form/online service	Penalties up to £5,000; register inaccuracies

How These Changes Impact Micro Entity Accounts Filing and Dormant Accounts Filing

For small businesses qualifying as micro-entities (turnover ≤ £1m, balance sheet ≤ £500k, ≤10 employees), the ID/PSC changes add layers to routine filings. Micro entity accounts filing now requires verified directors/PSCs before submission, potentially delaying approvals.

Dormant companies (no significant transactions) must still file dormant accounts (AA02) and CS01 annually. Unverified IDs could block these, risking strike-off. Using company filing services streamlines this—Filing Accounts handles verification reminders alongside dormant accounts filing.

Tip: Integrate CS01 with accounts filing cycles to minimize disruptions.

Benefits of Using Professional Business Filing Services

DIY filing is possible but risky with these complexities. Professional company filing services like ours offer:

Expertise on latest changes.
Secure handling of ID verification.
Timely CS01, micro entity, and dormant accounts submissions.
Error-free PSC reporting.

At Filing Accounts, our business filing services cover everything, saving you time and avoiding penalties. Explore our services for affordable packages.

Client Feedback from Trustpilot

“Filing Accounts navigated the new ID verification seamlessly for our CS01. Highly efficient!” – Anonymous, February 28, 2026 (5 stars)
“Great support with PSC changes and dormant accounts filing. Saved us from headaches.” – David, January 10, 2026 (5 stars)

Our 4.2/5 rating reflects our commitment—join our satisfied clients.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your CS01 Under the New Rules

Review Details: Check directors, PSCs, shares via your Companies House account.
Verify IDs: Ensure all relevant parties have personal codes.
Prepare CS01: Use WebFiling; include codes for directors.
Submit PSC Verification: Separately via VS01 if required.
Pay and Confirm: £50 digital fee; receive acknowledgment.

For PSCs: Monitor your 14-day window via HMRC notifications.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Missing Verification Windows: Set reminders for CS01 dates and birth months.
Dual Roles Oversight: Remember separate PSC submissions.
Fee Increases: Budget for £50 per CS01.
Inaccurate PSC Info: Regularly review for changes.

Non-compliance can lead to rejected filings, affecting credit and operations.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Companies House?

By November 2026, all filers (including agents) must verify IDs or register as ACSPs. This will further digitize processes, impacting business filing services.

Stay proactive—early verification avoids rushes.

Why Choose Filing Accounts for Your Company Filing Services?

With expertise in micro entity accounts filing, dormant accounts filing, and CS01 compliance, we ensure you’re ahead of changes. Our team handles ID/PSC verifications efficiently.

More Trustpilot Reviews

“Expert handling of new Companies House rules for our business filing services.” – Sarah, March 1, 2026 (5 stars)
“Smooth CS01 and PSC verification—highly recommend!” – Mark, February 15, 2026 (5 stars)

Trust our 5-star service for peace of mind.

In conclusion, these Companies House changes strengthen UK business integrity but require diligence. Whether for CS01 filing or broader compliance, professional support is invaluable. Reach out to Filing Accounts today.

Official GOV.UK Announcements and Guidance

Companies House confirms identity verification rollout from 18 November 2025https://www.gov.uk/government/news/companies-house-confirms-identity-verification-rollout-from-18-november-2025 (Key announcement on the start date, requirements for new/existing directors and PSCs, and the 12-month transition period.)
Changes to Companies House fees from 1 February 2026https://www.gov.uk/government/news/companies-house-fees-are-changing-from-1-february-2026 (Official confirmation of the CS01 digital fee increase to £50, paper to £110, and other fee changes.)
Changes to Companies House fees (detailed list)https://changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk/changes-to-companies-house-fees/ (Full table of updated fees, including CS01 at £50 digital.)
Identity verification – Changes to UK company lawhttps://changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk/identity-verification (Comprehensive overview of who needs to verify, timelines, and transition details for directors and PSCs.)
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act: outline transition plan for Companies Househttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/economic-crime-and-corporate-transparency-act-outline-transition-plan-for-companies-house/economic-crime-and-corporate-transparency-act-outline-transition-plan-for-companies-house (Indicative timeline for all reforms, including updates on postponed presenter ID verification to no earlier than November 2026.)
One million people verify identity early ahead of Companies House changeshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/one-million-people-verify-identity-early-ahead-of-companies-house-changes (Update on early verifications and reminders about providing personal codes on CS01.)

Companies House Blog and Specific Guidance

Understanding identity verification for people with significant control (PSCs)https://companieshouse.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/16/understanding-identity-verification-for-people-with-significant-control-pscs (Detailed explanation of PSC-specific rules, including 14-day windows after CS01 for director-PSCs and birth month for others.)

Additional Reliable Sources for Context

Verifying your identity for Companies House (general guidance linked from announcements) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house (Step-by-step process for ID verification—useful to link in your “How to Verify” section.)