New dates for the launch of the ACSP registration service and commencement of voluntary identity verification

The ACSP registration service launched on 18 March, while the date from which an individual will be able to voluntarily verify their identity has been rescheduled to 8 April, to allow for comprehensive testing.  

These changes are part of ongoing technology transformation to implement Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act measures.

Read more about how to get ready to register as an ACSP

You can also register for an ACSP webinar, which is taking place at 12pm on Wednesday 2 April. 

Changes to accounts

Companies House recently announced that the online accounts and company tax return service is closing on 31 March 2026. This means companies will need to find alternative methods of filing their accounts with Companies House and Company Tax Returns with HMRC once it closes.  

For Companies House, the alternative filing routes are:  

• software
• its web services
• paper filing.

For HMRC, companies must file using software. For further information on the closure, read HMRC’s guidance.  

Over the next two to three years Companies House will also be transitioning towards filing accounts by software only. To help support this move, it has published an updated version of its software look-up tool to help companies compare and choose a suitable software product. 

It is preparing a detailed timetable for the roll-out of software-only filing and aims to give companies 21 months’ notice of the change.  

At the beginning of April, Companies House will release an upgrade to the package accounts service launched in January 2025. This upgrade will coincide with the 2025 taxonomy release and will enable more package accounts to be filed digitally.

Changes to access and protection of trust data on the Register of Overseas Entities  

Information related to trusts on the Register of Overseas Entities is not currently available to the public. There will be changes to the access and protection of trust data held on the Register of Overseas Entities throughout 2025.  

• From 28 February 2025, entities can apply to protect trust data if they meet the necessary criteria.   

• From 31 August 2025, trust data on the Register of Overseas Entities will be made available on request.  

Companies House has emailed entities and agents to let them know how they can apply to protect their details if they meet the necessary criteria.  

Read more about the criteria and how to apply for protection

It’s important that information on the Register of Overseas Entities is correct and up to date, including any data related to trusts. Entities are encouraged to update incorrect or incomplete information in their next update statement.