It has been a turbulent period for Companies House, with a system outage, a serious security flaw, and a raft of new compliance requirements all landing at once. This edition covers what has happened, what is changing, and what you may need to do.
1. System Outage: Filing and Incorporations Suspended (10–16 June)
Companies House experienced a major system failure between 10 and 16 June 2026. During this period it was unable to accept any accounts, confirmation statements, or new incorporation applications. The service was restored on the afternoon of 16 June, but with a backlog of approximately 100,000 filings to work through.
Some filings may take three to four days longer than usual to appear on the public register while the backlog clears.
What this means for you: If your company had a filing deadline that fell between 10 and 16 June and you were unable to submit in time, any resulting late filing penalty can be appealed. Contact us and we will help you put together an appeal.
2. Security Flaw: Directors’ Personal Data Was Exposed
Separately from the June outage, in March 2026 a security researcher discovered a serious vulnerability in the Companies House WebFiling portal. By pressing the browser’s back button several times after a failed authentication attempt, it was possible to access another company’s account dashboard — without any password or verification code.
This meant that personal information held by Companies House but not shown on the public register — including directors’ home addresses and full dates of birth — was potentially visible to anyone who knew the technique. An estimated five million companies were at risk. Companies House took the WebFiling service offline and fixed the issue within days, but it is not known how long the vulnerability existed or whether it was exploited.
What this means for you: If you are a director and have a residential address suppression in place with Companies House, it is worth checking your record on the public register to confirm your details remain protected. Get in touch if you have any concerns.
3. New Filing Rules: Small Companies Must File Profit & Loss from April 2028
The government recently confirmed that, from April 2028, small companies and micro-entities will for the first time be required to file a profit and loss account with Companies House. Currently, small companies can file accounts that omit turnover and profitability from the public register — that option will be removed.
Companies will be able to opt out of their profit and loss account being displayed publicly on the register. However, given the security incident described above, there are legitimate questions about how reliably information held by Companies House — even if not publicly displayed — is protected.
Two other changes accompany this reform:
- The option to file abridged accounts will be abolished
- All accounts will have to be submitted via commercial software — the Companies House website and paper filing routes will close
What this means for you: If you run a small company and have relied on the option to keep your financial results private, now is a good time to discuss your options with us. Contact us for a conversation.
4. Identity Verification: Existing Directors Must Act by November 2026
Since 18 November 2025, all new directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) have been required to verify their identity with Companies House before taking up their role. If you were already a director or PSC before that date, you are required to verify when your company next files a confirmation statement, with a final deadline of November 2026.
Around six to seven million individuals need to complete this process. Verification is free and can be done:
- Online via GOV.UK One Login, using a UK passport or driving licence
- In person at a designated Post Office
What this means for you: If you have not yet verified your identity with Companies House, please do not leave this until the last minute. Get in touch if you need guidance on the process.
5. Companies House Fees Have Risen Significantly
From 1 February 2026, Companies House increased its fees across the board. Key changes:
- Incorporation (online): £50 → £100
- Confirmation statement (digital): £34 → £50
Companies House has said the additional income will fund its expanded compliance and enforcement powers under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These increases are already in effect and will be reflected in any filings we make on your behalf.
Need advice?
At GLAM Accountancy we keep our clients ahead of tax and regulatory changes. If any of the above affects you, we would love to help.
info@glam-accountancy.co.uk | glam-accountancy.co.uk
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please contact us directly if you have specific questions about your circumstances.