Updates to registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
Registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House is part of the changes introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2024 (ECCTA) for firms that offer identification verification (IDV) services for clients. From no earlier than November 2026, firms will also need to be registered as an ACSP to file accounts, confirmation statements and forms with Companies House on behalf of clients. ACSPs are also known as Companies House authorised agents.
Why register now?
Any accounting firms that want to continue filing accounts for clients will need to be registered as an ACSP within the next six months.
Although this might seem like a long time away, especially with MTD for income tax and FRS102 changes to navigate first, Companies House is encouraging firms to register early to avoid any delays or disruption when the start date comes around.
The original deadline was expected to be spring 2026, so implementation has already been delayed. Companies House has also warned that application volumes are likely to increase significantly as the deadline approaches.
Currently, the online part of the application should only take a few minutes if you have all the required information ready. There are then further checks to be carried out, including confirming that your firm is supervised by a recognised UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.
AML supervision is a requirement for approval, so it does need to be independently confirmed with ICAS. Registration is not an automated process that can be done at the last minute.
By registering early, as advised by Companies House, firms can access their authorised agent account sooner and start adding employees and other stakeholders who will need access to continue filing once ACSP becomes mandatory for that.
How to register
You can register through the gov.uk website. Before using the service, you’ll need to verify your identity if you haven’t already done so. You’ll also need to provide Companies House with additional details about your business.
For sole traders and partnerships, this includes:
- Your name
- Business name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Email address
For limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), you’ll be asked for details such as:
- Company number
- Registered office address
- Companies House authentication code
- Contact email address
You’ll also need to confirm that ICAS is your AML supervisor and give your AML supervision number, this is the same as your firm number e.g. F1234, so that this can be verified with ICAS.
As part of the process, you’ll also need to confirm that you’re aware of your legal responsibilities as an authorised agent. These include:
- Always being registered with an UK AML supervisory body.
- Updating Companies House within 14 days of any changes to the authorised agent’s details.
- Keeping records and providing more information about filings with Companies House if requested.
If you firm provides IDV services to clients, you must keep records of any identity checks for seven years.
Make sure you read the Companies House guidance on authorised agent responsibilities and compliance requirements before completing your application. It’s important that you’re aware of these legal requirements and keep updated with any changes.
What happens when you register
Once Companies House approve your application, your firm will become a registered authorised agent, and you’ll have access to your Companies House authorised agent account.
You can choose whether to be included on the public register of ACSPs, which displays your business details and your AML supervisor.
If you do verify the identity of clients, this will be shown on the client’s records on Companies House.
Registering early helps ensure your firm is ready ahead of the mandatory deadline and can continue filing accounts, confirmation statements and other vital forms with Companies House on behalf of clients.
Remember to keep your details up to date if your firm’s information changes.
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