If you’re a business owner, director, or compliance professional, understanding the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is essential. This legislation introduces major changes that will affect how companies are formed, managed, and monitored in the UK.
Our detailed ECCTA timeline breaks down each change into clear milestones, helping you stay informed and prepared. Whether you’re looking to protect your business from risk or ensure full compliance, this guide gives you everything you need in one place.
How we got here, and future key dates:
4 March 2024
Enhanced Companies House powers
- Companies House can query, reject, or remove inaccurate or suspicious information.
- Stricter checks on company names and new lawful purpose statements for incorporations.
- Registered office address rules tightened (PO Boxes are no longer allowed).
- Companies must provide a registered email address and confirm lawful future activities in their confirmation statement.
1 May 2024
Increased Companies House fees
- Filing fees rose to fund expanded responsibilities under ECCTA.
18 March 2025
Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
- Third-party professionals (lawyers, accountants, formation agents) must register as ACSPs to conduct identity verification and file documents on behalf of clients.
Spring/Summer 2025
Identity Verification begins
- Phased rollout requiring anyone forming, owning, or controlling a UK company to verify their identity.
- Individuals can apply to suppress personal information from historical filings for privacy protection.
1 September 2025
Failure to prevent fraud offence
- Large organisations (meeting two of: >250 employees, >£36m turnover, >£18m assets) will be criminally liable if associated persons commit fraud for their benefit and they lack reasonable prevention procedures.
18 November 2025
Mandatory Identity Verification
- All directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and LLP members must verify their identity.
- Applies to new incorporations and existing entities (with a 12-month transition period).
- Non-compliance can lead to fines, restrictions on filings, or criminal penalties.
Spring 2026
Limited Partnerships reform
- Must file information via ACSPs and provide more details to Companies House.
2027
Digital filing mandate
- Companies House will require software-only filing for accounts.
- Small and micro entities lose reduced filing options and must submit full accounts including Profit & Loss.
Next steps
PEM are an ACSP, we can provide this service for existing clients. Please get in touch with your regular PEM contact, who will be able to assist you with this.
Please note that this content is not intended to give specific technical advice. It is designed to highlight some of the key issues rather than provide an exhaustive explanation of the topics. Professional advice should always be sought before action is either taken or refrained from as a result of information contained herein.
