TaxCalc Blog

How do you verify an individual?

An individual can be verified, either:

1. Using an ACSP (like your firm) – Perhaps the most reliable and client-friendly option
2. In-person at the Post Office – If this method is chosen, Directors and PSCs must do so themselves Using a GOV.UK One Login – If this method is chosen, Directors and PSCs must do so themselves

When an individual is verified, they will receive a unique identifier known as a Companies House Personal Code. The code is specific to the individual and in most cases the verification is a one-off, further verifications will only be required at the specific request of Companies House.

But here’s the catch - to verify clients, your systems must match government-level standards. That means investing in the technology or the training that can satisfy those standards.

You have two choices for verifying an individual’s identity as an ACSP:

1. Use biometric identity verification (IDV) technology capable of validating the cryptographic features of the document.
2. Enrol your team on a Home Office Security style training course to be able to spot potential identity fraud and document tampering. This will allow you to continue to conduct the manual ID checks that you may be doing today.

It will be for you to determine the costs and risks associated with both options and indeed whether you will offer the service to your clients at all or, alternatively, ensure that they complete the verification process themselves.

Opportunities for accountants

• Own the client relationship – Offer a full suite of services, from filings to ID verification
• Generate new revenue – Charge for verification and compliance checks
• Stand out from competitors – Become a trusted expert in the new regime

Of course, with power comes great responsibility. As an ACSP, you’ll need to:

• Report any changes to your firm within 14 days
• Maintain ID verification records for at least 7 years
• Be ready for Companies House spot checks
• Always be registered with an AML supervisory body, including HMR

Impact on client workflows: what you need to prepare

Onboarding just got more complex.

For existing clients:
They’ll need to verify their identity before you can file for them. Some may be confused or reluctant. Your guidance will make the difference.

For new clients:
ID verification becomes step one. That means your onboarding process needs to be airtight and, ideally, integrated with your practice management tools.

Want a competitive edge? Do it all in-house. That’s where ACSP status pays off.

Being an ACSP will allow you to verify your clients’ identities with Companies House and further, third parties who file on behalf of their clients will be required to register as an ACSP from Spring 2026.

The Companies House IDV changes mean that from 18th November 2025:

1. Any director will need to have their identity verified to allow submission of their confirmation statement. ACSPs are permitted to verify the identity of their clients and inform Companies House of such, otherwise the individuals will have to do so themselves either using an online GOV.UK service or in person at the post office.
2. Any newly appointed director will need to be verified before that appointment form can be filed with Companies House. Again, if you do not do this as an ACSP the individual or individuals will have to do this themselves and provide you with their ‘personal code’.

In simple terms, if your firm helps clients set up companies or file documents, you will need to be registered as an ACSP to keep doing that from Spring 2026 and you may wish to consider early registration to do the identity verification process yourself.

How to register as an ACSP?

Registration is via GOV.UK  and you must meet their qualifying criteria.

• You can register as a company, partnership or sole trader
• You will need to verify your own identity (employees will not need to)
• Your firm must be registered with a UK anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory body.
• You must pay the £55 registration fee.

Once your registration has been approved you will receive a unique ACSP ID and online Companies House account that is separate to your existing Companies House WebFiling account.

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