Compliance & ECCTA
No, you can verify directly with Companies House. An ACSP helps where documents are not supported, you are overseas, or you want the filing handled for you.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityNo. You can verify directly with Companies House for free using GOV.UK One Login. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is an alternative route, useful for overseas directors, unsupported documents, or where you want a professional firm to handle it.
Choosing between the routes
What an ACSP must do
No. You can verify directly with Companies House for free using GOV.UK One Login. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is an alternative route, useful for overseas directors, unsupported documents, or where you want a professional firm to handle it.
Direct verification suits anyone with a UK passport or photocard driving licence and a smartphone. It is free and typically takes minutes. An ACSP suits overseas directors, people whose documents fail the digital check, and clients who would rather the whole formation and verification package be handled in one place.
Filing agents themselves must be registered ACSPs to file on behalf of clients, so if your accountant or formation agent submits documents for you, they will already be authorised and supervised for anti-money laundering.
Carry out identity checks to the standard set out in the regulations, keep records of the evidence, and confirm to Companies House that verification has been completed. They are supervised, so checks are real rather than a form-filling exercise.
Expect to provide a passport or national identity document and proof of address, and to complete a live check. Providers vary in price and turnaround, so ask before committing.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.
Local help
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Companies House maintains a register of authorised providers. Check it before sending documents to anyone.
Often for overseas directors, because document checks are handled by people rather than an automated flow.
We are a supervised professional firm and verify clients as part of onboarding and formations. Ask us for current details.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.
Included approach
Check the current rules
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.
Talk to an accountant
Share your next deadline, accounting problem or growth question. We will reply with a clear next step and quote any technical work before it begins.
Chat with ACCOTAX on WhatsAppPick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
Four London offices
Work with us entirely online, or sit down with your accountant at whichever office suits you. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Office visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming in.
Free, no obligation
Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
