Change your SIC code quickly and hassle-free

A SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code identifies your company’s main business activity on the Companies House public register.

An up-to-date SIC code ensures legal compliance, public accuracy, and helps HMRC and other agencies understand your operations.

Using the wrong SIC code may affect VAT setup, R&D claims, or trigger audit flags. It can also cause errors in official records and filings.

Yes. HMRC uses your SIC code to assess eligibility for VAT, R&D tax credits, and other schemes—so accuracy is key.

Yes. Your SIC code is public. Having the right one helps ensure your business is represented professionally and credibly.

You update your SIC code by filing a Confirmation Statement with Companies House. Online Filings can do this for you quickly online.

If your business activity has changed or you used the wrong code when registering, update it as soon as possible.

Yes. We handle the Confirmation Statement and file your SIC code update electronically with Companies House.

Once the Confirmation Statement is filed and accepted, changes are usually reflected on the Companies House register in 1–2 working days.

Identity verification is a requirement introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Companies House is moving to a system where all company directors must verify their identity, and this requirement applies to filings submitted through Online Filings.

Online Filings is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House and is supervised by HMRC for Anti-Money Laundering. Because of these obligations, we must verify the identity of all directors and all users before any filing can be submitted through our platform. This protects the integrity of the service and ensures that every filing we process is valid and compliant with UK law.

Directors using Online Filings must therefore complete identity verification before we can submit their filing. The process is fast, secure and takes less than two minutes on your smartphone. You can verify your identity using a UK driving licence, a UK passport or an international passport.

The Companies House Personal Code is an 11-character identifier you receive after completing identity verification with Companies House. From 18 November 2025, all directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and other key company officers must use this code when submitting filings such as confirmation statements and appointment forms.

You only need to verify your identity once. Your personal code will then apply to all your current and future roles and appointments. Keep your code secure, but you may share it with trusted professionals such as accountants, authorised agents or the Online Filings platform when they submit filings on your behalf.

When do I need to use my Personal Code?

• Directors: Use the code when filing the company's confirmation statement or when being appointed.
• PSCs who are not directors: Provide your code within 14 days of the start of your birth month.

Online Filings is officially approved by Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. This status means we are trusted to submit your company filings directly to Companies House on your behalf, following rigorous compliance and security standards required by UK law.

As an ACSP, we must:

• Verify the identity of directors and people with significant control (PSCs) using government-approved processes.
• Follow strict anti-money laundering checks overseen by Companies House and a UK supervisory body such as HMRC.
• Protect your company from fraud and ensure your filings are always accurate, secure, and fully compliant with UK regulations.

Using Online Filings means your documents are managed by a government-recognised and highly regulated provider, giving you a smoother, safer, and more reliable experience.