Glossary
Every Companies House term explained in plain English
ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)
Official definition
An organisation approved by Companies House to verify people's identities and file documents on behalf of clients.
In plain English
A company that Companies House trusts to check IDs – like TaxStats ID!
Biometric Passport
Official definition
A passport with an electronic chip containing biometric data such as a digital photograph and fingerprints.
In plain English
A passport with a computer chip inside. Most passports issued since 2010 have one – look for the little chip symbol on the cover.
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
Official definition
A card issued to non-EU nationals living in the UK, containing biometric information.
In plain English
An ID card for people who aren't from the UK or EU but live here legally.
Companies House
Official definition
The UK government agency responsible for incorporating and dissolving companies, and maintaining the register of company information.
In plain English
The government office that keeps track of all UK companies – like a big filing cabinet for businesses.
Confirmation Statement
Official definition
An annual filing that companies must make to Companies House, confirming their registered information is correct.
In plain English
A yearly check-in where you tell Companies House "yes, our information is still correct." It used to be called an Annual Return.
Director
Official definition
A person appointed to manage a company's affairs and make decisions on behalf of the company.
In plain English
The person (or people) in charge of running a company. They make the decisions and take responsibility.
Digital Verification
Official definition
The process of verifying identity online using technology to check documents remotely.
In plain English
Proving who you are using your phone or laptop – no need to meet anyone in person.
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA)
Official definition
Legislation passed in 2023 giving Companies House new powers to verify identities and prevent fraud.
In plain English
A new law that says Companies House can now check who really runs companies, to stop criminals hiding behind fake identities.
Executive Director
Official definition
A director who is also an employee of the company and involved in day-to-day management.
In plain English
A director who works at the company every day, like a CEO or Managing Director.
Group A Documents
Official definition
Primary identity documents with a photograph, used for video call and in-person verification.
In plain English
Photo ID documents like passports and driving licences – you need one of these for video call or in-person verification.
Group B Documents
Official definition
Supporting documents used alongside Group A documents for video call and in-person verification.
In plain English
Supporting documents like utility bills or bank statements – you need one of these plus a Group A document.
Identity Verification
Official definition
The process of confirming that a person is who they claim to be, typically using official documents.
In plain English
Proving you're really you – like showing your ID to get into a club or open a bank account.
In-Person Verification
Official definition
Identity verification conducted face-to-face at a physical location.
In plain English
Going to an office and showing your ID to a real person in the same room.
Non-Executive Director
Official definition
A director who is not involved in day-to-day management but provides independent oversight.
In plain English
A director who advises the company but doesn't work there every day. They help keep an eye on things.
One Login (GOV.UK One Login)
Official definition
The UK government's single sign-on service for accessing government services online.
In plain English
One username and password that works across lots of government websites. You might already have one for other gov.uk services.
Personal Code
Official definition
A unique identifier issued by Companies House to individuals who have successfully verified their identity.
In plain English
Your special code that proves you're verified – like a verified badge on social media. You'll need it when filing documents.
PRADO
Official definition
Public Register of Authentic Identity Documents - an EU database of accepted identity documents.
In plain English
A list of ID documents from around the world that are accepted as genuine. If your ID is on PRADO, we can usually accept it.
PSC (Person with Significant Control)
Official definition
An individual who owns or controls a company, typically owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights.
In plain English
Someone who owns a big chunk of a company (more than a quarter). They have real power over what the company does.
Relevant Legal Entity (RLE)
Official definition
A corporate body that meets the conditions for being a PSC of another company.
In plain English
When a company (not a person) owns or controls another company.
Registered Office
Official definition
The official address of a company registered with Companies House.
In plain English
The official address Companies House has for your company. It's where they send important letters.
Shareholder
Official definition
A person or entity that owns shares in a company.
In plain English
Someone who owns part of a company. If you own shares, you're a shareholder.
Video Call Verification
Official definition
Identity verification conducted remotely via live video conference.
In plain English
A video chat where you show your ID to a real person through your camera – like a FaceTime or Zoom call.
Voting Rights
Official definition
The entitlement to vote on company matters, typically at shareholder meetings.
In plain English
Your power to have a say in important company decisions. More shares usually means more votes.
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