Major Update: Companies House WebFiling Moves to GOV.UK One Login – What You Need to Know

Why This Change Is Happening

Companies House is modernising how businesses access its services. From 13 October, anyone using the WebFiling system will need to log in via GOV.UK One Login, the government’s new, secure sign-in service.

This shift is part of a wider digital transformation, aimed at:

• Strengthening online security

• Making access to services simpler and more consistent

• Bringing multiple government services under a single login

Who This Affects

If you currently use Companies House WebFiling to file documents or manage company details, this change applies to you.

You’ll need to connect your WebFiling account to GOV.UK One Login to continue filing. The only exception is if you are submitting a charge (mortgage) document—this remains accessible without the connection.

What Businesses Need to Do Before 13 October

To make sure your account transition is smooth, take the following steps:

1. Check Your Email Address

• Make sure the email tied to your WebFiling account is active and accessible.

• If it needs updating, log into WebFiling and use ‘Manage account’ to change it.

2. Align Your Accounts

• If you also have a Companies House account for “Find and update company information,” use the same email address for both.

• Not got one yet? Create a Companies House account now using the same email address as WebFiling.

3. Review Your Companies List

• In your WebFiling account, go to ‘Your companies’.

• Remove any businesses you no longer file for.

• Remove any users who no longer need filing access.

4. Plan Ahead if You Share an Account

• A WebFiling account can only link to one GOV.UK One Login.

• If you share access, each person will need to create their own GOV.UK One Login and WebFiling account.

• They’ll then need to add companies and be authorised with authentication codes.

What Will Happen After 13 October

• The next time you sign in, you’ll be asked to connect WebFiling to GOV.UK One Login.

• If you don’t yet have a GOV.UK One Login, you’ll need to set one up.

• Once connected, you’ll always use GOV.UK One Login details to sign in.

• You may be asked to re-enter authentication codes for the companies you file for.

Service Downtime to Expect

To prepare for the switch, the WebFiling service will be unavailable between 11 and 13 October. Make sure any urgent filings are completed before this period. For more details on this, please read here.

Why This Matters to Businesses

The change is more than just an inconvenience. It’s part of a wider overhaul of UK company law and Companies House services. By consolidating sign-ins into GOV.UK One Login, businesses benefit from:

• Stronger security against fraud

• Easier account management with fewer login credentials

• Consistent access across multiple government services

Staying Updated

To avoid missing future changes:

• Keep an eye on Companies House announcements via their official updates page.

• Sign up for email newsletters to get notified of new requirements and timelines.

FAQs

1. Do I need a GOV.UK One Login if I only file mortgage charges?

No, you can still file these without connecting your WebFiling account.

2. What happens if I don’t update my email address?

You may lose access to your WebFiling account and risk being unable to file.

3. Can multiple people continue using the same WebFiling account?

No. Each person will need their own GOV.UK One Login and WebFiling account.

4. Will my saved company information carry over?

Yes, but you may need to re-enter authentication codes when reconnecting.

5. Is GOV.UK One Login only for Companies House?

No. It’s being rolled out across multiple government services for consistent, secure access.

6. What happens during the downtime in October?

Between 11–13 October, WebFiling will be unavailable while the transition takes place.

Don’t Stress About Companies House – We’ve Got You!

Moving to GOV.UK One Login doesn’t need to be complicated. At Spondoo Accountants UK, we’ll walk you through every step, making sure your filings are smooth and hassle-free.
Chat with us here and let’s get your business ready.