Effortless Guide: How to File Articles at Companies House

As a UK business owner, it’s essential to understand how to file articles with Companies House accurately. Whether it’s new articles of association, resolutions, or other crucial documents, having a clear understanding of the filing process can save time and prevent potential legal issues.

Companies House is the official UK government record of companies and legal entities. It’s essential to ensure that your company’s information is accurate and up-to-date. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to file articles with Companies House.

From requirements, necessary documents, to the electronic filing process, this guide will give you everything you need to know to navigate the process seamlessly.

Key Takeaways:

• Properly filing articles at Companies House is critical for maintaining accurate and up-to-date company information.
• You can file articles online through Companies House’s web filing service.
• You’ll need to provide specific information about your company, such as the company name, shareholder details, and share capital.
• Choosing a suitable company name is essential, and it’s important to follow specific requirements set out by the Companies Act 2006.
• Be aware of any specific requirements or changes that may arise and seek professional advice if necessary.

Understanding the Filing Process at Companies House

For any UK business, filing articles at Companies House is a necessary part of maintaining accurate and up-to-date company information. Articles of association, resolutions, and other important documents need to be filed with Companies House to ensure that they are legally recognised. Let’s take a closer look at the process of filing articles and the requirements involved.

When filing articles with Companies House, you’ll need to provide specific information about your company, including the company name, shareholder details, and share capital. The process of filing articles involves completing the necessary documents and submitting them to Companies House for examination.

One crucial requirement is that the documents need to be submitted in a specific format and structure. You can file your articles online via the Companies House webfiling service, or by using software filing services or even by post. However, the use of webfiling or electronic filing is encouraged and usually results in a quicker processing time.

Articles of association are crucial documents that outline the regulations and rules governing a company’s operations. New articles of association may be required if there are significant changes to the structure or operation of the company. Resolutions, on the other hand, are significant decisions approved by the shareholders, such as the appointment of directors or the change of company name.

Ensure the accuracy of all documents

It’s essential to ensure that all documents are completed accurately and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. Failure to do so may result in your documents being rejected by Companies House, which can cause delays and additional costs. Additionally, it may also lead to problems with legal compliance and eligibility for certain services.

In conclusion, understanding the process of filing articles at Companies House is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and legality of your company’s operations. By following the necessary steps and requirements, you can confidently file articles and maintain an up-to-date and compliant record of your company information.

Filing Articles Online with Companies House

Filing articles electronically with Companies House is a quick, easy and convenient way to file documents that need to be submitted such as the memorandum and articles of association, resolutions, and confirmation statements.

To use Companies House WebFiling service, you must first register for an online account. The necessary documents for filing can be found on the Companies House website.

Once you have logged into the WebFiling service, you will be able to select the relevant legal entity for your company, and add details of a new shareholder, if required. You will also need to provide details of the company’s share capital, and its statement of capital.

The documents that need to be uploaded can be submitted either as a PDF file or in XML format using software filing. Companies House WebFiling service is a secure and reliable online service that enables you to file your documents online, quickly and easily, using your company authentication code.

Companies House WebFiling service is available 24/7, but your filing will only be examined during Companies House’s working hours. You can pay for the filing service using your card details. To use the WebFiling service, you must be authorised to file on behalf of the company, and have a Companies House WebFiling account.

Prior to filing the documents 

Before filing your documents, it is important to ensure that the company’s articles of association are up-to-date and accurate. You should also check that the company name used in the documents matches with the name registered at Companies House.

Companies House uses the information presented on the document for the share rights and the company information, such as the model articles and company name, as provided by the company’s directors.

Limited companies, including private limited companies, limited liability partnerships, and Welsh companies, can file documents online. Companies House will reject any filings that do not meet the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Changes to the company

Changes to your company, such as the addition of a new currency or share class, must be submitted via the Companies House online filing services account application form. This form enables you to file amendments to your company’s articles and resolutions as well.

By enabling paperless filing in response to your application, you will be able to access protected online filing. This allows you to file your documents online, via the Companies House WebFiling service, without the need for paper documents.

If you forget your password, you can reset it online by following the instructions provided on the Companies House website. You can file documents on behalf of the company by signing into your WebFiling account and selecting the relevant documents.

Companies that you submit information for will only be available to view once you have signed in using your WebFiling account details. You can access this information by selecting the relevant section of the website.

If your documents are rejected by Companies House, you can ring the Companies House contact centre for support. The contact centre is open from 8:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Additional Considerations and Tips for Filing Articles

When filing articles at Companies House, there are various additional considerations and tips to keep in mind to ensure successful submission. Below are some important details to take note of:

Private Company Limited by Shares

If you have a private company limited by shares, there are some additional requirements to consider when filing articles. You’ll need to provide information on the share capital of the company and specify the number and type of shares issued, among other details. It’s also important to note that companies must have at least one shareholder and at least one share issued.

Amended Articles

If you are amending the articles of association for your company, make sure you have a copy of the original articles to compare against. Once the amendments are made, ensure that they are properly filed with Companies House and that the updated version is recorded with your company’s information.

Signing into Webfiling Service

When signing into the Companies House webfiling service, you’ll need to have your online filing services account application form completed. This will enable you to file documents online, including amended articles or new documents such as resolutions or statements.

New Currency and Share Class

If you are adding a new currency or share class, make sure to provide the relevant details when filing your articles. Companies House may reject the filing if all necessary information is not provided.

Documents to File

When using the webfiling service, ensure that you select the correct document type when filing your articles and resolutions. Additionally, if you need to file documents on behalf of the company, make sure you are authorised to do so and that all details are accurate.

Changes to Your Company

If there are any changes to your company’s information, such as a change in registered office address or director details, these must also be filed with Companies House. You’ll need to file your accounts annually and may also need to file certain paper forms with Companies House. To enable paperless filing in response, make sure your national insurance number is up-to-date and that you have a new password ready.

Adding New Details

If you need to add new details, such as additional directors or shareholders, make sure to enter the new information when filing your articles. You’ll need to provide relevant information, including the company code for all companies that you submit information for.

Section 243 of the Companies Act

It’s important to note that section 243 of the Companies Act 2006 requires companies limited by shares to provide certain details about new shares issued. If you have new details that need to be reported, make sure to include them in your filings.