Agency unveils new features for WebFiling account

Credit: Engin Akyurt/Pixabay

Companies House is shortly to launch a revamped version of the online platform through which businesses can file annual accounts and other documents.

The government agency announced that it has will soon unveil a new and improved WebFiling service which will provide users with increased security and improved options for self-service.

Additional features include multi-factor authentication and the ability for users that file on behalf of multiple companies to manage them all from a single account. Individuals will also be able to “link your company to your WebFiling account.. [so] you will not need to enter your authentication code every time you file online”. The relaunched platform will enable users to see who is currently authorised to file documents on behalf of the company, and to add new people to this list – including during the incorporation process for new companies.

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Once the update is launched, existing WebFiling users will, upon logging into the new service, be asked for some additional details to support the use of multi-factor authentication – but can retain the same email address and password. 

Companies House claimed that the new filing system is “the first step in creating a single sign-in across all Companies House services, and it’s an important milestone in our 2020 to 2025 strategy”.

The agency recently cited ongoing improvements in its online tools as a factor in its decision not to reopen its office in London, or customer customer-service counters in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh – all of which had been shut since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Working with customers, we’ve put new ways in place to submit documents, enhancing our digital offering and reducing reliance on public counters,” it said, in a statement. “As we continue to transform our services to provide a truly modern and digital service, it’s been decided that our public counters will not reopen.”

The agency added: “It’s quicker and easier to file information online. Our online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”