Companies House WebFiling issue: What businesses need to do now
19th Mar 2026
Author: Butcher & Barlow
A recent Companies House update has raised understandable concern for business owners and directors. Companies House has confirmed a security issue affecting its WebFiling service. It says the issue came to light on Friday 13th March 2026, that the service was taken offline that afternoon and that it was restored at 9am on Monday 16th March after testing. Companies House also says the issue appears to have been introduced during a system update in October 2025.
What has happened?
Companies House says the issue meant that a logged-in WebFiling user with an authorised code could potentially view certain non-public information linked to another company and, in some cases, make unauthorised filings. The information that may have been visible includes dates of birth, residential addresses and company email addresses. It may also have been possible for filings such as accounts or changes of director to be made on another company’s record without consent.
Why does this matter for businesses?
For many businesses, Companies House is not just an administrative register. It is a record that banks, funders, suppliers and professional advisers may rely on. If incorrect information appears on that record, or if a filing is made without authority, it can create uncertainty at exactly the wrong time. Even where there is no evidence of misuse, this is a sensible reminder to keep your company record under regular review.
What do we know so far?
There are some important limits to what happened. Companies House says the issue was not accessible to the general public, as users had to have an authorisation code and be logged in. It also says passwords were not compromised, identity verification data such as passport details was not accessed and existing filed documents could not be altered. At the time of its latest update, Companies House said it had no confirmed reports of data being accessed or changed without permission, although its investigation is continuing.
What should you do now?
Companies House is advising companies to check their registered details and filing history carefully. If anything looks incorrect or unexpected, it says you should contact enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk using “WebFiling issue” in the subject line and provide your company name, company number and as much detail as possible.
It is also sensible to sign up to the Companies House Follow service so you receive an email alert whenever a document is filed for your company. That can help you spot unexpected activity more quickly and respond sooner if something does not look right.
How Butcher & Barlow can help
If you are concerned about an unexpected filing, incorrect company information or the wider implications for your business, taking advice early can help you deal with the issue quickly and with confidence. At Butcher & Barlow, we can help you review the position and decide what steps need to be taken next.
Contact the team on 01606 334309 or email enquries@butcher-barlow.co.uk
This article refers to guidance published by Companies House on 18th March 2026.
The information in this article was correct at the time of publication. The information is for general guidance only. Laws and regulations may change, and the applicability of legal principles can vary based on individual circumstances. Therefore, this content should not be construed as legal advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified legal professional to obtain advice tailored to your specific situation. For personalised guidance, please contact us directly.