How to Add or Remove a PSC Entry at Companies House in 2024

To add or remove a PSC entry at Companies House in 2024, a company must identify or confirm the individual or entity with significant control, update its internal PSC register, and submit the relevant PSC forms (PSC01–PSC09) or confirmation statement through Companies House online services within 14 days of the change.

What is a PSC entry, and why does it matter?

A PSC entry records individuals or entities that control more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or otherwise exercise significant influence over a UK company, ensuring transparency and compliance with statutory ownership disclosure requirements under the Companies Act 2006.

A PSC (Person with Significant Control) defines who ultimately owns or controls a company. Companies House requires every UK company to maintain accurate PSC data. This information supports anti-money laundering enforcement and corporate transparency.

A PSC qualifies under three main criteria: ownership of more than 25% of shares, control of more than 25% of voting rights, or the ability to influence or control company decisions. Corporate entities can also qualify as registrable relevant legal entities (RLEs).

Failure to maintain correct PSC entries leads to compliance breaches. Companies House enforces penalties, including fines and potential criminal liability for directors.

When must you add a PSC entry at Companies House?

A PSC entry must be added within 14 days after identifying a new individual or entity that meets PSC criteria, followed by filing the update at Companies House within another 14 days to ensure statutory compliance.

A PSC is added when ownership or control changes. This often happens during share allotments, share transfers, or restructuring. For example, when a shareholder increases ownership from 20% to 30%, they become a PSC.

Companies must first update their internal PSC register. This register acts as the primary record. After updating internally, the company files the relevant PSC form with Companies House.

Three common triggers require adding a PSC:

• Increase in shareholding above 25%

• Appointment of a controlling director

• Acquisition of voting rights through agreements

Delays in filing create a compliance gap. Companies House timestamps submissions, making late filings visible.

How do you add a PSC entry step by step?

To add a PSC, identify the qualifying individual, collect verified personal details, update the internal PSC register, and file the appropriate PSC form (such as PSC01 for individuals) through Companies House online services.

The process begins with identification. The company verifies whether an individual meets PSC criteria. This includes reviewing share registers, voting agreements, and control structures.

Next, collect the required details:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Nationality and country of residence

• Service and residential addresses

• Nature of control (e.g., 25–50% shares)

Accuracy matters at this stage. Companies House cross-checks filings against existing data.

The company updates its internal PSC register immediately. This step creates a legal record before external filing.

Finally, submit the correct form:

• PSC01: Individual PSC

• PSC02: Relevant legal entity

• PSC04: Change in PSC details

Digital filing through Companies House WebFiling reduces processing time. Most updates reflect within 24 hours.

Maintaining an accurate PSC Register compliance service ensures that records align with legal requirements and reduce filing errors.

When should you remove a PSC entry?

A PSC entry must be removed when an individual or entity no longer meets the PSC criteria, such as when shareholding drops below 25% or control rights are relinquished, and the update must be recorded and filed within statutory deadlines.

Removal occurs when control changes. For example, if a shareholder sells shares and ownership drops to 20%, they no longer qualify as a PSC.

Another scenario involves termination of control agreements. If a person previously influenced company decisions through contractual rights, ending that agreement removes PSC status.

The company must act immediately. Internal records must reflect the change within 14 days. Companies House must receive the update within the following 14 days.

Accurate timing ensures compliance. Delays signal governance issues and may trigger scrutiny.

How do you remove a PSC entry correctly?

To remove a PSC, update the internal PSC register to reflect cessation, then file the relevant cessation form (such as PSC07) with Companies House, including the exact date the individual or entity stopped being a PSC.

The removal process begins with confirming the cessation date. This date defines when the individual stopped meeting PSC conditions.

Next, update the internal PSC register. The entry remains visible but marked as ceased, preserving historical records.

Submit the correct form:

• PSC07: Individual ceased to be PSC

• PSC08: RLE ceased status

Include precise cessation details. Companies House uses this data for compliance tracking.

Errors often occur when companies omit cessation dates or file incorrect forms. These mistakes delay updates and may require correction filings.

Using structured PSC Register systems reduces these risks by ensuring consistency between internal records and Companies House filings.

What information is required for PSC filings?

PSC filings require verified identity details, nature of control, service address, and the date control was gained or ceased, ensuring Companies House can accurately record ownership and control structures.

Each PSC entry must include structured data. Companies House enforces strict formatting and validation rules.

Key data points include:

• Identity details: full name, date of birth, nationality

• Address details: service address (public), residential address (protected)

• Control details: percentage of shares or voting rights

• Timeline data: date of becoming or ceasing to be a PSC

Three control categories define PSC status:

• Share ownership: 25–50%, 50–75%, or 75%+

• Voting rights: same percentage bands

• Significant influence: board-level or contractual control

Data consistency matters. If internal records differ from filed data, discrepancies appear during audits.

What happens if PSC updates are not filed on time?

Failure to file PSC updates within statutory deadlines results in legal penalties, including fines and potential prosecution of directors, while also exposing the company to compliance risks under UK anti-money laundering regulations.

Companies House monitors filing timelines. Late submissions trigger compliance flags.

Directors carry personal responsibility. Penalties include financial fines and criminal liability in severe cases.

Regulatory bodies use PSC data to detect financial crime. Inaccurate or missing entries weaken transparency and increase scrutiny.

For a detailed breakdown of risks and consequences, see this guide on What happens if a UK company does not have a PSC register?

Maintaining accurate PSC records supports regulatory compliance and builds trust with financial institutions.

Can PSC changes be filed online or offline?

PSC changes can be filed online using Companies House WebFiling or submitted via paper forms, although online filing is faster, more accurate, and typically processed within 24 hours compared to several days for postal submissions.

Digital filing is the standard method. It reduces manual errors and validates entries before submission.

Online systems guide users through required fields. This minimises incomplete filings.

Paper forms remain available but introduce delays. Processing times range from 5 to 10 working days.

Three advantages of online filing:

• Validate data automatically before submission

• Reduce rejection rates

• Enable faster public record updates

Most companies now use digital services to manage PSC updates efficiently.

How does PSC compliance fit into broader company obligations?

PSC compliance forms part of a company’s statutory obligations, alongside confirmation statements, annual accounts, and director filings, ensuring accurate public disclosure of ownership and control under UK corporate law.

PSC reporting integrates with annual filings. Companies confirm PSC data during the confirmation statement submission.

This creates a continuous compliance cycle. Any change during the year must be recorded immediately, not deferred.

PSC data also impacts banking and due diligence. Financial institutions verify ownership structures before approving accounts or transactions.

Three related compliance areas:

• Confirmation statement (CS01)

• Annual accounts filing

• Director and shareholder updates

Accurate PSC records ensure alignment across all filings.

Also explore,

PSC Register vs Shareholders Register: What the 3 Key Differences Are 

PSC Register Filing Deadlines and What Happens If You Miss Them 

How can businesses ensure PSC entries are always accurate?

Businesses ensure PSC accuracy by maintaining real-time internal registers, verifying ownership changes immediately, and using structured compliance processes or professional services to align filings with Companies House requirements.

Consistency is the key factor. Companies that update records immediately avoid last-minute corrections.

Verification processes strengthen accuracy. This includes identity validation and cross-checking share registers.

Professional services improve reliability. Structured workflows reduce human error and ensure correct form usage.

For businesses evaluating reliable filing support, this resource explains PSC register filing done correctly by MCR's fixed fee same-day service.

My Company Registration provides structured PSC Register management aligned with Companies House standards. The service ensures accurate filings, correct documentation, and timely submissions.

Adding or removing a PSC entry at Companies House requires precise identification, accurate record updates, and timely filing within statutory deadlines. Each step—verification, documentation, and submission—must align with UK compliance frameworks to avoid penalties.

My Company Registration delivers structured PSC Register solutions that ensure accurate ownership reporting and consistent compliance with Companies House requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PSC register, and who must maintain it?

A PSC Register records individuals or entities that control over 25% of shares or voting rights in a UK company. All UK limited companies must maintain and update this register to comply with Companies House transparency requirements, as supported by My Company Registration services.

How often must a PSC register be updated?

A PSC Register must be updated within 14 days of identifying any change in ownership or control, followed by filing the update with Companies House within another 14 days. This ensures accurate and compliant reporting under UK corporate law.

What information is required in a PSC register?

A PSC Register must include full name, date of birth, nationality, service address, and details of control, such as share percentage or voting rights. My Company Registration ensures these details are properly verified and recorded to meet Companies House standards.

What happens if a company does not maintain a PSC register?

Failure to maintain a PSC Register can result in fines, legal penalties, and potential criminal liability for company directors. Companies House may also flag the business for non-compliance, affecting transparency and due diligence checks.

Can a PSC register be filed or updated online?

Yes, PSC Register updates can be submitted online through Companies House WebFiling, which processes changes faster than paper forms. My Company Registration supports accurate digital filing to reduce errors and ensure compliance with UK regulations.