Companies House published guidance on the key changes to its service on the 18th March, which we summarised in the following article:
https://www.ts-p.co.uk/news/covid-19-how-companies-house-changes-could-impact-on-businesses.
Companies House has since updated this guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-guidance-for-companies-house-customers-employees-and-suppliers#history
What this means for businesses
This article focuses on the key updates of this guidance and what it means for your business and using the Companies House services during these unprecedented times.
Apply to remove your home address from the public register
If you wish to remove your home address from the public register you must complete and submit form SR01 to Companies House. Companies House will then redact this information from the public record.
Companies House recommends that, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the quickest way to ensure your SR01 application is processed is to email them a digital copy to DSR@companieshouse.gov.uk. This will allow Companies House to process the application, and redact the information without delay.
You will still need to send your completed paper SR01 and cheque or postal order (£55 for each document which contains the address you want to remove) to Companies House by post.
Any applications processed without receipt of the completed paper document or the correct fee may result in the redacted information being placed back onto the public register at a later date.
Applications to restrict the disclosure of your information
If you are a director or person with significant control (PSC) and are at serious risk of violence or intimidation you may make an application to Companies House to protect your details from being disclosed on the public register.
Companies House has suspended all paper applications until further notice.
Therefore to make an application, you must apply online at the following link:
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/protect-your-details/start
The application will take around 20 minutes to complete. The application fee is £100 and you can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card. For the time being, you will be unable to pay using a Companies House account.
Repurchase of shares (SH03)
HMRC has introduced an electronic service to temporarily replace their usual Stamp Duty process.
Please follow the below link for further details on how to pay Stamp Duty to HMRC during the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pay-stamp-duty
Your SH03 form is normally sent to HMRC for stamping if the purchase is above the duty payable threshold. You’ll still need to send your SH03 form to HMRC and they will issue your company with a letter instead of stamping the form.
Companies House will accept and register an unstamped SH03 form if it’s accompanied by the letter from HMRC confirming that the correct duty has been paid.
The situation with COVID-19 is changing on an almost hourly basis. Planning ahead is vital, as is having access to trusted advice. If you have any questions about how the coronavirus might impact your business, get in touch with our team of expert lawyers today.
