PSC statement update deadline (14 days)

UK companies must keep their Persons with Significant Control (PSC) register up to date. Any change must be notified to Companies House within 14 days of the company updating its internal PSC register.

What is this filing?

The PSC register lists individuals who own or control the company — typically those holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or exercising significant control by other means. The register is part of the public CH record and is also confirmed annually through the confirmation statement.

When is it due?

14 days from the date the company's internal PSC register is updated. The internal register itself must be updated 'as soon as reasonably practicable' after the change.

What's the penalty for missing it?

Failure to comply is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 plus a daily default fine. Directors are personally liable. Persistent failure can trigger striking-off and disqualification.

What it actually costs

Failure to maintain an accurate PSC register or to file changes at Companies House is a criminal offence under section 790W of the Companies Act 2006, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 plus a daily default fine. Directors are personally liable. Companies House does not issue an automatic civil penalty as it does for late accounts, but enforcement action can be brought by Companies House directly or by HMRC where beneficial ownership is in question.

Why this catches practices out

• PSC changes arising from private share transfers are often delayed in notification — clients assume the solicitor is handling it but no-one has filed with CH.
• The internal PSC register obligation means the company must update its own record first, then has 14 days — a two-step process that is easy to lose track of.

How PenaltyProof helps

PenaltyProof alerts you to confirmation-statement deadlines, where a company's PSC details are confirmed annually. Dedicated PSC-change monitoring is on our roadmap for paid plans.

Frequently asked questions

What triggers the 14-day PSC notification window?

The clock starts from the date the company updates its own internal PSC register — not from the date the company first becomes aware of a change. The internal register must itself be updated 'as soon as reasonably practicable' after the underlying change (e.g. a share transfer).

How is a PSC change notified to Companies House?

Using form PSC01 (new PSC), PSC03 (change of details), or PSC07 (cessation), filed via Companies House WebFiling. Alternatively the change is included in the next confirmation statement if it falls within the annual filing window.

Who can be a PSC?

Any individual who holds more than 25% of shares, more than 25% of voting rights, or the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board. Significant influence or control by other means also qualifies. Relevant legal entities (other companies, LLPs) can also be 'registerable' for the PSC register.

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