Limited partnerships have historically occupied a relatively distinct position within the corporate framework. In comparison with private limited companies, they have been subject to lighter reporting obligations and more limited scrutiny by Companies House. That position is now set to change.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) introduces a fundamental shift in how UK limited partnerships are regulated. With implementation expected in 2026, these reforms will bring LPs firmly into the modern corporate transparency regime
While implementation is being phased, the provisions affecting limited partnerships are expected to come into force during 2026, subject to secondary legislation.
Businesses that defer consideration of these changes until formal commencement risk encountering avoidable compliance challenges.
Policy Context
The reforms form part of a broader legislative framework aimed at strengthening the integrity of the corporate register.
Historically, limited partnerships have been identified as presenting elevated risk in certain contexts, owing to:
- comparatively limited disclosure requirements
- minimal ongoing filing obligations
- a perception of weaker regulatory oversight
The ECCTA seeks to address these issues by enhancing transparency, improving data reliability, and equipping Companies House with more robust supervisory and enforcement powers.
For compliant and well-governed structures, the implications are largely procedural. For others, the changes may necessitate a more fundamental reassessment of governance and reporting arrangements.
Core Operational Changes
Filings via Authorised Corporate Service Providers
A central feature of the new regime is the requirement that most filings in respect of a limited partnership must be made either directly by verified individuals or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
An ACSP must be:
- formally registered with Companies House
- subject to anti-money laundering (AML) supervision
- responsible for delivering filings on behalf of the partnership
Filings that do not meet verification or regulatory requirements may be rejected.
This represents a material change for partnerships that have historically managed filings internally. Early engagement with an appropriate ACSP is therefore advisable.
Where the general partner is a corporate entity, the partnership will also be required to appoint a named individual (for example, a managing officer or equivalent) whose identity must be verified in accordance with the new regime.
Introduction of Annual Confirmation Statements
Limited partnerships are expected to be required, for the first time, to submit an annual confirmation statement to Companies House.
This statement is expected to:
- confirm the accuracy of information held on the register
- verify that the partnership remains active
- be submitted through an ACSP or by a verified individual
This represents a clear departure from the historically limited ongoing obligations applicable to many LPs and will need to be incorporated into annual compliance processes.
Registered Office Requirements
The reforms introduce stricter rules in relation to registered office addresses.
Each limited partnership will be required to:
- maintain a registered office within the same UK jurisdiction in which it is registered
- ensure that the address satisfies the statutory “appropriate address” criteria
Partnerships relying on legacy arrangements—particularly those using addresses outside their jurisdiction of registration—should review their position as a matter of priority.
Enhanced Transparency and Ongoing Reporting
The ECCTA also introduces more detailed disclosure obligations regarding partners and control.
In particular:
- Expanded information will be required in respect of both individual and corporate partners.
- Changes to registered information must be notified within stricter statutory deadlines, significantly reducing the scope for delayed updates.
- The overall emphasis shifts towards maintaining a continuously accurate public register, rather than periodic correction.
This represents a material evolution in compliance expectations, necessitating more robust internal processes to identify, monitor, and report changes as they arise.
Enforcement and Regulatory Approach
The ECCTA is accompanied by a substantive expansion in the powers available to Companies House. These powers include the ability to reject or query filings, require clarification of information, and remove or amend data held on the register.
In addition, the Registrar will have the authority to deregister limited partnerships in defined circumstances, including failure to comply with statutory requirements.
Implications for Advisers and Agents
The reforms also have direct consequences for professional advisers.
From implementation:
- Only registered ACSPs will be permitted to submit filings on behalf of limited partnerships where acting as an intermediary
- Existing advisers (including accountants and solicitors) must formally register as ACSPs in order to continue acting in this capacity
- AML supervision is a prerequisite to registration
How The Infinity Group Can Help
At The Infinity Group, we provide accountancy and tax advisory services alongside practical regulatory compliance support, helping businesses navigate the changes introduced under the ECCTA with confidence.
Under the new regime, only registered Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will be permitted to submit filings on behalf of limited partnerships where acting in that capacity. As a registered ACSP, and under full AML supervision, we are authorised to act on behalf of our clients in line with the new Companies House requirements.
Our approach helps ensure that clients are not only compliant at the point of implementation, but are also well positioned to meet their obligations on an ongoing basis as the regime continues to develop.