PROtected Online Filing (PROOF) Service

Companies House has been aware for some time of the damage that can be done by hijackers to companies and suppliers of goods and services.  Company hijacks normally involve fraudsters changing details of the company’s directors and registered office.  To help combat company fraud, Companies House has introduced a 3 point plan, of which more information is provided below.

We cannot prevent hijacking.  We do not have the power to investigate the content and accuracy of forms sent to us for filing.  However we have been looking very closely to see whether electronic filing systems can improve security for companies.  Both our ‘WebFiling’ and ‘Software Filing’ services have security protection by using passwords, confidential authentication codes and recognised email addresses.

We introduced this new service on 17th January 2005, to enable companies to further protect themselves from being hijacked.  The PROOF service stops companies from filing certain paper forms.  These include documents for an appointment/termination/change of particulars of company officers and the change of the registered office.  (Currently 287,288 and Annual Return forms.)

Once you have successfully joined the scheme, Companies House will reject any paper versions of these forms and send them back to the registered office address.  This will help ensure that any changes made have been registered by the company itself.

Using PROOF, together with other services such as WebFiling and Software Filing and CH Monitor, will provide you with more flexibility and security ensuring that you are in complete control of filing your company information with us at Companies House.

Joining PROOF is easy – simply complete and return a PR1 ‘Opt In’ form which you can download from this Website. 

To further ensure security, please note that if your company is subject to an ongoing internal dispute you will be ineligible to join the PROOF scheme.  Companies House cannot intervene in internal company disputes and involved parties must seek independent professional legal advice. Once the Registrar is fully satisfied that the internal dispute has been resolved the company will then become eligible to join the scheme.

To use the PROOF service you must be a registered user of our WebFiling or Software Filing services, as you will be required to supply the company authentication code on the 'Opt In - PR1' form.  The form will not be accepted without it.

Web Filing Service

This is our online registration service that enables you to submit company information more securely.

Software Filing

Requires the use of specialised software to file data to Companies House.  This service is more appropriate for bulk users.

* The system is subject to terms and conditions.

PROOF Scheme Forms:

Before completing the 'Opt In - PR1' form you must be a registered user with our WebFiling or Software Filing services, as you will be required to supply the Company Authentication code on the 'Opt In - PR1' form. The form will not be accepted without it.

Click here for more information about the WebFiling and Software Filing services.

PR1 – opt in
PR1 – continuation sheet
PR2 – opt out
PR3 – consent for paper filing

Click here for PROOF Scheme Forms.

Read more about the Companies House PROOF Scheme

For further details telephone our Contact Centre +44 (0)303 1234 500, or Minicom - 029 20381245 - available 08:30 to 18:00 (UK time)