What Is a Person with Significant Control (PSC)?

Company directors, shareholders and business owners responsible for Companies House compliance. Explains who qualifies as a Person with Significant Control (PSC) and what information must be recorded and submitted. Failure to identify and maintain an accurate PSC Register can result in compliance breaches and potential penalties under UK company law. PSC stands for Person with Significant Control. It is a legal term used primarily in the United Kingdom under company law. A PSC is someone who holds significant influence or control over a company. Companies in the UK are required to identify and register their PSCs with Companies House to ensure transparency about who owns and controls companies.

Who Qualifies as a PSC?

A person can be classified as a PSC if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Holding more than 25% of shares in the company.
  • Holding more than 25% of voting rights in the company.
  • Having the right to appoint or remove the majority of the board of directors.
  • Exercising significant influence or control over the company.
  • Having control over a trust or firm that meets any of the above conditions.
This register of PSCs helps combat issues like money laundering and tax evasion, ensuring there is transparency in company ownership and control.

PSC Register Requirements

Every UK company (unless exempt) is required to maintain a PSC Register and submit it to Companies House. This register must be kept up-to-date and include information on all PSCs. The process ensures transparency in company ownership and helps regulators, and the public, understand who controls UK companies.

Information Required for the PSC Register

For each person or legal entity classified as a PSC, the following details must be recorded:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Country of residence
  • Service address (this can be different from their residential address)
  • Residential address (this is not made public)
  • The date they became a PSC
  • Which of the PSC conditions they meet (e.g., holding over 25% of shares)
  • Details of any significant influence or control they have over the company

Real-World Application

For example, if a shareholder acquires more than 25% of the shares in a limited company, the company must update its PSC Register and notify Companies House. This applies even if the company is owner-managed or family-run.

Compliance Risk

Failure to maintain an accurate and up-to-date PSC Register or to submit the required information to Companies House can result in compliance breaches. Directors are responsible for ensuring the register is maintained correctly.

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What Is a PSC and What It Means for Contractors and Tax Compliance in London

A Personal Service Company (PSC) can offer flexibility and tax planning advantages, but it also brings specific compliance responsibilities, particularly under IR35 and off-payroll working rules. Cigma Accounting, based in Farringdon in London, supports contractors and directors in structuring and managing their PSC correctly, with practical guidance delivered through experienced accounting services London focused on contractor compliance.

Contractors operating around Bank and Liverpool Street often need clarity on dividend planning, payroll obligations, and IR35 exposure before trading through a PSC. With physical offices across London, Cigma Accounting provides measured advice from a knowledgeable tax accountant London to ensure your company structure remains compliant and commercially effective.

Thinking of Operating Through a Personal Service Company? Make Sure It’s Set Up Correctly.

Running a PSC can offer flexibility and commercial advantages, but it also comes with specific tax, reporting, and IR35 considerations. The way contracts are structured and income is extracted can significantly affect your position. Before trading through a company, it’s worth confirming that the structure genuinely suits your circumstances.

Discuss Whether a PSC Is Right for Me

Trusted guidance from London-based accountants, focused on accuracy, clarity, and compliance. 


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CIGMA Accounting
CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.
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