Identification checks

We need to collect identification from key people involved in your business so we can complete some checks.

As accountants, we are required by law to collect and check the identity of key people involved in your business. This is a requirement of the 2017 Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations that are mandatory for many organisations including banks, solicitors and accountants.

Who we must identify

We are required to collect identification from:

  • All directors of the company and,
  • Any shareholders of your company

We are required to collect two forms of identification for the people above and can accept one item from each section listed below.

We cannot accept just one form of identification that proves name and address. We must have two items, one from each section below.

Please email scanned copies or legible photographs to your account manager.

Proof of name

Please note that when providing an item from the list below, it must be valid and in date.

  • Passport
  • Photocard drivers licence (paper counterpart no longer valid)
  • Foreign Visa
  • EU National ID card
  • HMRC tax notice or correspondence (must be sent to the specific individual, show their date of birth or NI number, have been issued in the current tax year or last 6 months)
  • Current firearms or shotgun certificate
  • Travel documents issued the UK government
  • Disabled drivers pass & disabled parking permit
  • Documentation from the benefits agency* (must be about benefits currently being received, show the NI number or date of birth, must confirm benefits are being received)

*Examples are job seekers allowance, child tax credit, incapacity benefit, letter from CSA for ongoing payments, Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) letter.

Proof of address

This evidence provided must be addressed to the individual and show their current residential address.

  • UK photocard driving licence (only if not used as evidence for proof of name)
  • Local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year
  • HMRC tax notice or correspondence (must be sent to the specific individual, show their date of birth or NI number, have been issued in the current tax year or last 6 months)
  • HMRC assessment letter or statement on account
  • Statement or letter from Bank / Building Society / Mortgage provider / Life Insurance / Investment indicating that a relationship exists (issued for the last full year).
  • Utility bill issued within the last three months
  • TV licence (valid for the current year)
  • Vehicle tax renewal document (issued within the last 6 months)
  • Solicitor’s letter confirming recent house/land purchase (issued within the last 6 months)
  • Local Authority / Housing Association / Public Letting Agency tenancy agreement Tenancy Agreement or letter

Documents we cannot accept

  • Mobile phone bills
  • Credit card statements
  • Provisional driving licence
  • Paper counterpart of driving licence