In the UK, every company must file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once every 12 months, even if the company is dormant or none of its details has changed. This confirmation statement confirms that the information Companies House holds about a company is accurate and up to date. Note that it is not the same as filing your annual accounts or Corporation Tax return.
Confused about how to file a confirmation statement in the UK? This guide will explain how you can file a confirmation statement in the UK, when it is due, what information you need, the current 2026 filing fee, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
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What Is a Confirmation Statement?
It is an annual filing required for companies registered with Companies House that helps confirm your company’s basic information. Depending on your company, this can include information such as its registered address, directors, and shareholders’ information.
When Was the Confirmation Statement Introduced?
The confirmation statement was introduced on 30 June 2016, replacing the annual return. The change followed amendments made under the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. Its purpose was to ensure that Companies House contains updated information about your company.
When To File a Confirmation Statement?
Before discussing how to file a confirmation statement, you need to learn when to file it.
Every UK company must file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once every 12 months. For new companies, the first review period starts on the date of incorporation and lasts for 12 months. The statement must be filed within 14 days after the end of this review period.
For existing companies, the 12-month review period starts the day after the last confirmation statement was filed. This means that if a company files its statement early, it can choose a new confirmation date, and the next 12-month review period will begin the day after that date. The deadline for the next statement remains 14 days after the end of this new review period.
How To File a Confirmation Statement?
A UK company can file its confirmation statement online through Companies House. Additionally, depending on your company and filing method, you may use the Companies House WebFiling service or the newer online confirmation statement service.
What You Will Need
Here is what you will need while filing a confirmation statement:
- A Companies House account and, where required, access to the relevant online filing service.
- An authentication code which can be requested through Companies House. Normally, it is sent by post to your company’s registered office and can take up to 10 working days to arrive.
- The online filing fee, currently £50. However, the fee for paper filing is £110.”
How to File a Confirmation Statement Online?
You can file your confirmation statement online as well. Here are the online filing steps:
- Sign in to the relevant Companies House online filing service using your Companies House account.
- Select the option to file a confirmation statement and follow the instructions provided.
- Provide your company number and the authentication code to access your records.
- Check that the following details are correct and up-to-date:
- Registered office address
- Directors’ details
- Company secretary details (if applicable)
- Statement of capital and shareholder information
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for the nature of your business
- People with significant control (PSC)
- You must provide a registered email address in your confirmation statement.
- If your confirmation date is on or after 5 March 2024, you must confirm that the company’s intended future activities will be lawful.
- You can use the confirmation statement to update certain information, including shareholder details, statement of capital and SIC codes. However, changes to directors, company secretaries, people with significant control (PSCs), the registered office address and the registered email address must be reported separately before you confirm that the company’s records are up to date.
- Once you’ve reviewed all information, submit the statement and pay the fee by debit or credit card.
Check for confirmation from Companies House that the filing has been accepted.
Who Is Responsible For Filing a Confirmation Statement?
Now that you know how to file a confirmation statement, let’s understand who needs to file it. If you are a limited company, the company directors are legally responsible for preparing and delivering the confirmation statement to Companies House. A company secretary may help with the filing, but the directors remain responsible for ensuring the company meets its filing obligations.
However, for a limited liability partnership (LLP), the designated members are responsible for preparing, signing and delivering the confirmation statement to Companies House.
Depending on the company or LLP and the available filing service, the confirmation statement can be filed online or by post.
Can I File a Confirmation Statement Myself?
Yes, you can file a confirmation statement yourself online through the Companies House WebFiling service. You do not need to hire an accountant to complete this filing if you know how to file a confirmation statement. Also, make sure all required company information is correct before submitting it.
However, an accountant or authorised agent can help if your company has more complex changes or you are unsure about the filing requirements.
What Is CS01?
CS01 is the Companies House form used to file a company’s confirmation statement. It confirms that the company’s information is accurate and up to date. A confirmation statement can include details such as the company’s registered office, directors, shareholders, SIC codes, PSCs, and registered email address. Furthermore, companies in the UK must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, even if no information has changed.
What Are the Common Mistakes To Avoid While Filing a Confirmation Statement?
Understanding how to file a confirmation statement is necessary. At the same time, it is also important to learn the common mistakes that can happen during confirmation statement filing.
To avoid issues with your confirmation statement, make sure to always file on time, as late filing can lead to penalties. Your company may also be struck off the Companies House register due to late filing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Missing The Deadline
You can file your confirmation statement up to 14 days after the end of your company’s review period. You can set up reminders and sign up for email reminders from Companies House to avoid penalties.
Incorrect or Outdated Information
Do not assume that your details have not been changed. Review all your company’s information and update any incorrect or outdated records before filing. When you know how to file a confirmation statement and make changes to the information, it can help you avoid the penalties.
Forgot To Update PSC Information
Forgetting to update PSC information is another mistake that can happen while filing a confirmation statement. Any changes to your Persons with Significant Control must be notified on specific forms like PSC01 and filed with Companies House before submitting your confirmation statement.
Incorrect SIC Codes
Your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes must accurately reflect your company’s current business activities. Choose the codes that best represent your primary business.
Submitting Incomplete Information
Review the confirmation statement carefully. Also, make sure all required information is complete and accurate before submitting it.
Failed To Pay Filing Fee
Ensure the filing fee is paid to avoid processing delays and to complete your submission.
Not Keeping a Copy
Always keep a copy of your filed confirmation statement for your own records.
What Happens If You Miss the Confirmation Statement Deadline?
It is as important to know the penalties for missing the deadlines as it is to know how to file a confirmation statement. You should not ignore an overdue confirmation statement. If you do not file the required confirmation statement, you can be fined up to £5,000, and the company may be struck off.
What If There Have Been No Changes to My Company?
If there have been no changes to your company during the review period, you must still file a confirmation statement to confirm that your company records are accurate and up to date.
Can You File a Confirmation Statement Early?
Yes, you do not have to wait until the end of your review period. Companies House allows UK companies to file early. However, if you file early, the new review period begins from the date of the early confirmation statement. This can be useful if you need to update certain information or want to bring your filing up to date.
How can CAIL Help you File Your Confirmation Statement?
If you are unsure about how to complete your confirmation statement, what needs updating, or how identity verification affects your filing, professional accounting support can make the process easier.
CAIL keeps your Companies House information accurate and meets your filing deadlines. Get an instant quote from CAIL today.
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Summing Up
To sum up, understanding how to file a confirmation statement is an essential part of ensuring compliance with Companies House. It helps you keep your company’s Companies House information accurate and up to date.
You still need to file at least once every 12 months and meet the applicable deadline even if nothing has changed. Before submitting, check your company details carefully and update any changes. Moreover, make sure you meet the current filing and identity-verification requirements.
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