Confused about filing a confirmation statement in the UK? What are the requirements of the Companies House while filing a confirmation statement?
In this blog, we will discuss how to file a confirmation statement, its origin and common mistakes you should avoid while filing.
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What Is a Confirmation Statement?
It is an annual filing required by the UK’s Companies House that helps confirm your company’s basic information, such as its registered address, directors, and shareholders, is correct and up to date on the public register.
Origin of Confirmation Statement
It was introduced on June 30, 2016 by the Companies House, replacing the annual return. The change was a part of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015, that aimed to simplify company filing processes and improve transparency. Its purpose was to ensure that Companies House contains updated information about your company.
When To File a Confirmation Statement?
In the UK, a confirmation statement must be filed with Companies House at least once every 12 months. The specific deadline is 14 days after the end of your company’s review period.
For new companies, the first review period starts on the day of incorporation and ends one year later. This should be filed within 14 days of that date.
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, the next 12-month period will begin from that early filing date. The deadline for the next statement remains 14 days after the end of this new review period.
How To File Your Confirmation Statement?
For UK-based companies, you can file your confirmation statement online through the Companies House website. The process involves logging into your WebFiling account to review and confirm that your company’s information is up to date.
What You Will Need
- Companies House account: You will need a WebFiling account, which can be created on the Companies House website.
- Authentication code: This is a security code required to file online. If you don’t have one, you can request it from Companies House. It will be sent to your company’s registered office address.
- Payment: The annual fee for filing online is £34. Paper filing is more expensive.
Online Filing Steps
- Log in to your account: Go to the Companies House WebFiling service and sign in with your email and password.
- Select “File a confirmation statement”: On your company dashboard, choose the option to file the confirmation statement (Form CS01).
- Enter your company details: Provide your company number and the authentication code to access your records.
- Review your company information: 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)
- Registered email address (a requirement since March 2024)
- Declare company activities: If your confirmation date is on or after 5 March 2024, you must confirm that the company’s intended future activities will be lawful.
- Make any changes: If you need to update shareholder, share capital, or SIC code information, you can do so directly within the confirmation statement. For changes to directors, secretaries, or the registered office address, you must file separate forms.
- Submit and pay: Once all information is reviewed and accurate, submit the statement and pay the £34 fee with a debit or credit card.
- Get confirmation: You will receive an email from Companies House confirming that your statement has been accepted.
Who Is Responsible For Filing a Confirmation Statement?
The people who are legally obliged to deliver the confirmation statement to Companies House through online WebFiling or by post are:
- The Company Directors
- The Company Secretaries
- The Designated LLP members
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Filing a Confirmation Statement
To avoid issues with your confirmation statement, make sure to always file on time, as late filing can lead to penalties or company strike-off.
Missing The Deadline
You are required to file within 14 days of your company’s review period end date by the Companies House. You can set up reminders and sign up for email reminders from the Companies House to avoid penalties.
Incorrect or Outdated Information
We cannot assume that our details have not been changed. You must review all your company’s information and update any incorrect or outdated records for directors, shareholders, and the registered office address before filing.
Forgot To Update PSC Information
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
Make sure to double-check every required field is filled and all the necessary documents have been submitted.
Failed To Pay Filing Fee
Ensure the filing fee is paid to avoid processing delays and to successfully complete your submission.
Not Keeping a Copy
Always keep a copy of your filed confirmation statement for your own records.
What If I Don’t Have Any Changes To The File?
If there have been no changes to your company during the review period, you are still required to file a confirmation statement to confirm that your company records are accurate and up to date.
What Is a Review Period Of Filing a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement’s review period is a 12-month cycle within which a company must file its confirmation statement with Companies House. For the new companies, the review period begins on the incorporation date.
The review period is determined by the following:
- For the new companies, your review period starts on the day of your company’s incorporation.
- For the already established companies, the review period begins on the day after you filed your precious confirmation statement.
Summing Up
By concluding this topic, we hope you got the details to understand about how to file a confirmation statement. A confirmation statement was introduced to ensure that Companies House contains accurate and updated information about your company. You have to follow certain deadlines in order to file a confirmation statement.
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Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on How to File a Confirmation Statement, including all the texts and graphics, is general in nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.