All limited companies in the UK are required to file a confirmation statement with Companies House every year, even if no company details have changed. Many business owners in the UK still overlook this obligation or assume it is part of their annual accounts. This can lead to late filing consequences or company strike-off action by Companies House.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to file a confirmation statement, when it is due, and other related aspects.
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What is a Confirmation Statement?
A UK Confirmation Statement (Form CS01) is a statutory annual filing with Companies House. This confirms that a company’s registered information (registered email address and a statement of lawful purpose) is accurate.
You must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, usually within 14 days of the confirmation period. This costs £34 online or £62 by post.
All directors and PSCs must verify their identity and obtain a unique Companies House personal code.
When to File a Confirmation Statement?
In the UK, companies must file a confirmation statement according to the following time periods:
Deadline
Within 14 days after the end of your “confirmation period”.
Review Period
Generally, this is the 12-month period following your incorporation date or the date of your last filed statement.
Frequency
At least once every 12 months, though you can file more often if details change.
What Information is Required to File a Confirmation Statement?
Before you file a confirmation statement, it is essential to know what information is required.
Registered Office Address
The official address of the company.
Principal Place of Business
Where the company records are kept, if not at the registered office.
Director and Secretary Details
Names, service addresses, and identity verification codes.
Shareholder Information
Names and shareholdings for all shareholders.
Statement of Capital
Total number of shares, their total value, and currency.
SIC Code
The Standard Industrial Classification code identifies the business activity.
PSC Details
People with Significant Control (anyone with >25% shares or voting rights).
Which Types of Companies File Confirmation Statements?
In the UK, Confirmation Statements are filed by:
- Private Limited Companies (both active and dormant)
- Public Limited Companies (PLC)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
- Non-trading or Dormant Companies
What are the Consequences of Filing a Confirmation Statement Late?
If you file a confirmation statement late, then you can face some of the following consequences:
No Immediate Monetary Penalty
Unlike late accounts, there is no automatic fine for a late confirmation statement.
Criminal Offence
Failure to file is a criminal offence under the Companies Act 2006, meaning directors can be prosecuted.
Company Strike-Off
Companies House may assume the company is dormant and strike it off the register. This can cause it to cease existing and its assets to potentially become Crown property.
Director Prosecution/Disqualification
Directors can face personal fines or disqualification.
Reputational Damage
The overdue status is public, which can damage trust with investors, suppliers and clients.
Why Should Dormant Companies File a Confirmation Statement?
A dormant or non-trading company retains legal entity status and must comply with statutory requirements. Filing a confirmation statement is mandatory to keep the public record accurate, confirming the validity of details like the registered office address, officer information, and SIC codes.
To meet this legal obligation, the required information can be filed via the Companies House online filing service.
How To Prepare to File Your Confirmation Statement?
Here is the full procedure to prepare to file a confirmation statement:
Review your Data
Check all the details, including the registered office address, directors, shareholders, PSC information, and SIC code.
Verify Identity
All directors must have verified their identity with Companies House and provide their personal code.
Provide a Registered Email Address
You must provide a valid email address for official correspondence, which will not be publicly displayed.
Gather Information
Assemble details on any changes to share capital or shareholders that occurred during the review period.
Identify Review Period
Locate your review period (12 months from incorporation or previous filing) and the deadline is 14 days after the period ends.
Prepare Payment
The fee for online submission is £34 (before Feb 1, 2026) or £50 (after Feb 1, 2026), compared to much higher paper fees.
Log in to WebFiling
Use your Companies House account, company number, and authentication code to access the service.
What are the Steps to File a Confirmation Statement?
These are the key steps required to file a confirmation statement accurately:
Prepare Information
Gather your company authentication code, registered office address, director details, SIC codes, shareholder information, and People with Significant Control (PSC) details.
Identity Verification
All directors and PSCs must have verified their identity with Companies House and provide their personal codes.
Access WebFiling
Log in to the Companies House WebFiling Service.
Review and Update Details
Check pre-populated data. You must update any changes to directors, shareholders, SIC codes, or registered address before filing the statement.
Provide Registered Email
You must include a registered email address for the company.
Confirm Information
Confirm that all company information is correct and that the company’s future activities will remain lawful.
Pay Fee and Submit
Pay the annual fee, and also note that the fees may change.
What is the Confirmation Statement Review Period?
The confirmation statement review period is a 12-month period during which you track changes to your company information. It begins on the day after your last confirmation statement was made, or for new companies, on the date of incorporation. It ends 12 months later, and you have 14 days to file your statement after this period ends.
What Common Mistakes Should be Avoided while Filing a Confirmation Statement?
The following common mistakes should be avoided when you file a confirmation statement.
Missing the 14-Day Deadline
You have only 14 days after the review period ends to file, or you risk fines and company dissolution.
Assuming no Changes = No Filing
You must file even if no details have been changed during the year.
Forgetting to Update Shareholder Info
Failing to update the list of shareholders, including share class and number held.
Neglecting PSC Updates
Changes in People with Significant Control (PSC) must be reflected, as these are critical for transparency.
Incorrect SIC Codes
Using outdated codes that do not accurately represent your current business activity.
(Note: All the information is as per January 2026 updated data, and the duration, dates, requirements and other information may change with further updates.)
Bottom Line
To file a confirmation statement on time is not optional, as it is a statutory requirement for all UK companies. The best part is that it is a straightforward process, and when it is handled correctly, it won’t cost a fortune.
With proper guidance from experienced accountants in London, you can meet all Companies House requirements, avoid penalties, and keep your business compliant every year.
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Disclaimer: This article intends to provide general information based on How to File a Confirmation Statement in the UK.
