Running a limited company in the UK involves several legal and financial responsibilities. Directors must keep accurate business records, submit annual accounts, manage tax obligations and ensure that the information held by Companies House is correct. One important responsibility is filing a confirmation statement.
A limited company confirmation statement allows directors to review and confirm the details recorded on the Companies House register. It helps ensure that information about the company's registered office, directors, shareholders, share capital and business activities remains accurate.
Many business owners prefer to file a confirmation statement online because the digital process is convenient and generally quicker than submitting a paper form. However, directors must understand what information needs checking, when the statement is due and which changes require separate notifications.
In this guide, we explain the purpose of a confirmation statement, the information you should review, how to complete the online filing process and what can happen if you miss the deadline.
What Is a Limited Company Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a document that a registered company submits to Companies House to confirm that the information held about the business is accurate and up to date.
It was introduced to replace the annual return, previously used by companies to provide updated information about their structure and registered details.
The confirmation statement is commonly associated with form CS01 when submitted on paper. It is required at least once every 12 months, even if the company has not made any changes during that period.
The statement gives directors an opportunity to review important company information and confirm that the business's intended future activities are lawful.
It is important to understand that a confirmation statement is not the same as annual accounts. Annual accounts provide financial information about a company's performance and position, whereas a confirmation statement focuses on company information held on the public register.
Why Is Filing a Confirmation Statement Important?
Filing a confirmation statement is a legal responsibility for UK companies. It helps Companies House maintain accurate public records and allows other people to check important information about registered businesses.
There are several reasons why this filing matters.
1. Keeping Company Information Accurate
Customers, suppliers, banks and potential business partners may use the Companies House register to check a company's details.
If information is outdated or incorrect, it can create confusion and affect business relationships. Reviewing company information regularly helps maintain reliable public records.
2. Meeting Legal Responsibilities
Companies must submit their confirmation statement within the required timeframe. Failing to do so can lead to a financial penalty and may result in the company being struck off the register.
Directors should therefore monitor filing dates and ensure that the statement is submitted correctly.
3. Reviewing Changes in Company Structure
A confirmation statement provides an opportunity to review information about shareholders, share capital and business activities.
This can help directors identify details that need updating and ensure that the relevant Companies House notifications have been completed.
4. Building Business Confidence
Accurate company information can help demonstrate that a business takes its legal and administrative responsibilities seriously.
Maintaining an up-to-date public record may also make it easier for customers, suppliers and other organisations to verify company details.
What Information Is Included in a Confirmation Statement?
Before submitting a confirmation statement, directors should review the information recorded on the Companies House register.
The main details include:
Registered office address: Check that the company's registered office address is correct. If it has changed, the new address must be reported separately.
Company directors and secretary: Review the names and details of the company's officers. Changes to appointments or personal details may require separate filings.
Shareholder information: For companies with shares, check the shareholder information and confirm that the records are accurate.
Statement of capital: Review the company's share capital information, including the relevant share details.
People with Significant Control (PSCs): Check the information about individuals or organisations that have significant influence or control over the company.
SIC code: The Standard Industrial Classification code identifies the company's main business activities. Make sure the code reflects what the company does.
Registered email address: Companies House requires companies to provide a registered email address. This address is used for official communications and is not displayed on the public register.
Reviewing these details before filing can help prevent errors and reduce the need for corrections.
When Should a Limited Company File Its Confirmation Statement?
A company must review its information and file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months.
The review period usually ends 12 months after one of the following:
The company's incorporation date, if it is filing its first confirmation statement.
The confirmation statement date shown on its previous statement.
Companies can submit the statement during the review period or within 14 days after the review period ends.
For example, if a company's review period ends on 30 September, it can generally submit its confirmation statement by 14 October.
Directors should check the company's individual filing deadline rather than relying on an assumed annual date.
You can find the relevant dates through the Companies House company information register. Companies House also provides email reminders to help businesses keep track of filing dates.
How to File a Confirmation Statement Online
Many directors choose to file a confirmation statement online because the process allows them to review company information and submit the required details digitally.
Follow these steps to complete the process.
Step 1: Find Your Company on Companies House
Visit the official Companies House website and search for your company using its registered name or company registration number.
Open the correct company record and review its filing history, registered details and confirmation statement deadline.
Make sure you have selected the correct company before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare Your Login and Company Details
Before starting the online application, gather the information required for filing.
Depending on the service you use, you may need:
Your company's registration number.
A Companies House account.
Your company authentication code.
Relevant director identity verification details and personal codes.
A valid payment method.
The Companies House account used for the newer confirmation statement service is different from a Web Filing account. Check the requirements of the service before starting.
Step 3: Review Your Company Information
Check the information displayed on the Companies House register.
Review the registered office, directors, shareholders, share capital, PSC information and SIC code.
If you find incorrect or outdated information, identify the correct filing process before confirming the statement.
Do not assume that the confirmation statement can be used to update every company detail. Some changes must be reported separately.
Step 4: Complete Any Required Updates
Certain information can be updated as part of the confirmation statement process, including some changes to the SIC code, statement of capital and shareholder information.
Other changes must be reported separately. These include changes to directors, the registered office address and PSC information.
Where necessary, submit the relevant updates before or at the same time as the confirmation statement.
Step 5: Complete the Identity Verification Requirements
Companies House has introduced identity verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
Before a confirmation statement can be accepted, all company directors must have verified their identities and provide their Companies House personal codes as required.
The filing process also requires confirmation that the directors have completed identity verification.
PSC identity verification requirements also apply, with the timing depending on the individual's circumstances.
Directors should check their identity verification status before beginning the filing process to avoid delays.
Step 6: Confirm the Company's Details
Once the relevant information has been reviewed and any necessary updates have been made, follow the online service instructions.
You will need to confirm that the company's information is correct and complete and make the required statement about the lawfulness of its intended future activities.
Read each section carefully before moving to the next stage.
Step 7: Pay the Filing Fee
The Companies House fee for filing a confirmation statement is currently:
Online filing: £50.
Paper filing using form CS01: £110.
The fee is generally payable with the first confirmation statement filed during the relevant 12-month payment period. Additional statements within the same payment period do not normally require another annual fee.
Always check the latest Companies House fee guidance before making payment.
Step 8: Submit the Statement and Keep Confirmation
Review all the information one final time before submitting the application.
After submission, keep the confirmation or filing reference with your company records. You can also check the company's filing history on the Companies House register to see whether the statement has been accepted.
Can You File a Confirmation Statement If Nothing Has Changed?
Yes. A company must still file a confirmation statement even if none of its registered information has changed during the review period.
This requirement applies to active companies as well as dormant and non-trading companies.
The purpose of the filing is to confirm that the information already held by Companies House remains correct.
Directors should not assume that having no business activity removes the responsibility to submit the statement.
What Changes Can Be Made Through a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement can be used to report certain changes, including:
Changes to the company's SIC code.
Changes to its statement of capital.
Changes to shareholder information.
Changes to the trading status of shares.
Certain changes relating to exemptions from providing PSC information.
However, several other updates require separate notifications.
For example, changes to the registered office address, directors, PSC details and registered email address must be reported through the appropriate process.
It is important to understand this distinction because submitting a confirmation statement does not automatically update every part of the company record.
What Happens If You Miss the Confirmation Statement Deadline?
Missing a confirmation statement deadline can create serious compliance problems.
Companies House may issue a financial penalty of up to £5,000, and the company may be struck off the register if it fails to meet its filing obligations.
If you discover that your statement is overdue, check the company's filing record and submit the outstanding statement as soon as possible.
Do not ignore official reminders or letters from Companies House. If there are other outstanding filings or problems with the company's status, professional advice may help you understand the appropriate next steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Confirmation Statement
Although the filing process is straightforward for many companies, mistakes can still occur.
Forgetting to File When Nothing Has Changed
Some directors believe that a confirmation statement is only required when company details change. This is incorrect. The statement must generally be filed every 12 months, even if all details remain the same.
Confusing Annual Accounts With Confirmation Statements
These are two separate legal filings. Submitting annual accounts does not replace the confirmation statement requirement.
Providing Incorrect Shareholder Information
Incorrect shareholding details can create problems with the company's public record. Review the information carefully before confirming it.
Ignoring Identity Verification
Directors should complete the required identity verification steps and obtain their Companies House personal codes before submitting the confirmation statement.
Reporting Changes Through the Wrong Process
Not every company change can be made through the confirmation statement. Check whether a separate filing is needed before submitting the document.
Missing the Filing Deadline
Keep track of the review period and use reminders to avoid late filing. Leaving the task until the final day can create unnecessary pressure.
How Can an Accountant Help With Confirmation Statement Filing?
Managing Companies House responsibilities can be challenging, particularly for business owners who are already handling daily operations, employees, customers and financial records.
An accountant or company secretarial service provider can help review company information, monitor filing deadlines and explain which changes need separate notifications.
Professional support may also be useful when a company has multiple shareholders, changes in ownership or complex share capital arrangements.
Tilly & Cooper provides accounting and corporate support to individuals, partnerships and limited companies across the UK. Professional guidance can help directors understand their filing responsibilities and keep company records organised.
Although an accountant can assist with the process, directors remain responsible for ensuring that the company meets its legal obligations and that the information submitted is accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a limited company confirmation statement?
A limited company confirmation statement is a filing submitted to Companies House to confirm that the company's registered information is accurate and up to date. It is required at least once every 12 months.
2. Can I file a confirmation statement online?
Yes. Companies House provides online filing services for eligible companies. You will need the relevant company details, account access, authentication information and required identity verification details.
3. How much does it cost to file a confirmation statement online?
The current Companies House digital filing fee is £50. The paper filing fee is £110. Check the official fee guidance before submitting your statement.
4. How often does a limited company need to file a confirmation statement?
A company must file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months. It can generally submit the statement up to 14 days after the end of its review period.
5. Do dormant companies need to file a confirmation statement?
Yes. Dormant and non-trading companies must also file a confirmation statement. Having no business activity does not remove this responsibility.
6. Is a confirmation statement the same as annual accounts?
No. A confirmation statement confirms company information held by Companies House, while annual accounts report the company's financial position and performance.
7. What happens if I submit incorrect information?
If you discover an error, check the relevant Companies House correction or update procedure. Some information may need to be corrected through a separate filing rather than another confirmation statement.
8. Can an accountant file a confirmation statement on my behalf?
An accountant or authorised service provider can assist with preparing and submitting the statement, subject to the relevant access and authorisation arrangements. Directors remain responsible for the company's compliance.
Conclusion
Filing a limited company confirmation statement is an important responsibility for every UK company. It allows directors to review company information, confirm that public records are accurate and meet their Companies House filing obligations.
Choosing to file a confirmation statement online can make the process more convenient, but directors should still check all company details, complete identity verification requirements and submit any separate notifications that may be needed.
By monitoring filing deadlines and maintaining accurate company records, businesses can reduce the risk of penalties and avoid unnecessary compliance problems.
If you need support with company accounts, bookkeeping or corporate compliance, visit Tilly & Cooper to explore its professional services.
Suggested URL Slug: /limited-company-confirmation-statement
Image Alt Text: Limited company confirmation statement being filed online with Companies House in the UK.
