What is a Confirmation Statement? A Complete Guide

A confirmation statement is a crucial document that all limited companies and LLPs in the UK must file with Companies House. It ensures that the company's records remain up to date and accurate. Failure to file a confirmation statement can lead to penalties or even the dissolution of the company. In this guide, we’ll explore what a confirmation statement is, why it is important, and how to file it correctly. What is a Confirmation Statement? A confirmation statement is an official filing that companies must submit at least once every 12 months to confirm that their registered information is accurate and up to date. It replaces the old annual return (AR01) and is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006. Even if no details have changed, companies must still file a confirmation statement to verify that all information held by Companies House remains correct. What Information is Included in a Confirmation Statement? The confirmation statement provides a snapshot of key company details, including: Company name and registration number Registered office address Company directors and secretaries Shareholders and share capital structure SIC codes (business activities) People with Significant Control (PSC) If any of this information has changed, companies must update their records before filing the confirmation statement. Why is a Confirmation Statement Important? Filing a confirmation statement is not just a legal obligation—it also serves several important purposes: Maintains Transparency: Ensures that accurate company details are available to the public and stakeholders. Legal Compliance: Companies that fail to submit their confirmation statement on time risk penalties and possible removal from the register. Prevents Fraud: Helps Companies House monitor changes in company structure and ownership to prevent fraud and misuse. When and How to File a Confirmation Statement? A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months. The due date is typically one year after the previous confirmation statement or company incorporation. How to File a Confirmation Statement You can file your confirmation statement online or via paper submission: Online Filing: Through the Companies House WebFiling service – £13 fee Paper Form (CS01): By post – £40 fee The online method is quicker, easier, and more cost-effective. What Happens If You Don’t File a Confirmation Statement? Failing to file a confirmation statement can have serious consequences: Late filing penalties Company struck off the register Directors held legally responsible Final Thoughts A confirmation statement is a key legal requirement that helps companies maintain transparency and compliance. Filing it on time avoids penalties and ensures that the company’s records remain up to date. Whether you are a new business owner or managing an existing company, understanding and filing your confirmation statement correctly is essential. For professional assistance with filing your confirmation statement, visit File Confirmation Statement.

Mar 26, 2025 - 17:02

A confirmation statement is a crucial document that all limited companies and LLPs in the UK must file with Companies House. It ensures that the company's records remain up to date and accurate. Failure to file a confirmation statement can lead to penalties or even the dissolution of the company. In this guide, we’ll explore what a confirmation statement is, why it is important, and how to file it correctly.

What is a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement is an official filing that companies must submit at least once every 12 months to confirm that their registered information is accurate and up to date. It replaces the old annual return (AR01) and is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006.

Even if no details have changed, companies must still file a confirmation statement to verify that all information held by Companies House remains correct.

What Information is Included in a Confirmation Statement?

The confirmation statement provides a snapshot of key company details, including:

Company name and registration number
Registered office address
Company directors and secretaries
Shareholders and share capital structure
SIC codes (business activities)
People with Significant Control (PSC) If any of this information has changed, companies must update their records before filing the confirmation statement.

Why is a Confirmation Statement Important?

Filing a confirmation statement is not just a legal obligation—it also serves several important purposes:

Maintains Transparency: Ensures that accurate company details are available to the public and stakeholders.

Legal Compliance: Companies that fail to submit their confirmation statement on time risk penalties and possible removal from the register.

Prevents Fraud: Helps Companies House monitor changes in company structure and ownership to prevent fraud and misuse.

When and How to File a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months. The due date is typically one year after the previous confirmation statement or company incorporation.

How to File a Confirmation Statement

You can file your confirmation statement online or via paper submission:

Online Filing: Through the Companies House WebFiling service – £13 fee

Paper Form (CS01): By post – £40 fee

The online method is quicker, easier, and more cost-effective.

What Happens If You Don’t File a Confirmation Statement?

Failing to file a confirmation statement can have serious consequences:

Late filing penalties
Company struck off the register
Directors held legally responsible

Final Thoughts

A confirmation statement is a key legal requirement that helps companies maintain transparency and compliance. Filing it on time avoids penalties and ensures that the company’s records remain up to date. Whether you are a new business owner or managing an existing company, understanding and filing your confirmation statement correctly is essential.

For professional assistance with filing your confirmation statement, visit File Confirmation Statement.