Running a company in the UK comes with a set of legal commitments that every director should understand. One of the most important of these is the Companies House confirmation statement. This annual filing is a fundamental step in keeping a company compliant with UK law and ensuring that the public register of company information remains accurate and up to date. In simple terms, a confirmation statement is a snapshot of key company details that must be confirmed or updated at least once every year.
Whether you have recently set up a limited company or been a director for some time, understanding exactly what a confirmation statement involves, why it matters and how you file it can save you time, stress and the risk of penalties. This blog explains what a confirmation statement is, who needs to file it, when it must be submitted, what information it contains, and the steps involved in making sure your company stays fully compliant with Companies House requirements.
What is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a statutory annual filing that every UK company and limited liability partnership (LLP) must submit to Companies House at least once every 12 months to confirm that the information on the public register is accurate and current. It replaced the old annual return and is filed using Form CS01. The statement covers key company details such as the registered office address, directors, people with significant control (PSCs), share structure and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, and now also requires a registered email address and a declaration that future activities will be lawful.
Unlike annual accounts or corporation tax returns, the confirmation statement is not about finances it’s a snapshot of your statutory company information at a specific date. You must file it even if nothing has changed during the year to show that the register remains up to date. Failing to file on time can result in financial penalties and potentially your company being struck off the Companies House register.
Why is the Confirmation Statement Important?
Filing a confirmation statement is not merely a formality. It plays several important roles in the legal and administrative framework for UK businesses.
Legal Compliance
The requirement to file a confirmation statement comes from company law. Every company, including dormant and non‑trading companies, must file at least one confirmation statement every year. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties and may lead to your company being struck off the Companies House register, meaning it ceases to exist as a legal entity.
This legal obligation helps ensure that the public register of companies remains accurate and that directors fulfil their statutory duties under the Companies Act. Keeping compliant with filing deadlines and requirements reduces the risk of enforcement action by Companies House.
Accurate Public Record
The information filed at Companies House is publicly accessible. Banks, suppliers, investors, clients and even members of the public can search the register to check important company details such as directors, shareholder structure and registered office. An up-to-date public record fosters trust, improves transparency and makes it easier to do business.
Good Corporate Governance
Regularly reviewing your confirmation statement forces you and other company directors or members to check that your internal records match what is held publicly. This can help you spot discrepancies, outdated contact details or other issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Who Needs to File a Confirmation Statement?
The requirement to file a confirmation statement applies widely. If you operate one of the following company types, you must file a confirmation statement every 12 months:
- Private limited companies
- Public limited companies
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Community interest companies (CICs) and other registered company types
This obligation applies even if your company has not traded, is dormant or has made no changes in the past year. Dormant companies are still expected to confirm that their records are correct.
Note: Sole traders operating personally or ordinary partnerships that are not registered as limited companies or LLP at Companies House do not file confirmation statements. This requirement is specific to companies and LLPs registered at Companies House.
When is the Confirmation Statement Due?
1.Annual filing requirement
Every UK company (including limited companies and LLPs) must file a confirmation statement (CS01) at least once every 12 months to confirm that the company information held at Companies House is correct.
2. Review period
The “review period” for that filing runs for 12 months:
- It starts on the date of incorporation (for the first confirmation statement),
- or on the date of the last filed confirmation statement (for later ones).
3. Filing deadline
You must file the confirmation statement by no later than 14 days after the end of its 12-month review period.
4. Example
Let’s say:
- A company is incorporated on 1 April 2025.
- Its first review period runs to 31 March 2026.
- The deadline to file the first confirmation statement is 14 April 2026.
5. Early filing
You can file the confirmation statement at any time within the review period, and doing so starts a new 12‑month review period from the date of filing.
What Information is Included in a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement asks you to confirm or update key company data held on the public register. The main items include:
How to File Your Confirmation Statement with Companies House
Filing the confirmation statement is straightforward and can be completed online or by post.
The cost of filing a confirmation statement with Companies House depends on the method of submission. The updated fees came into effect from 1 February 2026 following fee revisions made under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Filing online through the Companies House digital services, such as Web Filing or compatible software, costs £50. This method is preferred due to its efficiency, ease of use, and lower fee compared to postal submissions.
What Happens If You Miss the Filing Deadline?
Missing the deadline to file your confirmation statement can lead to serious consequences. If you fail to file on time, you may face penalties, including fines for non‑compliance. In extreme cases, your company can be struck off the Companies House register, meaning it loses its legal existence, which could result in legal and financial complications for the directors.
Note: To avoid these penalties, always file your confirmation statement within 14 days after the end of the review period. If you miss the deadline, it's important to file as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further action.
Tips for Ensuring Compliance
Conclusion:
The Companies House confirmation statement is a crucial legal obligation for all UK‑registered companies and LLPs. Filing on time ensures your company remains compliant with the law and that key details in the public register are accurate and up to date. This helps maintain corporate transparency, trust with stakeholders, and good governance. Regularly reviewing and updating your company details ensures smooth operations and avoids the risk of penalties or being struck off the register.
For guidance on filing, refer to the official Companies House website or consult a professional to stay on top of your obligations. By staying compliant, you not only avoid penalties but also protect your company's reputation and legal standing in the market.
FAQs:
A confirmation statement is an annual filing that confirms your company’s details held by Companies House are accurate and up to date. It replaces the old annual return and is submitted using Form CS01. This filing ensures compliance with UK company law and must be done every 12 months.
Every UK‑registered company, including private limited companies (Ltd), public limited companies (Plc), LLPs, and CICs, must file a confirmation statement annually. Even dormant companies need to file to confirm that their details remain accurate. Sole traders and ordinary partnerships do not need to file.
The confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months. The “review period” begins either from the company’s incorporation date (for the first filing) or from the date of the last confirmation statement. The deadline to submit is 14 days after the end of the review period.
The confirmation statement asks you to confirm or update essential company details, such as:
- Registered office address
- Directors and company secretary details
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- Shareholders and share capital
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes
You must also provide a registered email address and confirm that your company’s future activities will be lawful.
Missing the deadline for your confirmation statement can lead to penalties, including fines for non‑compliance. In more serious cases, your company could be struck off the register, meaning it loses its legal existence. This can cause legal and financial problems for directors.
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