How Do I File My Confirmation Statement Each Year?

Every UK company must file a Confirmation Statement each year. Discover what it includes, how to file online, and how to stay compliant with Companies House.

Introduction

Every UK limited company and limited liability partnership (LLP) must file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House once a year. This is a legal requirement designed to ensure that the company’s public record is accurate and up to date.

The process is straightforward, but missing the deadline or submitting incorrect information can lead to penalties and even the company being struck off the register. This article explains what a Confirmation Statement is, when and how to file it, what information it must include, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation Statement (form CS01) is an annual filing that confirms the information Companies House holds about your company is correct. It replaced the Annual Return in 2016 but serves a similar purpose.

The statement acts as a snapshot of your company’s details, ensuring that the following information remains current:

  • Registered office address.

  • Directors’ details.

  • Company secretary (if you have one).

  • Shareholders and share capital.

  • Persons with significant control (PSC).

  • Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that identifies your business activity.

If nothing has changed since your last statement, you still need to file one to confirm the details are accurate.

When You Must File It

You must file your Confirmation Statement at least once every 12 months, although you can choose to file more often if your company details change.

The filing deadline is based on your company’s confirmation date, which is usually the anniversary of your company’s incorporation or the date of your last submitted statement. You have 14 days from that date to file your next statement.

Example:
If your company was formed on 1 March 2023, your first confirmation statement must be submitted by 15 March 2024.

Filing early does not reset your 12-month review period — the next statement will still be due on the same anniversary.

Why It Matters

Submitting your Confirmation Statement keeps your company compliant with the Companies Act 2006. Failure to file on time can result in:

  • The company being struck off the Companies House register.

  • Prosecution of directors or officers for non-compliance.

  • Potential difficulties opening bank accounts or securing credit, as lenders check Companies House records.

It is therefore essential to meet the filing deadline every year.

What Information You Need to Check

Before filing your Confirmation Statement, review the company information stored on the Companies House register. You should check:

  • Registered office address: Must be a real address where official mail can be received.

  • Director and secretary details: Full names, service addresses, and nationality.

  • Share capital: The number and value of shares issued and who owns them.

  • Persons with Significant Control (PSC): Anyone who owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights.

  • SIC code: A code that describes your business activity; you can have up to four.

If any of these details have changed since your last statement, you must update them before filing your Confirmation Statement.

How to Update Company Information

Certain company details cannot be changed on the Confirmation Statement itself. Instead, you must file a separate form through Companies House before submitting the statement.

For example:

  • To change your registered office address, submit form AD01.

  • To appoint or remove a director, use form AP01 or TM01.

  • To update PSC information, use the relevant PSC forms (PSC01 to PSC09).

Once the updates have been accepted by Companies House, you can proceed to file your Confirmation Statement to confirm that the information is now correct.

How to File the Confirmation Statement

There are two main ways to file your Confirmation Statement:

1. Online via Companies House

This is the most common and efficient method.

  • Visit the Companies House WebFiling or Find and Update Company Information service.

  • Log in using your authentication code (a six-character security code provided when your company was formed).

  • Review and confirm your company’s details.

  • Submit the statement and pay the filing fee.

The online service costs £13, and the statement is usually processed within 24 hours.

2. By Post

You can also file a paper form (CS01) if you prefer or if you cannot access the online system.

  • Download the form from the Companies House website.

  • Fill it in manually and include a cheque or postal order for £40 payable to “Companies House.”

  • Post it to the address provided on the form.

Postal submissions take longer to process, so online filing is generally recommended.

Filing Fees

You only pay one fee per 12-month period, no matter how many times you file within that period.

  • £13 for online submissions.

  • £40 for paper submissions.

If you file multiple times in a year (for example, after making company changes), you do not have to pay again until your next review period begins.

Keeping Records

You must keep a copy of every Confirmation Statement you file, along with supporting records such as shareholder registers and PSC information. These documents must be retained for at least six years.

Your accountant or company secretary can help maintain these records to ensure compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the deadline: The 14-day filing window is strict. Set reminders or delegate this task to your accountant.

  • Forgetting to update details first: Changes to directors, PSCs, or registered addresses must be filed separately before submitting the statement.

  • Using the wrong SIC code: Make sure your business activities are accurately described.

  • Incorrect shareholder information: Verify that share allocations and transfers are correctly recorded.

Example Scenario

Sarah runs a small marketing agency. Her company’s confirmation date is 20 June each year. In May, she hires a new director and changes the company’s registered office address.

She first files forms AP01 (new director) and AD01 (change of address) with Companies House. Once both updates are processed, she logs in to WebFiling, confirms all details are correct, and submits her Confirmation Statement before 4 July.

The entire process takes less than 15 minutes online, costs £13, and keeps her company fully compliant.

The Role of an Accountant

An accountant can help you manage annual filings and ensure accuracy by:

  • Reminding you of your filing deadlines.

  • Checking your records for consistency with Companies House.

  • Filing the Confirmation Statement on your behalf.

  • Updating share structures or PSC details when changes occur.

Outsourcing this task gives you peace of mind that your company’s statutory obligations are being handled correctly.

Conclusion

Filing a Confirmation Statement each year is a straightforward but vital part of running a limited company. It confirms your company’s details with Companies House, ensures compliance with the law, and keeps your business record up to date.

By checking your information regularly, filing on time, and keeping accurate records, you can avoid penalties and maintain your company’s good standing. If you are unsure about any part of the process, an accountant or company formation specialist can manage it for you quickly and efficiently.