Filing Your Confirmation Statement at Companies House

At Towerstone Accountants we provide specialist limited company accountancy services for directors and owner managed businesses across the UK. We created this webpage for people responsible for company filings and statutory records who want clear guidance on Companies House requirements without jargon. Our aim is to help you understand your obligations, avoid filing errors, and stay compliant with Companies House and HMRC.

Filing a confirmation statement is one of those obligations that sounds administrative and minor yet causes real problems when it is missed or misunderstood. In my experience many directors either forget about it entirely or assume it is handled automatically when accounts are filed. Neither of those assumptions is correct.

A confirmation statement is a legal requirement for every UK limited company regardless of size activity or profitability. It exists to keep the public record accurate and up to date and it is taken seriously by Companies House. Missing it or filing it incorrectly can lead to penalties and in extreme cases the company being struck off.

In this article I want to explain clearly what a confirmation statement is why it exists what information it covers how and when to file it and the common mistakes I see directors make. I will also explain how the confirmation statement fits into the wider compliance picture so you understand its importance rather than treating it as a box ticking exercise.

What a confirmation statement actually is

A confirmation statement is a snapshot of your company’s key details that confirms whether the information held on the public register is correct or needs updating.

It replaced the old annual return but serves a similar purpose. Instead of providing a summary of the year it confirms that certain statutory information is accurate as at a specific date.

By filing the confirmation statement you are confirming to Companies House that your company’s core details are correct or notifying them of changes.

Why confirmation statements are required

The UK company system relies heavily on transparency. Companies House maintains a public register that anyone can view including customers suppliers lenders and regulators.

The confirmation statement exists to ensure

• The public record is accurate
• Ownership and control are transparent
• Directors and shareholders are correctly recorded
• The company is still active and compliant

It is a legal obligation not an optional update.

Who must file a confirmation statement

Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement.

This includes

• Trading companies
• Dormant companies
• One director companies
• Companies with no income

There are no exemptions based on size or activity.

How often a confirmation statement must be filed

A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months.

Each company has a confirmation period which runs from

• The date of incorporation
• Or the date of the last confirmation statement

You cannot skip years. Even if nothing has changed you must still file to confirm that fact.

The confirmation date explained

The confirmation statement is made up to a specific date known as the confirmation date.

This date is usually

• The anniversary of incorporation
• Or the anniversary of the last confirmation statement

You have a limited window after this date to file the statement.

Filing deadline and what happens if you miss it

Once the confirmation date passes you have a set period to file.

Missing the deadline can lead to

• Late filing warnings
• Penalties
• Strike off action if ignored

Companies House does not accept not knowing as an excuse.

What information the confirmation statement covers

The confirmation statement covers key statutory information about the company.

This includes

• Registered office address
• Principal business activities
• Directors’ details
• Shareholders and shareholdings
• People with Significant Control
• Statement of capital
• SIC codes

Each of these must be reviewed carefully before filing.

Registered office address

You must confirm that the registered office address is correct.

This address

• Appears on the public register
• Is where official correspondence is sent
• Must be a physical address

If it has changed it must be updated before or as part of filing.

Company activity and SIC codes

You must confirm the company’s principal business activities using SIC codes.

SIC codes describe what the company does.

Common mistakes here include

• Using outdated codes
• Using overly broad codes
• Forgetting to update when activities change

While SIC codes seem minor they are used for statistical and regulatory purposes.

Directors’ details

The confirmation statement confirms current directors.

You need to check

• Names
• Service addresses
• Appointment dates

Any changes such as resignations or new appointments should be updated before filing.

Shareholders and statement of capital

The confirmation statement includes the statement of capital which shows

• How many shares are issued
• The nominal value of shares
• The rights attached to them

It also confirms who holds those shares.

This is particularly important if shares have been issued transferred or restructured.

People with Significant Control

One of the most important sections is the People with Significant Control register.

You must confirm

• Who has significant control
• That their details are accurate
• That the PSC register is up to date

PSC information is a key focus area and errors here are common.

What counts as significant control

A person usually has significant control if they

• Own more than 25 percent of shares
• Control more than 25 percent of voting rights
• Have the right to appoint or remove directors
• Exercise significant influence or control

This applies even in small companies.

What if nothing has changed

Many directors ask whether they need to file if nothing has changed.

The answer is yes.

You must still file a confirmation statement to confirm that all details remain correct.

Doing nothing is not an option.

Preparing to file a confirmation statement

Before filing you should review all relevant company records.

This includes

• Statutory registers
• Share certificates and allotments
• Director appointments and resignations
• PSC records
• Registered office details

Filing without checking risks confirming incorrect information.

How to file a confirmation statement online

Most companies file online through Companies House.

The online process involves

• Logging into your Companies House account
• Reviewing current company details
• Making any necessary updates
• Confirming the information
• Paying the filing fee

The online process is usually quick if records are in order.

Filing fee and payment

There is a small filing fee for a confirmation statement.

This fee

• Is payable each time you file
• Covers unlimited updates within the 12 month period

Once paid you can update details during the year without additional charge.

Filing on paper

Paper filing is possible but slower and less common.

It is generally used where

• Online access is not available
• Specific circumstances apply

Paper filings increase the risk of delays and errors.

Can someone else file the confirmation statement

Yes the confirmation statement can be filed by

• A director
• A company secretary
• An accountant or agent

However the responsibility for accuracy still sits with the directors.

Common mistakes I see with confirmation statements

Over the years the same issues arise repeatedly.

These include

• Forgetting to file at all
• Assuming accountants file it automatically
• Confirming incorrect shareholdings
• Not updating PSC information
• Ignoring changes during the year

These mistakes often surface later during due diligence or disputes.

What happens if information is wrong

Confirming incorrect information is a legal issue.

Potential consequences include

• Requests to amend records
• Penalties
• Increased scrutiny
• Problems selling the business
• Delays with banking or funding

It is always better to correct errors early.

Confirmation statement versus accounts

The confirmation statement is separate from accounts.

Accounts report financial performance. The confirmation statement confirms statutory information.

Filing one does not replace the other. Both are required.

Dormant companies and confirmation statements

Dormant companies must still file confirmation statements.

Dormancy does not remove this obligation.

This often catches people out when companies are parked but not closed.

Using reminders and systems

Companies House sends reminders but relying solely on them is risky.

Good practice includes

• Diary reminders
• Using compliance software
• Assigning responsibility clearly

Missed confirmation statements are one of the most common compliance failures.

How confirmation statements fit into wider compliance

The confirmation statement sits alongside

• Annual accounts
• Corporation Tax returns
• VAT returns where applicable
• Payroll filings

Together these form the compliance framework of a limited company.

Missing one weakens the whole structure.

The role of professional advisers

Many directors ask whether their accountant files the confirmation statement.

Sometimes they do. Sometimes they do not.

It is important to

• Clarify who is responsible
• Understand what is included in services
• Not assume it is handled

Professional advisers can help review and file but directors remain responsible.

What happens if a company is struck off

Persistent failure to file confirmation statements can lead to strike off action.

If a company is struck off

• Bank accounts may be frozen
• Assets pass to the Crown
• Trading becomes illegal

Restoring a company is possible but time consuming and expensive.

Final thoughts from experience

Filing a confirmation statement is one of the simplest compliance tasks a limited company faces yet it is one of the most frequently missed.

In my experience this happens not because directors are careless but because the confirmation statement feels less important than accounts or tax. In reality it is just as critical.

Treat the confirmation statement as an annual health check of your company’s legal structure. Take the time to review the details properly rather than clicking confirm without thought.

A few minutes of care each year avoids unnecessary risk penalties and disruption later.

You may also find our guidance on how much is a confirmation statement and what is a confirmation statement helpful when dealing with related Companies House tasks. For a broader overview of filings, registers, and statutory duties, you can visit our companies house hub.