What is a Confirmation Statement?

If you run a limited company or LLP in the UK, you are legally required to file a Confirmation Statement every year with Companies House. Even if your business isn’t trading, and even if none of your company details have changed, this filing is mandatory. But what exactly is a Confirmation Statement—and why is it so important?

Staying on top of your Confirmation Statement filing is just one of several ongoing responsibilities that come with running a limited company. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your legal status, avoiding penalties and maintaining your professional reputation. Our team of limited company accountants is here to make sure nothing gets missed. We handle everything from routine filings to complex share structure updates, director changes and annual accounts, giving you peace of mind that your obligations to Companies House are covered all year round.

In this article, we’ll explain what a Confirmation Statement is, what it includes, when you need to file it, how much it costs, and what happens if you miss the deadline. Whether you’re a new company director or simply want to ensure you’re ticking all the right boxes, this guide will help you stay compliant.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation Statement is a legal filing that confirms your company’s details are up to date on the public register at Companies House. It replaced the old Annual Return (AR01) in 2016, streamlining the process and reducing the paperwork required.

Rather than resubmitting all your company’s information each year, the Confirmation Statement allows you to review and confirm that the information Companies House already holds is correct or to update anything that has changed.

All UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) must file a Confirmation Statement, regardless of size, activity, or profit level.

What Information Does a Confirmation Statement Include?

When filing a Confirmation Statement, you are confirming or updating the following key information:

• Registered office address

• Company officers (directors and secretaries)

• People with Significant Control (PSCs)

• Shareholders and shareholdings

• SIC codes (describing your company’s business activities)

• Statement of capital (for companies limited by shares)

If any of this information has changed since your last filing, you must update it first using the relevant Companies House forms before submitting your Confirmation Statement.

When Do You Need to File a Confirmation Statement?

The Confirmation Statement must be filed at least once every 12 months. This 12-month period is known as the review period, which starts on:

• The date your company was incorporated, or

• The date of your last Confirmation Statement (whichever is later)

You then have 14 days from the end of the review period to submit the new Confirmation Statement.

Example:
If your company was incorporated on 1 June 2023, your first review period ends on 31 May 2024. You must file your Confirmation Statement by 14 June 2024.

You can file more frequently if changes occur (such as a new shareholder or director), but you still must file at least once every 12 months.

How Much Does a Confirmation Statement Cost?

The filing fee for a Confirmation Statement is:

• £13 when filed online

• £40 when filed using a paper form

This is an annual fee, regardless of how many times you file during the year. If you choose to submit updates throughout the year, you won’t be charged again until your next review period.

Read more about how much is a confirmation statement.

What Happens If You Don’t File?

Failing to file a Confirmation Statement is a criminal offence and can have serious consequences:

• Companies House may begin striking off proceedings to remove your company from the register

• Directors may be prosecuted and fined

• Your company’s credibility may suffer—making it harder to secure loans, enter contracts, or maintain a business bank account

Even if your company is dormant or no longer trading, you must still file a Confirmation Statement unless the company is officially dissolved.

You might also be interested in what does confirmation statement overdue mean.

How to File a Confirmation Statement

The easiest way to file is through the Companies House WebFiling service. You’ll need:

• Your company number

• Your authentication code

• A review of your company details

If anything needs to be updated—such as a new PSC, a change in shareholding, or a change of SIC code—you must file the appropriate forms (e.g. PSC01, SH01, AD01) before submitting the Confirmation Statement.

Is the Confirmation Statement the Same as Annual Accounts?

No, they are two separate filings:

• Confirmation Statement: Confirms company details and must be filed at least annually

• Company Accounts: Financial documents that report on your company’s income, expenses, assets and liabilities

Both are mandatory for limited companies, and both have their own deadlines and penalties for non-compliance.

Final Thoughts

The Confirmation Statement might seem like a formality, but it plays a vital role in keeping your company compliant and transparent. By confirming your key company details with Companies House each year, you help maintain public trust and avoid legal issues.

It’s quick to file, relatively low-cost, and legally required so it pays to stay on top of it. If you run a smaller company—perhaps as a sole director or start-up—the Confirmation Statement can feel like unnecessary admin on top of everything else. But failing to file it properly could lead to serious consequences, even if your business is not actively trading. Our small company accountant service is tailored for micro-businesses that want reliable, affordable support without all the jargon. We’ll handle your annual filings, keep your company in good standing, and make sure you're always a step ahead of your legal obligations.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.