If you own or manage a company in the UK, you’ve likely come across the term confirmation statement. But what exactly is it, why is it important, and when are you required to file one?
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to stay compliant with Companies House and avoid any fines or paperwork headache.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a yearly document that all UK businesses must file with Companies House. It replaced the old annual return and provides a snapshot of key company details at a specific point in time. This includes:
- What your business does (your SIC code)
- Your company’s registered office address
- People with significant control over your company
- Details of your directors and company secretaries
- Information about shareholders and shareholdings
When you file a confirmation statement, you are verifying that the information held by Companies House is correct, or you are providing updates if there have been any changes.
Why Is Filing a Confirmation Statement Important?
Filing your confirmation statement isn’t just a formality — it’s a legal requirement that helps keep your business compliant and in good standing.
Here’s why it matters:
- Transparency: The information you provide is publicly available, so investors, customers, and others can easily access it
- Avoiding Problems: Missing the filing deadline can lead to fines or even removal from the Companies House register
- Trust and Credibility: Keeping your details up-to-date shows that your business is well-managed and reliable
When Do You Need to File a Confirmation Statement?
The deadline depends on when your company was set up and when you last filed a statement.
- First Statement: You must file it within 12 months of your company’s incorporation date
- Annual Deadline: After that, you must file at least one statement every 12 months, usually around the same date each year
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Failing to file your statement on time can cause major problems for your company and its directors:
- Fines and Penalties: Companies House can charge late fees, which increase over time
- Damaged Reputation: Late or missing filings can impact your company’s credit score and credibility
- Strike-Off Risk: Your company could be removed from the register, meaning it would no longer legally exist
- Legal Consequences: Company directors can be held personally liable and could face disqualification for failing to file on time
How To File a Confirmation Statement
Filing is simple and can be done either online or by post — though online is faster and more commonly used.
Filing Online:
- Go to the Companies House WebFiling service
- Use your company’s authentication code to log in
- Review and update your details
- Submit the form and pay the £34 fee (as of 2025)
Filing by Post:
- Download and fill in form CS01
- Post it to Companies House along with the £62 fee (as of 2025)
Summary
A confirmation statement is your company’s annual check-in with Companies House to make sure your public records are accurate.
By filing on time, you avoid penalties, protect your company’s reputation, and show that your business is responsibly managed.
Let MYCO Handle It for You
At MYCO Formations, we make filing your confirmation statement effortless.
If you’ve purchased one of our packages, you can add this service through your client portal. We’ll prepare your statement, send you the details to review and approve, and then file it with Companies House for you. Once it’s done, we’ll send you a confirmation email.