Everything You Need to Know About Filing a Confirmation Statement in the UK

A confirmation statement is a crucial legal requirement for all limited companies and LLPs in the UK. It ensures that Companies House has up-to-date and accurate information about a business. Failure to file this statement on time can lead to penalties and even the company being struck off the register. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about filing a confirmation statement, including its purpose, what it includes, and how to file it correctly.

What is a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement (CS01) is a document companies must file with Companies House at least once every 12 months. It serves as a way to confirm that the information held about the company is correct and up to date. Unlike annual accounts, which report a company’s financial status, a confirmation statement ensures that non-financial details remain accurate.

The confirmation statement was introduced in June 2016 to replace the annual return (AR01). The main difference between the two is that the confirmation statement is a simplified version, allowing businesses to confirm details rather than resubmit unchanged information.

Why is a Confirmation Statement Important?

Filing a confirmation statement is a legal requirement for all UK-registered companies. If a company fails to submit its statement, it could be penalized and even struck off the Companies House register. This could have serious consequences, including the loss of the company’s legal status and potential legal action against the directors.

Moreover, up-to-date information helps maintain transparency for potential investors, suppliers, and customers. Many stakeholders check Companies House records before engaging with a business, and incorrect or outdated information could lead to lost opportunities or credibility issues.

Key Information Included in a Confirmation Statement

When filing a confirmation statement, you must verify and update the following details:

• Company Name and Registration Number – The legal name and unique identification number assigned by Companies House.
• Registered Office Address – The official address where legal correspondence is sent.
• SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) Code – A code that categorizes your business activities.
• Company Directors and Secretary Details – Names, addresses, and roles of company officials.
• Persons with Significant Control (PSC) – Individuals or entities that have control over the company.
• Shareholder Information – Names of shareholders and their respective shareholdings.
• Statement of Capital – The total number of shares issued by the company and their value.

In addition to the above, if there have been any changes to the company structure, they must be reported before submitting the confirmation statement. This includes changes in directors, shareholders, or PSCs.

When to File a Confirmation Statement

A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months. The due date is usually one year after either the company’s incorporation date or the date of the last confirmation statement. Companies House allows a 14-day grace period to file the statement.

Even if there are no changes to report, the statement must still be filed to confirm that the existing information is correct. If a company has multiple updates throughout the year, it can file multiple confirmation statements, but only one fee is required per year.

How to File a Confirmation Statement

You can file a confirmation statement either online or by paper submission. Here’s how:

Filing Online:

1. Go to the Companies House WebFiling service.
2. Log in using your authentication code.
3. Review and update company details if necessary.
4. Submit the CS01 form and pay the filing fee (£13 for online submissions).

Filing by Paper:

1. Download and complete the CS01 form from the Companies House website.
2. Print and sign the form.
3. Send it to the Companies House address with a £40 filing fee.

Filing online is generally recommended as it is faster and more convenient. The online system allows you to review and make necessary changes quickly, while postal submissions may take longer to process.

What Happens If You Fail to File?

Failing to file a confirmation statement can lead to:

• Your company is being marked as non-compliant.
• Possible financial penalties.
• The risk of being struck off the Companies House register.

If a company is struck off, it ceases to exist as a legal entity, and its assets could be seized by the government. Directors may also face legal repercussions for non-compliance. Reinstating a struck-off company is a complicated process that requires a court order, so it is best to avoid this situation by filing on time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Confirmation Statement

• Missing the Deadline: Even though Companies House provides a grace period, it’s best to file on time to avoid compliance issues.
• Incorrect SIC Code: Ensure your SIC code accurately reflects your business activities.
• Not Updating PSC Information: If a new individual gains significant control over the company, this must be reported before submitting the statement.
• Using the Wrong Submission Method: Paper filing is slower and costlier than online submission, which is recommended for faster processing.
• Failing to Check Company Details: Before submission, double-check that all information is correct to prevent unnecessary amendments later.

How We Can Help

At File Confirmation Statement, we offer an easy and hassle-free way to file your confirmation statement. Our experts ensure your submission is accurate and on time, avoiding any risk of penalties.