Why Do You Have to File a Confirmation Statement in the UK?
Running a limited company in the UK comes with certain legal duties, and one of the most important is filing a confirmation statement with Companies House. Whether if you have moved to a new city in the UK or took a new investor on board, this filing ensures your company information remains correct and up to date on the public register.
This blog answers the most common questions about the confirmation statement, its purpose, costs, deadlines, and the role of accountants.
Why Do I Have to File a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement (previously known as the annual return) is how a company confirms its records at Companies House. It’s a legal requirement for all companies, no matter how big or small. The statement confirms that your registered office address, registered email address, directors, and people with significant control (PSCs) are accurate.
Even if nothing has changed in your business during the year, you still need to file one. This ensures that anyone checking the Companies House register has access to the latest information.
At Tax Care Accountants, we help companies file confirmation statements on time and ensure your details are always accurate. This avoids penalties and keeps your records professional.
What Happens If I Don’t File My Company Confirmation Statement?
If you don’t file within the deadline, Companies House can take action against your company. Penalties can include financial fines, prosecution of directors, or striking your company off the public register.
For business owners, failing to keep information correct and up to date can also affect your reputation, as anyone can see your filing history online.
Tax Care Accountants provide company secretarial services, ensuring your deadlines are never missed. We handle all communication with Companies House, so you can focus on running your business.
How Much Does It Cost To File a Confirmation Statement?
Although some confuse it with tax filing, the confirmation statement fee is paid to Companies House, not HMRC. The cost was updated in March 2024:
- £34 for online submissions
- £62 for paper submissions
This fee covers filing for the whole year, so you won’t be charged again if you need to file multiple times in the same review period to correct mistakes or add changes.
Do I Need to File a Confirmation Statement If I Am Closing a Company?
Yes, you must file until your company is officially dissolved and removed from the register. Even if your company is not trading or is in the process of being closed, you need to submit a statement to Companies House confirming your records are correct and up to date.
Failure to do so could delay the closure process or cause unnecessary penalties. Many business owners use an accountant to handle these filings alongside the company strike-off application.
How Often Does a Confirmation Statement Need to Be Filed?
The confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months. This 12-month period is known as the review period. At the end of the review period, you have 14 days to submit your statement.
You can file earlier if you want to report changes in your business, such as a new registered office address or an update to your people with significant control (PSCs). Early filing does not reset the review period, so you still need to submit once every year.
Who Submits the Confirmation Statement?
The responsibility lies with the company’s officers, usually the director or company secretary. However, in practice, many businesses appoint an accountant or a company formation agent to submit on their behalf.
Having a professional manage this process ensures the company information is accurate and avoids issues with incorrect or out-of-date filings.
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Do I Need an Accountant for a Confirmation Statement?
It is not mandatory to use an accountant, but many business owners prefer to. Filing a statement may sound simple, but making sure your details, such as significant control PSCs, SIC codes, and addresses, are recorded correctly is crucial.
Tax Care Accountants provide full compliance support — from confirmation statements to annual accounts and corporation tax returns — making sure your company stays legally protected at all times.
How to File a Confirmation Statement in the UK
There are two main ways to file:
- Online through the Companies House WebFiling or Software Filing service
- Paper submission using form CS01
Online filing is quicker, cheaper, and provides immediate confirmation. When filing, you will confirm details such as:
- Company number and name
- Registered office address
- Registered email address
- Details of directors and secretaries
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- Intended future activities (SIC codes)
It’s important to review everything carefully so that the information is correct before submission.
Who Conducts Confirmation?
Confirmation statements are processed and reviewed by Companies House. They maintain the public register and ensure that all company information provided is available for inspection by the public, investors, and government authorities.
When Did the Confirmation Statement Fee Increase?
The most recent increase came into effect in March 2024. The change reflected the rising costs of running the Companies House register. Although the fee is modest, failing to budget for it could delay your filing and lead to penalties.
Is a Confirmation Statement the Same as a Tax Return?
No, they are two separate legal requirements. A confirmation statement is filed with Companies House to confirm your company details. A corporation tax return is filed with HMRC to report your company’s profits and taxes owed.
Is a Confirmation Statement Easy?
For many small companies with straightforward structures, filing online is quick and simple. However, if your company has multiple directors, shareholders, or significant control PSCs, ensuring the information is correct can be more complex.
Can You Amend a Confirmation Statement?
Yes, you can. If you realise that your submission was incorrect or out of date, you can file another statement with the corrected details. There’s no extra charge if you already paid the annual fee.
Amendments can cover changes to shareholders, addresses, or intended future activities. Keeping this updated is key to staying compliant and ensuring the public register reflects accurate information.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation statement is a vital part of running a limited company in the UK. It keeps your records correct and up to date, protects your reputation, and avoids penalties. Every business, whether based in London or elsewhere, must file at least once every 12 months within 14 days of the review period ending.
At Tax Care Accountants, we offer confirmation statement filing, company secretarial services, and ongoing compliance support. Our team ensures your records are always accurate, deadlines are never missed, and your business remains fully compliant with UK law.
Contact Tax Care Accountants today and let us handle your company compliance while you focus on growing your business.