Confirmation Statement: Annual Companies House Filing
Every UK company must file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once every 12 months. It's separate from your accounts and confirms your company's details are up to date.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
The confirmation statement (previously called "annual return") confirms to Companies House that your company's registered information is accurate.
Key points:
- Not to be confused with annual accounts
- Not to be confused with CT600 (that's HMRC)
- Filed with Companies House
- Due annually
What It Contains
The confirmation statement confirms:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Registered office address | 123 Business Street, London |
| Directors | Name, address, DOB |
| Company secretary (if applicable) | Name, address |
| Shareholders | Names and shareholdings |
| Share capital | £100 in ordinary shares |
| People with Significant Control (PSC) | Directors who own shares |
| SIC code | 62020 (IT consultancy) |
When Is It Due?
Review Period
Your confirmation statement covers a "review period":
- First: From incorporation to first anniversary
- Subsequent: From last statement to next anniversary
Deadline
Within 14 days of your review period ending.
Example Timeline
Company incorporated: 15 June 2023
| Review Period Ends | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| 15 June 2024 | 29 June 2024 |
| 15 June 2025 | 29 June 2025 |
| 15 June 2026 | 29 June 2026 |
How to File
Option 1: Companies House Online (Recommended)
- Go to Companies House WebFiling
- Sign in or create an account
- Enter your company number
- Review the pre-filled information
- Update any changes
- Submit and pay
Option 2: Third-Party Software
Some company management software can file confirmation statements.
Option 3: Paper (Not Recommended)
Paper form CS01 takes longer to process and costs more.
What It Costs
| Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online | £34 |
| Paper | £62 |
What To Check Before Filing
Company Details
- Registered office address correct?
- Trading address correct (if shown)?
- Company name correct?
People
- All directors listed?
- Director details accurate?
- Secretary details accurate (if applicable)?
- Former officers removed?
Ownership
- All shareholders listed?
- Share numbers correct?
- PSC register accurate?
Activity
- SIC code describes your business?
Updating Information
If details have changed:
- Most changes can be made via the confirmation statement
- Some changes (like new directors) should be filed separately first
- Update promptly—don't wait for the confirmation statement
Penalties for Late Filing
Criminal Offence
Failing to file is a criminal offence. The company and officers may be:
- Prosecuted
- Fined
- Struck off the register
Company Strike-Off
Companies House may begin striking off your company if you don't file.
Warning letters timeline:
- First letter after deadline
- Second letter 14 days later
- Strike-off notice in Gazette
- Dissolution 3 months later
Restoration
Restoring a struck-off company is expensive (£100-£300+) and time-consuming.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing with Accounts
The confirmation statement is separate from annual accounts. You need to file both.
Mistake 2: Missing the Deadline
Your deadline is your anniversary + 14 days, not your accounts deadline.
Mistake 3: Wrong Shareholder Information
Update shareholdings when shares are issued or transferred—not just at confirmation statement time.
Mistake 4: Outdated PSC Information
People with Significant Control must be registered separately. Verify the PSC register before confirming.
Mistake 5: Wrong Address
If you've moved, update your registered office address properly (separate form).
People with Significant Control (PSC)
Who Is a PSC?
A person who:
- Owns more than 25% of shares, OR
- Owns more than 25% of voting rights, OR
- Has the right to appoint/remove directors
What to Report
For each PSC:
- Name and date of birth
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Service address
- Residential address (kept private)
- Nature of control
- Date control began
Companies as PSCs
If a company owns shares, you may need to report a Relevant Legal Entity (RLE) instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the confirmation statement the same as annual accounts?
No. Annual accounts show your company's financial position. The confirmation statement confirms company details. Both are required, filed separately.
What if nothing has changed?
You still need to file. You're confirming that the registered information remains accurate.
Can I file early?
Yes. Many companies file when they file accounts to remember both. Your next review period starts from when you file.
What's the difference from the old annual return?
The confirmation statement replaced the annual return in 2016. It's similar but simpler, with more information pre-filled from Companies House records.
Do I need an accountant to file it?
No. Most directors file their own confirmation statements online. It's straightforward.
What if I miss the deadline?
File immediately. Late filing is a criminal offence. The longer you wait, the worse the consequences.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What | Annual confirmation of company details |
| Who | All UK companies |
| When | Within 14 days of anniversary |
| Where | Companies House |
| Cost | £34 online |
| How | WebFiling (recommended) |
Related guides: