This guide explains what a confirmation statement is, who must file it, what information it includes, filing deadlines, and how professional support can help you stay compliant with minimal effort.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a mandatory filing submitted to Companies House that confirms a company’s registered details are accurate and up to date.It does not report financial performance. Instead, it verifies that the information held on the public register remains correct or has been updated where required.
In simple terms, the confirmation statement confirms that your company’s legal and structural details are still valid.
What Is a Confirmation Statement Used For?
The confirmation statement exists to keep the Companies House register accurate and reliable.It is used to:
- Confirm company ownership and control
- Maintain transparency for regulators and the public
- Ensure directors and shareholders are correctly recorded
- Support wider corporate compliance and accountability
Who Must File a Confirmation Statement?
Every company registered in the UK must file a confirmation statement, including:- UK limited companies
- Dormant companies
- Non-trading companies
- Overseas companies registered in the UK
- The company has not traded
- No details have changed during the year
What Information Is Confirmed in a Confirmation Statement?
The confirmation statement confirms that the following details are correct:- Registered office address
- Directors and company officers
- Shareholders and share capital
- SIC codes (business activities)
- Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
- Location of statutory company records
Confirmation Statement vs Annual Accounts
The confirmation statement and annual accounts are separate legal obligations and serve different purposes.A confirmation statement:
- Confirms company details and ownership
- Is filed with Companies House
- Contains no financial information
- Report financial performance and position
- Are filed with Companies House and HMRC
- Include financial statements
When Is a Confirmation Statement Due?
The Review Period
Each company has a 12-month review period that starts on:- The date of incorporation, or
- The date of the last confirmation statement
Filing Deadline
The confirmation statement must be filed within 14 days after the review period ends.It can be filed earlier if needed, which resets the next review period.
What Happens If You Miss the Confirmation Statement Deadline?
Missing the deadline can lead to:- Compliance warnings from Companies House
- Financial penalties
- Risk of compulsory strike-off
- Director disqualification issues in serious cases
How to File a Confirmation Statement (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Review Your Company Details
Check all information held at Companies House to ensure it is accurate.Step 2: Update Any Changes
Changes to directors, shareholders, addresses, or PSC details must be filed separately before the confirmation statement.Step 3: Submit the Confirmation Statement
The confirmation statement can be filed:- Online (recommended), or
- By paper form CS01
Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee
Companies House charges a single annual fee, which covers unlimited confirmation statement filings during that year.What Is Form CS01?
Form CS01 is the official confirmation statement form.Most companies file online, as it is:
- Faster
- Less error-prone
- Instantly acknowledged by Companies House
Can You File a Confirmation Statement If Nothing Has Changed?
Yes. A confirmation statement must still be filed even if no company details have changed.By filing it, the company is confirming that all existing information remains accurate.
Failure to file on the basis that nothing has changed is a common compliance mistake.
Common Mistakes with Confirmation Statements
Companies frequently encounter problems due to:- Assuming the confirmation statement is optional
- Missing the 14-day filing window
- Forgetting to update PSC or share details first
- Confusing the confirmation statement with annual accounts
Confirmation Statements for Dormant Companies
Dormant companies must still file confirmation statements every year.Dormant status:
- Does not remove the obligation
- Does not change deadlines
- Does not reduce compliance requirements
Confirmation Statements for Non-UK Directors
Non-UK directors are subject to the same confirmation statement requirements as UK-based directors.Common challenges include:
- Managing UK filings remotely
- Understanding Companies House requirements
- Tracking deadlines across multiple jurisdictions
How Persona Finance Helps with Confirmation Statements
Persona Finance provides ongoing compliance support to ensure confirmation statements are filed correctly and on time.Our Support Includes:
- Preparation and filing of confirmation statements
- Reviewing and updating Companies House records
- Deadline monitoring and reminders
- Support for UK and international directors
- Integrated company compliance services
Frequently Asked Questions About Confirmation Statements
Is a confirmation statement the same as annual accounts?No. A confirmation statement confirms company details, while annual accounts report financial performance.
Can I file more than one confirmation statement per year?
Yes. Multiple filings are allowed within the same year under the annual fee.
Do dormant companies need to file a confirmation statement?
Yes. Dormant companies must file one every year.
What happens if I do not file at all?
Companies House may strike the company off the register.
Stay Compliant with Your Confirmation Statement
A confirmation statement may appear straightforward, but missed deadlines or incorrect filings can have serious consequences.If you want reassurance that your confirmation statement is handled accurately and on time, Persona Finance can manage the process for you as part of a wider compliance strategy.
👉 Speak with our team to keep your company compliant and your Companies House records up to date.
