What is a confirmation statement and other common questions

Being a business owner is not just about making your products, working with customers and figuring out how to increase your profits. There’s a lot of mandatory administration that must happen including keeping your confirmation statement up to date.

What is the purpose of a confirmation statement?

The confirmation statement is a legally required document that public and private companies must file with Companies House each year.

It’s a snapshot of the company’s key details, including registered office address, directors, shareholders, and people with significant control (PSC).

Who needs to file a confirmation statement?

All registered UK companies, whether actively trading or dormant, must file a confirmation statement at least once a year.

When do you have to submit the confirmation statement?

Your confirmation statement is due on the anniversary of the company incorporation date with the deadline being 14 days after the end of the 12-month review period.

How do you file a confirmation statement?

You can file your confirmation statement by post or online at Companies House. Alternatively, you can download a form and post it to Companies House along with the fee.

What information is included?

You must include the following information on your confirmation statement:

• Company name and registration number.
• Registered office address.
• Details of company directors and secretaries.
• Information on shareholders and their shareholdings.
• PSC details (individuals or entities with significant control over the company).
• SIC codes describing the nature of your business activities.

What are PSCs, and why are they important?

PSCs are individuals or entities that control more than 25% of the company’s shares, voting rights, or can influence the board. This information is required for transparency and is part of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Do I need an accountant to file a confirmation statement?

You can choose to file your confirmation statement yourself, so you do not require an accountant to complete this for you. However, your accountant will usually offer this service as a package with your Corporation Tax Return, your Self-assessment tax return and your annual accounts. Ask your accountant what filings are covered in your service package.

How much does a confirmation statement cost?

There is a £34 fee with Companies House for filing your confirmation statement and this can be paid online if you are filing online. If you are filing by post, the fee is £62 and can be paid by cheque drawn in the company name.

Do I need to file a confirmation statement if I am closing a company?

It is not compulsory to file a confirmation statement before you file the required paperwork (DS01) to remove your company from the register. However, it is considered good practice to file annual accounts and the last confirmation statement.

What happens if my company is dormant?

If your company is not trading, you are still required to file an annual confirmation statement.

What happens if I fail to file my confirmation statement?

Company directors have a legal obligation to file an annual confirmation statement and it is a criminal offence not to do so. There are no fines for not filing your confirmation statement but Companies House may strike your company off the register (aka close it) if you do not file.

Can I file my confirmation statement early?

You can file your confirmation statement early if you prefer, but it will reset your confirmation date to the new filing date.

Are confirmation statements publicly available?

Yes, all confirmation statements are part of the public record at Companies House, allowing transparency and trust in the business environment.

Is the confirmation statement the same as the annual accounts?

No, they are separate requirements. The confirmation statement confirms your company’s basic information, while annual accounts provide a detailed overview of your company’s financial performance.

Getting help with your confirmation statement

Although filing a confirmation statement is a relatively easy admin task, some business owners would prefer their accountant to manage all the accounting activity. Contact us online for a free, no-obligation chat today about how we can help you with your confirmation statement, annual accounts and tax returns, releasing you from tax anxiety.