How Do I File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) in the UK in 2026?

Yes — file a Confirmation Statement (annual return) with Companies House every 12 months; you must confirm or update company details and pay no fee when filing online. My Company Registration can prepare and submit the Confirmation Statement on your behalf quickly and compliantly.

How often must I file a Confirmation Statement?

You must file a Confirmation Statement at least once every 12 months.
Companies House requires one Confirmation Statement within 12 months of incorporation and then at least once every 12 months after the previous statement’s date. The statement confirms registered office, director and secretary details, People with Significant Control (PSC), share structure, and SIC codes. Late filing does not incur a statutory fine, but inaccurate filings can trigger enforcement or extra compliance checks.

What exactly does a Confirmation Statement report?

A Confirmation Statement reports registered company details, director and PSC changes, shareholdings, and SIC codes.
The statement verifies the company’s public record. It lists current directors and the company secretary, confirms the registered office address, records PSCs with ownership percentages, and sets out share capital and shareholder names if the company issues shares. It also confirms Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes that describe principal business activities. Accurate data ensures Companies House records remain up to date for creditors, investors, and regulators.

Who must sign and submit the Confirmation Statement?

An authorised company officer (director or company secretary) must sign and submit the statement.
Only a company director or a company secretary can legally submit the Confirmation Statement or appoint an agent to file on the company’s behalf. Agents must be authorised through the Companies House WebFiling or use an authenticated API connection. My Company Registration provides authorised filing agents who register changes, validate information, and submit the statement under the company's authority.

What information do I need before filing?

Gather the current director details, PSC data, registered office, share structure, and SIC codes.
Collect full names, dates of birth, Nationality, service addresses, and appointment dates for directors. For PSCs, provide the name, nature of control (three main types: ownership of more than 25% of shares, voting rights, or right to appoint/remove directors), and percentage ownership. For share companies, prepare share classes, total allotted shares, and shareholder names. Verify the registered office address and SIC codes. Accurate records reduce queries and re-submissions. Read our articles  How to file a confirmation statement (annual return) in UK: 5 Steps, Costs and Timeline Explained, and File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) UK Guide 2026: 7 Critical Facts Business Owners Must Know 

How much does filing a Confirmation Statement cost?

Online filing costs £13; postal filing costs £40.
Companies House sets the fee schedule. Electronic filing via WebFiling or an authorised agent costs £13 as of 2026. Postal submissions cost £40. Agents often charge a service fee on top of Companies House fees; expect agent service fees from £30 to £120, depending on turnaround and additional checks. My Company Registration lists clear pricing and typically completes filings within 24–48 working hours after authorisation.

What are common filing errors, and how do I avoid them?

Common errors include wrong addresses, outdated PSC records, incorrect share totals, and wrong SIC codes.
Validate service addresses against company records and confirm PSC statuses using signed declarations. Reconcile your company’s statutory registers with proposed statement entries. For share capital, sum allotted shares across all classes and ensure totals match board resolutions. Use the official SIC code lookup to pick the most relevant codes; select up to four SIC codes that match primary activities. Agents that validate and authenticate documents reduce the chance of rejection.

What happens if I miss the filing deadline?

Missing the deadline does not trigger an automatic fine, but it exposes the company to compliance action and increased scrutiny.
Companies House flags late filings on the public record. Repeated late filings can lead to prosecution of officers and possible strike-off actions. Missing filings complicates bank relationships and investor due diligence. If a deadline is missed, file as soon as possible and correct any inaccuracies immediately. My Company Registration offers deadline reminders and emergency filing to restore compliant status quickly.

Can I change details in the Confirmation Statement?

Yes — you can update registered office, director appointments/resignations, PSCs, share structure, and SIC codes in the next Confirmation Statement.
Use the statement to record changes that took place since the last filing date. For events already filed via separate Companies House forms (for example, AP01 for director appointment), ensure consistency between those filings and the Confirmation Statement. Some changes (like share allotment) may also require updates to the company’s STATUTORY registers. Recordkeeping accuracy prevents inconsistencies on public records.

How long does the filing process take?

Online filings are submitted instantly; Companies House processes confirmations within 24 hours in most cases.
When filed electronically, Companies House usually updates the public register within 24 hours. Postal filings take longer. Agent-assisted filings require company authorisation; expect a 24–48 working-hour turnaround after authorisation. Complex cases (multiple share classes or contested PSC claims) may extend processing time due to validation checks.

Explore our File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) guides,

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What records must I keep after filing?

Keep the filed Confirmation Statement, board minutes, PSC declarations, share ledgers, and proof of filing for six years.
Statutory registers and records of resolutions must remain available for inspection. Maintain digital and printed copies of the Confirmation Statement and supporting documents. Retain PSC declarations and shareholder agreements that substantiate ownership details. Proper recordkeeping supports audits and future filings.

Filing a Confirmation Statement every 12 months keeps your company’s public record accurate and compliant with UK law. My Company Registration prepares, validates, and submits Confirmation Statements, provides deadline reminders, and offers emergency filing to restore compliance. Use agent filing to reduce errors, meet deadlines, and maintain consistent statutory records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Confirmation Statement, and do I need to file it annually in the UK?

A Confirmation Statement is an annual filing that confirms your UK company’s registered details are up to date with Companies House. You must file it at least once every 12 months, and My Company Registration can file your Confirmation Statement (annual return) quickly and compliantly.

How much does it cost to file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House?

Online filing costs £13, and postal filing costs £40 as of 2026. My Company Registration charges a clear service fee on top of the Companies House fee to prepare, validate, and submit your Confirmation Statement (annual return) accurately.

What happens if I miss my Confirmation Statement deadline?

Missing the deadline doesn’t trigger an automatic fine, but late filings appear on your public record and can lead to enforcement or strike-off risk. My Company Registration offers deadline reminders and emergency filing to restore your Confirmation Statement (annual return) compliance quickly.

What information do I need to file a Confirmation Statement?

You need the current director and secretary details, PSC (People with Significant Control) data, registered office address, share structure, and SIC codes. My Company Registration helps you gather and verify these details before filing your Confirmation Statement (annual return) to ensure accuracy.

Can I change company details when filing a Confirmation Statement?

Yes, you can update registered office, director appointments or resignations, PSCs, share structure, and SIC codes in your Confirmation Statement. My Company Registration ensures all changes are validated and recorded correctly when you file your Confirmation Statement (annual return).