How to File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) UK 2026

Yes. File a confirmation statement (annual return) to Companies House every 12 months covering company details and shareholdings; file online or by post within 14 days of the statement date and pay no fee for basic filings.

How often must a company file a confirmation statement?

Companies file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Companies House requires a confirmation statement within 12 months of the previous statement date. The filing confirms company details, registered office, directors, PSCs (persons with significant control), and share structure. Late filing does not carry a fee, but persistent failure risks strike-off.

What information must appear on a confirmation statement?

Include registered office, director and company officer details, PSCs, SIC codes, share capital and shareholder details.
You must list current directors and secretary (if any), the registered office address, one or more SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes, and details of any PSCs. For limited companies with shares, state total shares, share classes, and shareholder names and holdings. For companies limited by guarantee, state the guarantee details. Submit accurate shareholder percentages and share class names.

When is the confirmation statement date determined?

The confirmation statement date is 12 months after the previous confirmation date or incorporation date for the first statement.
Your company’s first confirmation statement covers the period from incorporation to the statement date, which is usually 12 months after incorporation. Each subsequent statement date is 12 months after the prior one. You can choose an earlier statement date to align filings with business cycles, but that starts a new 12‑month period. Read our articles, How to file a confirmation statement (annual return) in the UK: 5 Steps, Costs and Timeline Explained, and File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) Service UK: Get Started Today With My Company Registration Experts.

How do you file a confirmation statement?

File online via Companies House WebFiling or third-party software, or file a paper CS01 form by post.
Online filing uses an authentication code and takes minutes when the information is current. Paper CS01 requires manual completion and longer processing times. Agents or company formation providers also submit filings using authorised software. Include updated PSC and share information; attach paper documents only when necessary.

What are the costs and fees for filing?

There is no Companies House fee for standard confirmation statements filed online; paper filings cost £40.
Online filing is free for standard submissions. Companies that use Companies House premium services or third-party agents may incur service fees. Paper CS01 submissions carry a £40 statutory fee. If you use a filing agent such as My Company Registration, expect a separate service charge depending on the package.

What are the consequences of late or inaccurate filing?

Late or inaccurate filing can trigger compliance notices, increased scrutiny, and potential director liability or company strike-off.
Companies House issues reminders and penalties for persistent non-compliance. Incorrect PSC or director data can lead to enforcement actions and fines under the Companies Act 2006. Directors remain legally responsible for filing accurate information and for correcting errors promptly.

Who must approve and sign the confirmation statement?

A director, company secretary, or authorised agent must sign or authenticate the filing.
An authorised signatory electronically signs online filings using the company authentication code. For paper CS01, a director or secretary signs the form. Agents file on behalf of companies when authorised; companies must retain evidence of that authority.

Can information be amended after filing?

Yes, file separate updates to Companies House for corrections or changes outside the confirmation statement cycle.
Use WebFiling to update officer changes, registered office moves, or PSC amendments as they occur. Do not wait for the next confirmation statement. Timely updates maintain statutory accuracy and reduce the need for corrections on the annual confirmation.

Which companies must file a confirmation statement?

All UK companies registered at Companies House, including limited companies and LLPs, must file a confirmation statement.
This includes private limited companies, public limited companies, and limited liability partnerships. Dormant companies and active trading companies both file annually. Charity companies limited by guarantee follow the same requirements unless statutory exemptions apply.

What supporting evidence is required for PSCs?

Provide full legal names, dates of birth, nationality, service address, and nature of control for each PSC.
Companies must identify PSCs that hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights, have the right to appoint directors, or exert significant influence. If a PSC is an individual, give the listed personal details. If a PSC is a corporate entity, provide the company name and registration number.

How does the confirmation statement relate to the annual accounts?

The confirmation statement is separate from annual accounts and has a different deadline and content requirement.
File accounts with Companies House and HMRC according to accounting reference dates. The confirmation statement confirms company details and shareholders; annual accounts report financial performance. Both filings are statutory but follow distinct processes and timelines.

What is the typical timeline for completing a confirmation statement?

Online filing takes under 30 minutes; paper filing can take several weeks for processing.
Prepare data in advance to simplify online submission. If submitting by post, allow up to 10 working days for Companies House processing, longer during peak periods. Use an agent to expedite and verify completeness if internal resources are limited.

How do service providers help with filing?

Agents validate company records, prepare Form CS01, authenticate filings, and file on behalf of the company.
Filing agents check officer lists, reconcile share registers, and confirm PSC data to reduce errors. They can manage authentication codes and provide proof of filing. Using a specialist reduces the director's workload and minimises compliance risk.

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

What Is the Deadline to File a Confirmation Statement UK 2024 

What Information Goes into a UK Companies House Confirmation Statement 

What are five practical checks before submitting?

Verify officer details; reconcile the share register; confirm PSC status; ensure SIC codes are accurate; confirm the statement date.
Run these checks to spot discrepancies. Cross-reference internal registers with Companies House data. Correct mismatches before submission to prevent follow-up notices and to keep statutory records consistent.
File a confirmation statement every 12 months to validate company details with Companies House. Timely, accurate filings protect directors from enforcement risk and maintain public record integrity. For companies seeking expert support, My Company Registration offers filing services that validate data, prepare CS01 submissions, and file on your behalf to ensure compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must I file a confirmation statement (annual return) in the UK?

File a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months to Companies House. My Company Registration can confirm your next due date and help prepare the CS01 details for accurate annual filing.

What information does a confirmation statement require?

A confirmation statement must list the registered office, current directors and officers, PSCs, SIC codes, and share capital or guarantee details. My Company Registration checks and reconciles these records before submission.

Can I file a confirmation statement online, and what do I need?

Yes; file online via Companies House WebFiling using your company authentication code and up-to-date registers. My Company Registration can authenticate filings and upload corrected PSC or share data when required.

Are there fees for filing a confirmation statement with Companies House?

Standard online confirmation statements carry no Companies House fee; paper CS01 submissions cost £40. My Company Registration may charge a separate service fee for agent filing and record validation.

What happens if a confirmation statement is late or inaccurate?

Late or inaccurate filings can trigger compliance notices, director inquiries, and increased enforcement risk under the Companies Act 2006. My Company Registration validates records to reduce errors and helps remedy corrections promptly.