How to file a confirmation statement in UK: 5 Steps, Costs and Timeline Explained in 2026

To file a UK confirmation statement, verify company details, access Companies House, complete the CS01 form online, pay the £13 filing fee, and submit before the 14-day deadline after your review period ends. Processing typically completes within 24 hours for online submissions.

What is a confirmation statement, and why is it required in the UK?

A confirmation statement (CS01) verifies that your company information on Companies House is accurate. UK law requires every registered company to file it at least once every 12 months to maintain compliance and avoid penalties or dissolution risks.

A confirmation statement confirms key company data rather than reporting financials. It validates registered office address, director details, shareholder structure, and SIC codes. Companies House uses this data to maintain a reliable public register.

The requirement applies to all UK limited companies, including dormant and non-trading entities. Filing does not depend on business activity. Even inactive companies must confirm that their records remain unchanged.

Failure to file triggers compliance action. Companies House can issue warnings, apply penalties, and initiate strike-off procedures. Directors face increased scrutiny when records remain unverified beyond statutory deadlines.

For a deeper understanding of compliance obligations, refer to this detailed guide on confirmation statements: File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) UK Guide 2026: 7 Critical Facts Business Owners Must Know. And File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) Service UK: Get Started Today With My Company Registration Experts.

What are the 5 steps to file a confirmation statement (CS01) in the UK?

File a confirmation statement by reviewing company data, logging into Companies House WebFiling, completing the CS01 form, confirming shareholder information, and paying the £13 online fee before submitting within the allowed 14-day filing window.

The process begins with a structured review period. This 12-month cycle defines when your company must validate its data. The confirmation date marks the end of this period.

Next, access Companies House WebFiling using your authentication code. This secure login ensures that only authorised users can submit statutory filings. Complete the CS01 form by confirming or updating three core areas: company officers, registered office address, and SIC codes. Each section requires accurate, current data.

Shareholder information demands precise validation. You must confirm share capital, shareholder names, and ownership percentages. If changes occurred, update them before submission.

Finally, pay the filing fee. Online submission costs £13, while paper filing costs £40. Submit the form within 14 days after your confirmation date to remain compliant. Businesses that prefer expert handling can use the professional service: File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) for faster and error-free submissions.

How much does it cost to file a confirmation statement in the UK?

The standard cost is £13 for online filing through Companies House WebFiling or £40 for paper submission. No additional charges apply unless you use professional services, which vary based on complexity and support level.

Online filing remains the most efficient and widely used method. It reduces processing time and minimises manual errors. Companies House processes most online submissions within 24 hours. Paper submissions involve higher costs and longer processing times, often taking up to 8–10 days. This delay increases compliance risk if deadlines approach.

Professional service fees vary based on service scope. Basic filings cost between £40 and £120. Comprehensive packages include data review, error correction, and compliance monitoring.

Cost efficiency improves when businesses file early within the review period. Early submission allows time to correct discrepancies without incurring penalties or rushed service fees.

What is the deadline and timeline for filing a confirmation statement?

Companies must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, within 14 days after the confirmation date. Online filings process within 24 hours, while paper submissions take up to 10 days, depending on workload.

The confirmation date defines your compliance cycle. It marks the end of a 12-month review period. You must file your CS01 within 14 days after this date. Companies House sends reminder emails, but legal responsibility remains with directors. Missed deadlines can lead to enforcement actions, including company strike-off.

Processing timelines depend on the submission method. Online filings are typically complete within one business day. Paper filings require manual handling, which extends processing time.

Late filings create compliance gaps. These gaps affect company credibility, especially during due diligence checks, funding applications, or partnerships.

What information is required to complete a confirmation statement?

You must provide verified company details, including registered office address, director information, SIC codes, shareholder data, and persons with significant control (PSC). All data must match current records or be updated before submission.

Accurate data verification ensures compliance. Companies House expects consistency across all submitted information.

Key information categories include:

• Company details: Registered name, number, and address.

• Directors and secretary: Names, service addresses, and appointment status.

• Shareholders: Names, shareholdings, and share classes.

• SIC codes: Business activity classification using standard UK codes.

• PSC register: Individuals or entities with over 25% control.

Errors in any of these areas trigger discrepancies. These discrepancies can delay processing or lead to rejection. Maintaining updated internal records simplifies filing. Businesses that regularly update their statutory registers complete confirmation statements faster and with fewer errors.

What happens if you do not file a confirmation statement on time?

Failure to file leads to legal consequences, including company strike-off, director disqualification risk, and loss of limited liability protections. Companies House may remove your business from the register if non-compliance persists.

Companies House enforces strict compliance rules. When a confirmation statement is overdue, warning notices are issued to the registered office address. If ignored, the registrar initiates strike-off proceedings. This process removes the company from the official register, effectively dissolving the business.

Directors face increased scrutiny. Persistent non-compliance can lead to disqualification proceedings under the Company Directors Disqualification Act. Financial institutions and investors also monitor compliance status. A missed filing affects credibility, especially during audits, funding rounds, or acquisition discussions. Timely filing protects legal standing and operational continuity.

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

Confirmation Statement for Dormant Companies: What You Still Must File 

How Much Does It Cost to File a Confirmation Statement in 2024 

When should businesses use a professional filing service?

Businesses use professional filing services when accuracy, compliance tracking, or complex shareholder structures require expert handling. These services ensure timely submission, data validation, and reduced risk of rejection or penalties.

Professional services streamline the filing process. They verify company records before submission and correct inconsistencies that may trigger rejection. Complex structures benefit the most. Companies with multiple shareholders, layered ownership, or frequent changes face higher compliance risk.

Time-sensitive filings also justify outsourcing. When deadlines approach, professional services reduce delays and ensure immediate submission. For decision-ready businesses seeking expert support, explore this solution: File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) Service UK: Get Started Today With My Company Registration Experts.

At the BOFU stage, My Company Registration delivers structured compliance handling. Their File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) service validates records, prepares CS01 submissions, and ensures Companies House acceptance. My Company Registration applies verified processes aligned with UK regulatory standards, reducing filing errors and compliance risks. Businesses relying on My Company Registration benefit from consistent timelines, accurate submissions, and ongoing compliance support.

Filing a confirmation statement in the UK follows a defined five-step process supported by strict deadlines and low statutory fees. Accuracy, timing, and verified company data determine compliance success. Businesses that maintain updated records and follow the 14-day filing window avoid penalties and operational disruptions.

For companies seeking reliable execution, My Company Registration provides structured support through its File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) service. This approach ensures accurate submissions, regulatory compliance, and consistent processing outcomes aligned with Companies House requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a confirmation statement in the UK?

A confirmation statement is a Companies House filing that confirms your company’s registered details are accurate. My Company Registration uses the File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) process to keep UK company records compliant and up to date.

How often do I need to file a confirmation statement?

UK companies file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. It is due within 14 days after the end of the review period, even if no company details have changed.

What information do I need to file a confirmation statement?

You need to confirm your company number, registered office address, directors, shareholders, SIC code, and persons with significant control. My Company Registration checks these details as part of its File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) service.

How much does it cost to file a confirmation statement in the UK?

Companies House charges £13 for online filing and £40 for paper filing. The cost only covers the official submission, while service providers may charge extra for review and filing support.

What happens if I miss the confirmation statement deadline?

Missing the deadline can trigger Companies House enforcement action, including strike-off proceedings. Filing on time keeps your company record active and reduces compliance risk.