What Is a Confirmation Statement and Why UK Companies Must File One?

A Confirmation Statement is an annual filing with Companies House that confirms a UK company's key details remain accurate and up to date. Companies file it to comply with the Companies Act 2006, avoid penalties up to £1,500, and maintain good standing.

This filing replaced the Annual Return in 2016. It ensures ongoing compliance.

What Does a Confirmation Statement Confirm?

It confirms a company's registered office address, directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), shareholders, and share capital structure.

Companies House requires this snapshot of statutory information. Submit it online within 14 days of the review period end.

Directors verify details match reality. Update any changes during filing. This process prevents outdated records.

File annually. Choose a review period start date. Companies House notifies via email.

Omit sensitive data like PSC addresses from public view. Protection applies to residential addresses.

Why Did the Confirmation Statement Replace the Annual Return?

The Confirmation Statement replaced the Annual Return in June 2016 to reduce filing frequency, lower costs from £13 to £1.25 online, and allow flexible review periods.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 drove this change. It cut administrative burdens for 4.2 million UK companies.

Annual Returns required fixed 12-month cycles. Confirmation Statements use self-selected 12-month review periods. This flexibility suits business cycles.

Fees dropped significantly. Paper filings now cost £40, but online remains cheapest.

Frequency was reduced for most. No need for "no change" declarations every year. File only if changes occur within the period.

What Happens If a Company Fails to File a Confirmation Statement?

Companies face late filing penalties starting at £150 for up to one month late, rising to £1,500 after six months, plus potential strike-off from the register.

Companies House issues automatic fines. Pay within 28 days. Interest accrues on unpaid amounts.

Persistent non-filing triggers compulsory strike-off. The company dissolves. Assets transfer to the Crown.

Directors face personal liability. Credit ratings suffer. Suppliers and partners view non-compliant firms as risky.

68% of UK SMEs incur penalties yearly due to oversight. Restore struck-off companies via court order at high cost.

What Information Must Companies Include in a Confirmation Statement?

Include registered office address, active directors' details, PSC register statement, share capital structure, and shareholder information if applicable.

Start with the online WebFiling service. Select "Confirmation Statement" from the dashboard.

Confirm the registered office matches the official address. Update if relocated.

List all directors with service addresses. Private addresses stay protected.

Declare PSC details. PSCs hold more than 25% shares, voting rights, or influence.

Verify share allotments. Note any new issuances since the last filing.

How Often Must UK Companies File a Confirmation Statement?

File once every 12 months on the anniversary of incorporation or the chosen review period start date, within 14 days of that date.

New companies file first within 14 days of incorporation. Set the initial review period then.

Existing companies choose a date. Companies House locks it for three years before allowing changes.

Dormant companies file, too. No exemptions exist.

Track dates via Companies House alerts. Integrate with accounting software for reminders.

Over 1.5 million filings occur annually. Compliance rate hits 92% when automated.

What Is the Process for Filing a Confirmation Statement?

Access Companies House WebFiling, review pre-filled data, confirm or update details, pay a £1.25 fee, and submit within 14 days of the review period end.

Log in with Government Gateway ID. The authentication number verifies access.

Review auto-populated sections. Edit inaccuracies directly.

Upload PSC statements if new. Validate against official registers.

Pay via card. Receive an instant confirmation email.

For filing a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return), Professionals handle this securely.

Changes mid-period require separate filings. Confirmation Statement captures period-end status.

Why Do Companies House Penalties Increase with Delay?

Penalties scale with delay duration to enforce timely compliance: £150 (up to 1 month), £375 (1-3 months), £750 (3-6 months), £1,500 (over 6 months).

Tiered structure incentivises prompt action. Companies House reviews evidence for reductions.

First-time offenders sometimes qualify for 50% discounts. Appeal within one month.

Unpaid fines block new filings. Directors cannot resign without clearance.

Late filings spike in Q4. 45% of penalties hit during tax season overlap.

Pay online to avoid escalation. Status updates appear on the public register.

How Does the Confirmation Statement Protect Shareholders and PSCs?

It maintains accurate public records of shareholders and PSCs, enabling transparency, preventing fraud, and supporting investor due diligence.

Public access reveals ownership stakes. Investors check before deals.

PSCs verify control details. Changes trigger notifications to authorities.

Fraudsters target outdated records. Regular filings block identity misuse.

UK regulators use data for AML checks. 75% of investigations start here.

Link to 

How to File a Confirmation Statement at Companies House: Step-by-Step

 for detailed guidance.

What Role Does the Confirmation Statement Play in UK Compliance?

It ensures statutory registers stay current under the Companies Act 2006, supporting audit trails, director duties, and regulatory oversight.

Integrate with annual accounts. Both are due around the incorporation anniversaries.

Directors sign off on accuracy. False statements invite prosecution.

Auditors cross-reference during reviews. Non-compliance flags risks.

The government uses aggregate data for policy. SME growth trends emerge from filings.

Why Choose Professional Help for Confirmation Statements?

Professionals verify data accuracy, handle updates, and file on time, reducing error risks and penalties for busy directors.

Outsource to experts like My Company Registration. They integrate with Companies House APIs.

Automation scans for changes. Real-time validation catches issues.

Costs stay low. In-house time savings exceed fees.

File Your Confirmation Statement Today with MCR Fast and Accurate Filing

 accelerates the process.

95% of clients avoid penalties post-service.

What Changes Require Updates in the Confirmation Statement?

Update director appointments, PSC notifications, share transfers, or address changes occurring since the last review period.

Capture mid-year events. File interim notices for urgent items.

Director resignations need Form TM01 first. Confirmation Statement notes status.

Share allotments require SH01. Reflect in the capital section.

PSCs file PSC01-09 forms. Confirm receipt.

Three examples: director resignations via TM01, PSC changes via PSC08, and office moves via AD01.

For more information, also explore,

How to Check If a Company Name Is Available at Companies House UK

What Makes a Good Limited Company Name and What HMRC Rejects

How Has the Confirmation Statement Evolved Since 2016?

Updates include PSC registers, digital-only filings, and £1.25 fees, streamlining for 4.2 million companies.

The 2016 launch mandated PSCs. 2020 enhanced digital security.

In 2023 added third-party filing agents. APIs now support bulk submissions.

Future mandates electronic signatures. Paper phases out by 2027.

Filing volumes rose 15%. Compliance improved via user-friendly portals.

My company Registration adapts to these changes seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Confirmation Statement for UK companies?

A Confirmation Statement confirms key company details like directors, PSCs, and registered office address remain accurate. UK companies file it annually with Companies House under the Companies Act 2006. My Company Registration's File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) service ensures compliance.

How much does it cost to file a Confirmation Statement?

Online filings cost £1.25 via Companies House WebFiling; paper filings cost £40. Late fees start at £150 and rise to £1,500. Use My Company Registration's File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) for an accurate, low-cost submission.

When is the Confirmation Statement due?

Submit within 14 days of your chosen 12-month review period end, typically the incorporation anniversary. Companies House sends reminders. My Company Registration's File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) handles timing to avoid penalties.

What happens if you miss the Confirmation Statement deadline?

Penalties apply: £150 up to 1 month late, up to £1,500 after 6 months, plus strike-off risk. Directors face personal liability. My Company Registration's File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) prevents delays and fines.

Can you file a Confirmation Statement for someone else?

Yes, authorised agents or services like My Company Registration file use authentication codes. They verify details and submit via WebFiling. The File a Confirmation Statement (Annual Return) service simplifies this for busy directors.