UK companies file a Confirmation Statement annually with Companies House. Directors submit it within 14 days of the review period end. This confirms accurate company records. Late filings incur penalties starting at £150.
Every UK limited company registers this obligation under the Companies Act 2006. Companies House mandates the filing to maintain public records. The process verifies key details like directors and shareholders.
This article breaks down the filing frequency, deadlines, and requirements. It equips business owners with precise compliance knowledge.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A Confirmation Statement confirms a UK company’s statutory details remain accurate. Companies House uses it to update the public register. Submit once per year via their online portal.
Directors declare that information matches reality. The statement covers directors, shareholders, and registered office address. It replaces the old annual return since June 2016.
File through the WebFiling service or software. Companies House assigns a review period, typically 12 months from incorporation or last filing. This structure ensures regular verification.
Why Do UK Companies File Confirmation Statements?
UK companies file to comply with legal obligations under Section 853A of the Companies Act 2006. Accurate records prevent fines and support public transparency. Non-compliance risks strike-off.
The statement validates the ongoing accuracy of the company data. Companies House relies on it for the official register. Directors affirm no changes or list updates.
This process deters fraud and maintains trust in the business ecosystem. Over 4 million active UK companies depend on it. Accurate filings enable smooth operations like banking and contracts.
How Often Must Companies Submit This Filing?
UK companies submit Confirmation Statements every 12 months. The review period dictates the exact timing. File within 14 days after it ends to avoid penalties.
Companies House sets the first review period at incorporation. It ends 12 months later. Subsequent periods follow annually.
For example, a company incorporated on 15 March 2025 faces its first deadline by 29 March 2026. Track this via the Companies House online account.
First-time filers benefit from a 14-day grace period post-review. Repeat annually without exception. Dormant companies follow the same rule.
What Triggers the Annual Review Period?
Companies House triggers the review period 12 months after incorporation or previous filing. It ends on the same day each year. Monitor via your authentication code.
Upon incorporation, Companies House emails the first period details. Access your account to view exact dates. The period renews automatically.
Changes like address updates do not reset the period. Only the annual cycle governs timing. Use the confirmation email or portal for reminders.
Directors receive alerts 14 days before the deadline. Set calendar reminders for precision.
What Details Does the Statement Confirm?
The statement confirms five key areas: directors, people with significant control (PSCs), shareholders, registered office, and share capital. List all changes since last filing.
Directors verify their details and those of alternates. PSCs include anyone with over 25% shares or voting rights. Register their nature of control.
Shareholders require a full register if over 20. Update the registered office address precisely. Declare any share allotments or transfers.
Companies House cross-checks against prior filings. Attach documents for complex changes like new PSCs.
When Does the 14-Day Filing Window Start?
The 14-day window starts the day after the review period ends. Submit online before it closes to stay compliant. Companies House calculates penalties from day 15.
For a 31 December review end, file by 14 January. The portal shows your exact window upon login.
Public holidays extend deadlines if they fall on the last day. Check the Companies House calendar for bank holidays.
File early to avoid last-minute issues like technical glitches.
What Penalties Apply for Late Filings?
Late filings attract automatic late filing penalties: £150 if within one month, £375 up to three months, £750 beyond three months, and £1,500 over six months.
Companies House enforces these tiers strictly. 68% of SMEs faced penalties in 2024 for delays. Repeat offenders see escalated fines.
Persistent non-compliance leads to compulsory strike-off. This removes the company from the register, halting all activities.
Appeal penalties only with valid evidence, like system errors. Pay promptly to minimise escalation.
How Do Companies Prepare the Statement?
Prepare by logging into Companies House WebFiling, reviewing records, and declaring accuracy or updates. Pay the £13 fee online. Submit within the window.
Gather documents: director IDs, PSC notices, share certificates. Verify against internal registers.
Use the portal’s pre-filled data for efficiency. Update PSCs via form PSC01 if needed beforehand.
Download a PDF copy post-submission for records. Retain for six years.
Can First-Time Filers Expect Different Rules?
First-time filers follow the same annual rule but gain a full 12-month review period from incorporation. File within 14 days of its end. No exceptions apply.
New companies receive immediate portal access. Companies House sends the authentication code by post within 24 hours.
Test the system early. Over 90% of new incorporations complete filings on time.
What Happens If Company Details Change Mid-Year?
Report mid-year changes via separate filings before the Confirmation Statement. The annual statement then confirms those updates. Use specific forms like AP01 for new directors.
Changes trigger event-based filings. For example, notify the director of appointments within 14 days.
The Confirmation Statement summarises cumulative changes. Avoid duplication by filing promptly.
This keeps the register current year-round.
Why Integrate Managed Filing Services?
Managed services handle annual Confirmation Statements for busy directors. They ensure timely filing and compliance. Explore options like File a Confirmation Statement for seamless execution.
Professionals monitor deadlines and submit accurately. This reduces error risks.
For deeper insights, read
The Benefits of a Managed Filing Service for UK Small Business.
It outlines efficiency gains.
How Does This Fit Broader Annual Obligations?
Confirmation Statements align with annual accounts and corporation tax. File accounts nine months after the year-end for private companies. Coordinate all via Companies House.
Accounts confirm financial health. Tax returns go to HMRC separately.
Integrate calendars for all deadlines. Dormant companies file null accounts alongside.
What Tools Track Filing Deadlines?
Companies House online accounts provide deadline reminders. Integrate with accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks. Set Google Calendar alerts for review periods.
Portal notifications reach 95% of users. Export data to spreadsheets for teams.
Third-party compliance tools scan multiple companies.
Also explore,
Confirmation Statement vs. Annual Accounts: Key Differences
Everything You Need to Know About the New £50 Filing Fee
Recent Changes to Filing Requirements?
2024 updates mandate digital filing only; paper forms ended. PSC rules tightened for trusts. Check Companies House guidance for specifics.
Digital shifts cut processing time by 40%. Verify compliance frameworks evolve.
Monitor annual legislation via gov.uk.
FromMyCompany streamlines these updates in their services.
UK companies file Confirmation Statements every 12 months within a 14-day window. Accurate submission prevents penalties and maintains records. FromMyCompany delivers reliable File a Confirmation Statement solutions. Stay compliant effortlessly.
For decision-makers, consider
Professional Annual Filing Service for All UK Limited Companies
to handle all obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do UK companies need to file a Confirmation Statement?
UK limited companies file a Confirmation Statement annually, within 14 days of their 12-month review period ending. Companies House mandates this to confirm accurate records of directors, PSCs, and addresses. From MyCompany’s File a Confirmation Statement service ensures timely submission.
What is a Confirmation Statement for a UK company?
A Confirmation Statement verifies that a company’s registered details with Companies House remain correct, including directors, shareholders, and office address. It replaced the annual return in 2016 under the Companies Act 2006. Use FromMyCompany’s File a Confirmation Statement to handle updates efficiently.
What happens if you file a Confirmation Statement late?
Late Confirmation Statements trigger penalties from Companies House: £150 within one month, rising to £1,500 after six months. Repeated delays risk the company being struck off. From MyCompany’s File a Confirmation Statement service prevents fines through deadline monitoring.
How much does it cost to file a Confirmation Statement?
Companies House charges £13 for online Confirmation Statement filings via WebFiling. No extra fees apply for standard submissions. From MyCompany’s File, a Confirmation Statement covers this fee while managing the process.
Can dormant UK companies file Confirmation Statements?
Yes, dormant companies must file Confirmation Statements annually, even without activity, confirming nil changes. Submit alongside dormant accounts. FromMyCompany’s File a Confirmation Statement simplifies compliance for inactive entities.
