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What Is a Confirmation Statement?

Running a limited company or a limited liability partnership (LLP) in the UK involves more than just keeping up with daily operations. One important legal obligation is submitting a confirmation statement. It’s a straightforward but essential part of staying compliant with Companies House regulations.

This blog will guide you through what a confirmation statement is, who needs to file one, what information is included, and why it matters. Whether you’ve recently incorporated or have been trading for years, understanding this requirement can help you avoid fines and ensure your company records stay up to date.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement is an annual filing requirement for all UK limited companies and LLPs. It’s used to verify that the information Companies House holds about your business is accurate and up to date.

Before 2016, this document was known as the “annual return”. The main difference is that now, instead of submitting a full set of details each year, you simply confirm that nothing has changed or update specific information as needed.

If you run a limited company or LLP—even if it’s dormant—you are required to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. Sole traders, however, do not need to file this document as they are not registered with Companies House.

When Must It Be Filed?

The confirmation statement must be filed at least once during every 12-month review period. This period starts either from the date your company was incorporated or the date you last submitted a confirmation statement.

You then have 14 days after the end of that 12-month period to file the statement. For example, if your company was formed on 1 January 2024, your confirmation statement will be due by 15 January 2025.

You can file your confirmation statement earlier than the due date if needed. Doing so will begin a new review period from the date you file. This can be helpful if your company’s information has recently changed and you want to ensure records are updated promptly.

It’s also possible to file more than once a year. Some companies choose to submit an updated confirmation statement after changes to company details—like directors or shareholders—have been made.

What Information Needs to Be Confirmed?

The confirmation statement isn’t a detailed financial document like annual accounts. Instead, it confirms the accuracy of general company information. You’ll need to check and confirm the following:

The company’s registered office address
The names and details of company officers (directors and company secretary, if applicable)
The SIC code, which classifies your business activity
Details of people with significant control (PSC)
The company’s shareholders and its statement of capital
The address where statutory records are kept, if different from the registered office

If anything has changed, these updates should be made before filing the confirmation statement. For example, if you’ve appointed a new director, you’ll need to submit a separate form to Companies House first. Once those changes are processed, your confirmation statement can be filed to affirm everything is current.

Is There a Cost Involved?

Yes, there is a small fee to file your confirmation statement. If you choose to file it online, the cost is £13. If you file by post, it’s £40.

The good news is that this fee only needs to be paid once per 12-month review period. If you decide to submit multiple confirmation statements during the same period, you won’t be charged again. This can make it easier for companies to keep their records updated without incurring extra costs.

Online filing is the most cost-effective and convenient option, as it’s quicker, easier, and more secure than submitting paper documents.

What If You Don’t File It?

Filing a confirmation statement is a legal requirement. Directors of limited companies and designated members of LLPs are personally responsible for ensuring it is submitted on time. If it’s missed, there can be serious consequences.

Failing to file your confirmation statement is considered a criminal offence. Directors or designated members may face fines of up to £5,000, and Companies House may start the process of striking your company off the register.

This means your business would cease to exist, your assets could be seized, and your ability to operate legally would end. Missing the filing deadline can also damage your professional reputation and affect creditworthiness or investor confidence.

To avoid these issues, set reminders ahead of your due date and ensure that all updates are submitted in advance. If you work with a bookkeeper or accountant, make sure they’re informed of any changes well ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

The confirmation statement may seem like a small task, but it plays a big role in keeping your company compliant and your business records accurate. Submitting it is quick, especially if your information hasn’t changed, but the consequences of missing it can be severe.

Make a habit of tracking your filing deadlines, especially around your review period each year. If you’re unsure about the process or have recently made changes to your company structure, speak with a qualified accountant or bookkeeper. Getting professional support ensures your confirmation statement is submitted correctly and on time.

By keeping Companies House updated, you not only meet your legal obligations but also maintain a reliable and professional image for your business.

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