Introduction

Running a limited company in the UK involves meeting several legal and administrative obligations, including ensuring that the information held by Companies House remains up to date. Every active company must submit a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, even if it has not traded or earned any income. Knowing how to file a confirmation statement helps directors meet their statutory duties, keep public records accurate and reduce the likelihood of compliance issues.

While the filing process is generally straightforward, it is important to check company details, observe the relevant deadlines and understand any applicable identity verification requirements. Coxhinkins can help business owners organise their accounting and compliance responsibilities and establish more effective administrative procedures.

Understanding a Confirmation Statement

A confirmation statement, also known as form CS01, is a statutory document submitted to Companies House to confirm that the information recorded about a company is accurate. It gives directors an opportunity to review key company details and ensure the public register reflects the business's current circumstances.

The information may cover:

• The company's registered office and registered email address.

• Details of directors and company secretaries, where applicable.

• People with significant control (PSCs).

• Shareholders and information about share capital.

• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes that identify the company's business activities.

It is important to distinguish a confirmation statement from annual accounts. Annual accounts report on a company's financial position and performance, while a confirmation statement verifies specified information held on the Companies House register.

Companies must submit a confirmation statement even when none of their registered details have changed. Directors should therefore treat this filing as a regular part of their annual compliance responsibilities.

When Must a Confirmation Statement Be Filed?

Companies House requires companies to submit a confirmation statement at least once during each 12-month review period. The initial period usually begins on the date the company is incorporated. Subsequent review periods are generally calculated from the confirmation date recorded for the previous statement.

Companies normally have 14 days after the end of the review period to submit the statement. Directors should check the company's official Companies House record to confirm the relevant dates rather than relying on estimates.

Missing the filing deadline can cause administrative and legal complications. Companies House may take enforcement action, and continued failure to meet statutory requirements can contribute to the company being struck off the register.

Businesses can reduce the risk of late filing by creating a compliance calendar, setting reminders and assigning responsibility for statutory submissions. Filing before the final deadline also provides additional time to correct mistakes or obtain missing information.

How to File a Confirmation Statement: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Review Your Company's Details

Start by checking the company's existing record on the Companies House register. Review the registered office address, directors, shareholder information, PSC details and SIC codes to confirm that the information is correct.

Make a note of any outdated or inaccurate information before proceeding. Not every change can be dealt with through a confirmation statement, so it is important to identify whether separate notifications are necessary.

Step 2: Identify Changes That Need Separate Notifications

Some company details must be updated through separate Companies House filings rather than being amended solely through the confirmation statement. Changes to directors, registered office details and people with significant control may require the relevant notification procedures.

Other information, such as certain SIC codes, shareholder details and share capital information, may be updated through the confirmation statement where the filing rules allow it.

Checking which procedure applies to each change helps businesses avoid incomplete submissions and ensures that their statutory records remain accurate.

Step 3: Understand Identity Verification Requirements

Identity verification is an important part of the Companies House compliance framework. Directors and people with significant control may need to complete verification, depending on their roles and circumstances.

Once the applicable verification process has been completed, individuals receive a personal code. Directors should establish when this code needs to be provided and ensure that their verification obligations have been satisfied.

Requirements and transitional arrangements may change over time. Businesses should therefore consult the latest Companies House guidance to understand the rules that apply when preparing their confirmation statement.

Step 4: Submit the Confirmation Statement Online

Many companies can complete the process through the official Companies House online filing service.

Access the appropriate service, enter or review the requested company information and check the details carefully before confirming the submission. Ensure that all mandatory sections have been completed accurately.

The process also requires confirmation that the company's intended future activities will be lawful. Directors should review the declarations and instructions provided by Companies House before submitting the statement.

Using the official government service helps ensure that the filing is completed through the appropriate channel and in accordance with the current requirements.

Step 5: Confirm the Filing Fee

Companies House charges a fee for submitting a confirmation statement. The amount payable depends on the applicable fee schedule and the method used to file.

For the fee applicable in October 2026, consult the latest official Companies House guidance before making payment, as statutory charges can change. The annual fee generally covers the first confirmation statement submitted within the relevant payment period, while additional statements during that period may not incur another annual charge.

Checking the current fee in advance helps businesses budget appropriately and avoid relying on outdated payment information.

Step 6: Retain the Filing Confirmation

Once the statement has been submitted, keep the confirmation message and any relevant correspondence with the company's statutory records. Check that the filing has been accepted and make a note of the next review period and deadline.

Storing submission confirmations, supporting documents and company records in one secure location makes it easier to demonstrate compliance when required.

A central record of statutory deadlines also helps directors coordinate Companies House submissions with annual accounts, tax returns and other administrative responsibilities.

Common Confirmation Statement Errors to Avoid

Even though the filing process is relatively simple, overlooking a small detail can create unnecessary compliance problems. Companies should avoid the following common mistakes:

• Overlooking the filing deadline: Without a reminder system, directors may forget to submit the statement on time.

• Assuming unchanged details remove the requirement: A confirmation statement is still necessary when the company's registered information remains the same.

• Submitting incorrect information: Outdated shareholder records, inaccurate details or unsuitable SIC codes can make the public register unreliable.

• Ignoring identity verification rules: Directors and PSCs should establish which verification requirements apply and complete the necessary steps.

• Treating annual accounts as a substitute: Filing accounts does not remove the separate obligation to submit a confirmation statement.

• Failing to notify changes correctly: Some changes require their own Companies House filings and cannot be reported exclusively through the confirmation statement.

Regularly reviewing company information and maintaining a clear filing procedure can help directors prevent these issues.

The Role of Accurate Financial Records in Company Compliance

Maintaining correct information with Companies House is only one part of responsible company management. Businesses must also maintain suitable accounting records, prepare annual accounts when required and meet their relevant tax obligations.

Accurate financial documentation is particularly valuable for property management businesses. Block managers, landlords and property agents may need to record service charge income, property-related expenses and funds collected or held on behalf of leaseholders.

Businesses looking to strengthen their reporting procedures can learn more about year-end service charge account preparation. A clear understanding of these processes can help property professionals maintain transparent records and prepare consistent financial reports.

Well-maintained accounting records also make it easier to respond to financial enquiries, prepare statutory accounts and keep track of upcoming filing obligations.

Keeping Up with UK Budget Announcements

Company directors should stay informed about government announcements and legislative developments that may affect their business finances. Budget measures can influence taxation, employment expenses, investment planning and the tax position of self-employed individuals.

Reviewing proposed or announced changes promptly gives businesses more time to understand possible consequences and adjust their financial plans where necessary.

For additional information, explore the UK Autumn Budget business implications and consider whether relevant policy developments could affect your organisation. Before making financial decisions, check the applicable legislation and the latest guidance from HMRC or the relevant government authority.

Meeting Corporation Tax Obligations

Filing a confirmation statement does not fulfil a company's separate Corporation Tax responsibilities. Depending on its circumstances, a limited company may need to calculate taxable profits, identify allowable expenses, submit a Corporation Tax return and pay any tax due within the required time limits.

Appropriate Corporation Tax planning and support can help directors understand their obligations, maintain accurate financial records and prepare for upcoming tax payments. Companies should manage their tax requirements alongside Companies House filings to ensure that neither responsibility is overlooked.

Coxhinkins assists businesses with accounting and compliance matters, helping them take a more organised approach to statutory reporting and financial administration.

How Accountants Can Help with Confirmation Statements

Many businesses can file a confirmation statement independently. However, professional accounting support can be useful for companies with complicated ownership structures, multiple compliance obligations or frequent changes to their registered details.

An accountant can review company information, identify missing details, help coordinate important deadlines and explain how statutory filings relate to other business responsibilities.

Professional advice can also help directors develop consistent record-keeping practices and understand when a change must be reported separately to Companies House.

Coxhinkins supports businesses with their accounting and compliance requirements, helping directors manage their responsibilities with greater confidence and clarity.

Conclusion

Submitting a confirmation statement is an ongoing statutory obligation for UK companies, including dormant and non-trading businesses. Directors should verify their company details, understand the identity verification requirements that apply to them, submit the statement within the required period and retain evidence of the filing.

Keeping reliable records and monitoring deadlines also helps companies manage confirmation statements alongside annual accounts, Corporation Tax returns and other legal responsibilities.

By introducing a consistent compliance process and obtaining professional advice where needed, businesses can minimise avoidable administrative errors and maintain accurate statutory information. Coxhinkins can help companies improve their accounting procedures and organise their ongoing compliance activities.

To discuss your business's accounting and compliance needs, contact Coxhinkins today and speak with the team about how they can support your business.