Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. It is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006, and missing the deadline carries real consequences including a criminal record and a fine of up to £5,000.
This guide explains exactly how to file a confirmation statement, what information you need to prepare, and the most common mistakes directors make so you can avoid them.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement (form CS01) is a snapshot of your company's information held at Companies House. You confirm that the details are correct, or you update them if they have changed since your last filing.
It replaces the old annual return, which was scrapped in 2016. The key difference is that you no longer report turnover or employee numbers. You simply confirm your company's registered address, director details, shareholder information, and people with significant control (PSC).
You must file one every 12 months. The deadline is exactly 12 months after your last confirmation statement was filed, or 12 months after incorporation if it is your first one. Companies House will send you a reminder to the company's registered email address about two weeks before the due date.
What Information Do You Need Before You File?
Before you log into the Companies House WebFiling service, gather the following details. You will need them to complete the statement accurately.
Company Number and Authentication Code
Your company number is the 8-digit number issued at incorporation. Your authentication code is a password that Companies House assigns to your company. You use it to file online. If you have lost it, you can request a new one through the WebFiling service. It takes about 10 minutes to arrive by post.
Registered Office Address
Your registered office must be a physical address in the UK. PO boxes are not allowed. If you have moved since your last filing, update the address with Companies House before you file the confirmation statement. You can do this online using form AD01.
Director Details
You need the full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and service address for every director. If a director has resigned, you do not need to include them on the confirmation statement. But you must have filed a form TM01 to remove them from the register first.
Shareholder Information
You need the full name and address of every shareholder, plus the number and class of shares they hold. If you have issued new shares, transferred shares, or changed share classes since your last filing, you must file the relevant forms (SH01 for allotment, SH02 for transfer) before the confirmation statement.
People With Significant Control (PSC)
Any individual or legal entity that owns more than 25% of the shares or voting rights must be listed as a PSC. You need their name, date of birth, nationality, and service address. If no one meets the threshold, you tick the box confirming that the company has no PSCs.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code
You need at least one SIC code that describes your business activity. Most companies use a single code. If your business has changed what it does, update the SIC code before filing. You can do this online using form CS01 itself, or by filing a separate change of SIC code form.
How to File a Confirmation Statement Online
Online filing is the fastest and cheapest method. It costs £13 and takes about 10 minutes if you have all the information ready. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Log Into WebFiling
Go to the Companies House WebFiling service at ewf.companieshouse.gov.uk. Enter your company number and authentication code. If you have not used WebFiling before, you may need to register first. It is straightforward and takes two minutes.
Step 2: Select the Confirmation Statement Option
Once logged in, select "File a confirmation statement" from the menu. The system will show you the current information Companies House holds for your company. Review every field carefully.
Step 3: Update Any Changes
If any details have changed since your last filing, you can update them directly in the confirmation statement. For example, you can change a director's service address, update a shareholder's address, or add a new SIC code. For major changes like a director appointment or resignation, you should file the specific form first (AP01, AP02, TM01) and then confirm the change in the confirmation statement.
Step 4: Confirm the Statement
Once you have reviewed and updated all the information, you tick the boxes confirming that the details are correct. You then submit the form and pay the £13 fee by debit or credit card.
Step 5: Save the Receipt
Companies House will issue a confirmation receipt. Save this PDF. It is proof that you filed on time and will help you track your next deadline.
How to File a Confirmation Statement by Post
Paper filing costs £40 and takes longer. You use form CS01, which you can download from the Companies House website. Complete it by hand or type into the PDF, then post it to Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.
Paper filing takes around 5 to 10 working days to process. Online filing is processed within hours. There is rarely a good reason to use paper unless you have no internet access or your authentication code is lost and you cannot wait for a replacement.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Companies House does not send a final warning. If you miss the 12-month filing date, your company is in default. The consequences escalate quickly.
First offence: The director can be fined up to £5,000 and receive a criminal record. The company itself can be struck off the register. If struck off, all assets including bank accounts and property become property of the Crown.
Late filing penalty: There is no automatic late filing penalty for the confirmation statement itself. The penalty applies to the annual accounts, not the confirmation statement. But the confirmation statement is still a legal filing requirement. Non-compliance is a criminal offence.
Strike off: If you miss multiple deadlines, Companies House will start the strike off process. You will receive a letter giving you 28 days to file. If you do not, the company is dissolved.
If you realise you have missed the deadline, file the confirmation statement immediately. Do not wait. The sooner you file, the less risk of strike off action.
Common Mistakes Directors Make When Filing
These are the most frequent errors we see as ICAEW qualified accountants at Holloway Davies. Avoid them and your filing will be straightforward.
Filing Before Updating the Register
If a director resigned last month and you have not filed form TM01, the confirmation statement will still show them as a director. You must file the change form first, then confirm the updated information in the confirmation statement. Filing the confirmation statement without updating the register means you are confirming incorrect information, which is a criminal offence.
Using an Old Authentication Code
Authentication codes expire if unused for 12 months. If you have not filed anything for a while, request a new code at least a week before your deadline. The code is sent by post to the registered office address, so make sure that address is correct.
Not Checking the SIC Code
If your business has changed what it does, update the SIC code. Using the wrong code can cause issues with lenders, insurers, and HMRC. It is a simple change but often overlooked.
Forgetting to Update Shareholder Addresses
Shareholders move house. If their address on the register is wrong, the confirmation statement is incorrect. Ask shareholders to confirm their current address before you file.
Filing the Wrong Statement Type
There are two types of confirmation statement: the standard CS01 and the "with changes" version. If you have no changes to report, you file the standard version. If you have changes, you file the version that includes the updates. The system will guide you, but make sure you select the right option.
How Often Do You Need to File?
Once every 12 months. You can file more frequently if you want to, but most companies file once a year. The deadline is exactly 12 months from the date of your last confirmation statement, not from the end of your financial year.
For example, if you filed your first confirmation statement on 15 March 2025, your next deadline is 15 March 2026. You can file it early if you want to, but you cannot file it late.
If you file early, your next deadline moves forward. So if you file on 1 March 2025 instead of 15 March 2025, your next deadline becomes 1 March 2026. This can be useful if you want to align the confirmation statement with your year-end or other filing dates.
What About Dormant Companies?
Dormant companies still need to file a confirmation statement. There is no exemption. Even if the company has no activity, no income, and no employees, you must file every 12 months. The process is identical. You simply confirm that no changes have occurred.
If you have a dormant company you no longer need, consider striking it off voluntarily rather than letting it fall into default. Use form DS01 to apply for voluntary strike off.
Can an Accountant File the Confirmation Statement for You?
Yes. Many directors authorise their accountant to file the confirmation statement on their behalf. This is common when the accountant also files the annual accounts and corporation tax return. It ensures the filing is done on time and correctly.
If you want your accountant to file for you, you need to add them as an authorised user on the Companies House WebFiling service. They will then use their own authentication code linked to your company. Alternatively, you can give them your company's authentication code and they can file directly, though this is less common for security reasons.
At Holloway Davies, we handle confirmation statement filings as part of our annual compliance service. We check the information is correct, file it on time, and store the receipt for your records.
How to Check Your Filing History
You can view your company's filing history on the Companies House register at any time. Go to find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk and search for your company number. The confirmation statement filing dates are listed under "Filing history".
This is useful if you are unsure when your next deadline falls. Simply find the date of your last confirmation statement and add 12 months. That is your deadline.
Final Checklist Before You File
- Do you have your company number and authentication code?
- Is your registered office address correct?
- Are all director details current (including resignations filed)?
- Are all shareholder details current (including new allotments and transfers filed)?
- Are all PSC details current?
- Is your SIC code correct for your current business activity?
- Have you filed any necessary change forms (AP01, TM01, SH01, AD01) before the confirmation statement?
- Do you have the £13 fee ready for online filing?
If you can answer yes to all of these, you are ready to file. The process takes 10 minutes online.
If you are unsure about any of the information or want someone else to handle it, speak to your accountant. For more guidance on company compliance, see our bookkeeping and compliance articles or get in touch with our team.