How to File a Confirmation Statement With Companies House

Maintaining a company in the United Kingdom involves more than just delivering excellent products or services. It requires a commitment to transparency and legal compliance with the UK’s registrar of companies, Companies House. One of the most critical recurring tasks for any director or business owner is the submission of the Confirmation Statement.

As we navigate the business landscape of 2026, the rules surrounding corporate transparency have evolved significantly following the full implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. This guide provides an exhaustive look at everything you need to know about the Confirmation Statement, from the basic definitions to the high-stakes consequences of non-compliance.

What Exactly Is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation Statement (formally known as form CS01) is an annual statutory filing requirement for all UK private limited companies, Public Limited Companies (PLCs), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).

Contrary to popular belief, the Confirmation Statement is not the same as your annual accounts. While accounts provide a snapshot of your financial health, the Confirmation Statement provides a snapshot of your legal and administrative structure. It verifies that the "business particulars" held by Companies House—such as your registered office and director details—are correct as of a specific date.

The Core Purpose

The primary goal is transparency. By filing this statement, you are essentially telling the public, creditors, and the government: "The information you see on the public register for my company is accurate." Under the latest 2026 regulations, this also includes a mandatory declaration that the company’s intended activities are lawful.

What Information Is Included?

Before you click "submit," you must review a specific set of data. Companies House effectively asks you to audit their own records for your business. The information you are confirming (and must update if incorrect) includes:

1. Administrative Basics

Registered Office Address: Your company's official address for service of documents.Note that under new rules, this must be an "appropriate address" (not a simple PO Box).

Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL): If you keep your statutory registers somewhere other than your registered office, this address must be confirmed.

2. Personnel and Governance

Company Officials: This includes current directors, secretaries, and, in the case of LLPs, the members.

People with Significant Control (PSC): You must confirm the details of anyone who owns more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or who exercises significant influence over the company.

3. Business Activities

SIC Codes: The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes describe your principal business activities. If your business has pivoted from "retail" to "consultancy," this is where you ensure the code reflects that shift.

4. Share Capital and Shareholders

Statement of Capital: A breakdown of the total number of issued shares, share classes (Ordinary, Preference, etc.), the total nominal value, and the aggregate amount unpaid.

Shareholder Details: The names of each shareholder and the specific number and type of shares they hold.

Trading Status: Whether any of the company's shares are admitted to trading on a public market (stock exchange).

5. The Registered Email Address

In line with recent legislation, every company must now provide and maintain a registered email address.

While this does not appear on the public record, it is essential for Companies House to communicate official notices to the company.

How to File Online: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Filing online via Companies House WebFiling is the most efficient method. It is cheaper than paper filing and provides instant validation of your data.

Step 1: Preparation and Search

Before logging in, use the Companies House search service to view your company’s public profile. Identify any information that is outdated. Note that while you can update SIC codes and shareholder details within the Confirmation Statement, other changes (like a change of director or registered office) require separate forms (e.g., AP01 or AD01) to be filed first or alongside the statement.

Step 2: Accessing WebFiling

Sign in to your account. You will need your company number and the 6-digit authentication code provided by Companies House. If you have lost this code, you must request a new one by post, which can take up to five working days.

Step 3: The Review Screen

Navigate to ‘Your Companies’ and select the option to ‘file confirmation statement.’ The system will guide you through several screens:

Office Address & SAIL: Click to confirm or edit.

Officers: Ensure all active directors are listed correctly.

SIC Codes: Verify the classification of your trade.

Capital & Shareholders: Check the math on your shares. Ensure the "amount unpaid" reflects the current reality.

PSC Register: Confirm that your "People with Significant Control" details are current.

Step 4: The Lawful Purpose Declaration

This is a relatively new addition. You must check a box to confirm that the company is being operated for a lawful purpose.

Step 5: Payment and Submission

Once you have reviewed all sections, you will reach the payment screen. In 2026, the fee for digital filing is typically handled as a single annual payment. Even if you file multiple confirmation statements in a year (to update shareholders, for example), you only pay the fee once every 12 months.

Deadlines and the "Review Period"

Timing is the most common pitfall for directors. You must file at least one statement every 12 months.

The Review Period: This is the 12-month window ending on the anniversary of your incorporation (for new companies) or the anniversary of your last filing.

The 14-Day Rule: You have 14 days from the end of your

review period to get the statement to Companies House.

Example: If your review period ends on September 30th, your filing must be submitted and accepted by October 14th.

Warning Signs and Compulsory Strike-Off

Failure to submit your Confirmation Statement is a criminal offense. More practically, it triggers the Compulsory Strike-Off process. If Companies House believes the company is no longer in operation because filings have ceased, they will publish a notice in The Gazette.

What Happens if You Are Struck Off?

Frozen Bank Accounts: Banks monitor The Gazette.As soon as a strike-off notice appears, they will likely freeze your business accounts to protect the assets.

Asset Forfeiture: Technically, the company’s assets become Bona Vacantia (ownerless goods) and pass to the Crown.

Cease of Existence: The company legally disappears, making it impossible to trade or defend legal claims.

How to Recover

If your company has been struck off, you may need to apply for Administrative Restoration. This involves filing all missing documents, paying all outstanding fees, and potentially paying a restoration penalty. If a bank account is frozen due to an HMRC winding-up petition, you may also need a Validation Order from a court to allow transactions to resume.

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Service-Related Questions & Answers

Is a Confirmation Statement the same as Annual Accounts? No. Accounts are about money; the Confirmation Statement is about company structure and data accuracy.

Can I file the statement if my company is dormant? Yes. Dormant companies must still file a Confirmation Statement every year.

How much does it cost to file? The current digital fee is £34 (subject to change; check Companies House for 2026 updates).

How often must I file? At least once every 12 months.

What is a SIC Code? It is a five-digit code that identifies what your company does (e.g., 62012 for Web Design).

Can I change the company director on the Confirmation Statement? No. You must use form AP01 (to appoint) or TM01 (to terminate) a director.

What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline? Your company is no longer "in good standing," and you risk prosecution and strike-off.

Do I need a PSC register if I am the only shareholder? Yes. You would list yourself as the Person with Significant Control.

What is an Authentication Code? It is a 6-digit code used to authorize online filings for your company.

Can I change the registered office address via the CS01? No. You must file form AD01.

Who can sign the Confirmation Statement? A director, secretary, or an authorized person.

Is my registered email address public? No, it is kept private for official use by the Registrar.

What is a SAIL address? A Single Alternative Inspection Location where you keep your statutory records for public inspection.

What is "Bona Vacantia"? It refers to property that has no owner, which happens when a company is dissolved with assets still in its name.

Can I file early? Yes. Filing early starts a new 12-month review period from the date of your filing.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and research purposes only. Company details, features, services, and market positions may change over time. Readers are advised to visit official company websites and conduct independent research before making any business decisions or purchasing services.