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What a confirmation statement is and why it matters
The confirmation statement (CS01) replaced the old Annual Return in 2016. It is an annual filing that confirms the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate and up to date at the date of the review. It is not a financial document — it covers structural information about the company rather than trading performance. However, its timely filing is a key input into business credit scoring algorithms, and persistent late filing is one of the fastest ways to damage your company's creditworthiness.
The review period runs twelve months from either your incorporation date or the date of your previous confirmation statement. You must file the CS01 within fourteen days of the end of each review period.
What information is reviewed and may need updating
Before filing, review and update where necessary:
- Registered office address: must be a physical address in the same country the company is registered in England and Wales
- Directors and secretaries: names, service addresses, dates of appointment; remove any who have resigned
- Persons with Significant Control (PSC): individuals or legal entities that own or control more than 25% of shares or voting rights — this register must be kept current and is publicly visible
- Statement of capital: number and class of shares issued and the aggregate nominal value
- SIC codes: the Standard Industrial Classification codes that describe your principal business activity
- Registered email address: required since March 2024 — Companies House uses this for official correspondence
How to file online
Log in to Companies House WebFiling using your company authentication code (a six-digit code issued by Companies House — not the same as your company number). Select 'File a confirmation statement' and work through the screens confirming or amending each section. Once submitted, you pay the filing fee online by card. You will receive an email acknowledgement and can download the filed document from your Companies House account immediately.
If you have lost your authentication code, you can request a new one from Companies House — it is posted to your registered office address and takes approximately five working days. Plan ahead and do not leave the request until the filing deadline.
Consequences of missing the deadline
Unlike annual accounts, there is no automatic financial penalty for a single late confirmation statement, but Companies House will send warning letters and can initiate voluntary strike-off proceedings if filings are persistently missed — which would dissolve your company and transfer its assets to the Crown. More immediately, most business credit scoring models flag overdue confirmation statements as a negative indicator, reducing your score and signalling poor governance to potential lenders and suppliers.
If you receive a strike-off warning (form DS01 or gazette notice), respond immediately — you can usually prevent dissolution by filing all outstanding documents promptly and objecting to the strike-off.
Frequently asked questions
Does my accountant file the confirmation statement for me?
Many accountants include confirmation statement filing in their retainer, but not all do. Confirm with your accountant whether this is included in your package or whether it is your own responsibility. The filing itself is straightforward and directors commonly handle it directly.
Can I file a confirmation statement early?
Yes. Filing early starts a new twelve-month review period from the date of filing, which effectively moves your future deadline earlier. Some directors prefer to align confirmation statement and annual accounts deadlines — your accountant can advise whether this is beneficial.
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