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What the confirmation statement confirms
The confirmation statement (form CS01) requires a director to confirm that all the information held at Companies House for the company is correct and up to date as at a specific review date. It covers: the registered office address, the company's principal business activities (SIC codes), the details of directors and the company secretary, the statement of capital (share structure), the register of members (if held at Companies House rather than at the registered office), and the PSC register (People with Significant Control).
Unlike accounts, the confirmation statement is not a financial document — it is a governance and identity check. Its purpose is to ensure the public register accurately reflects who controls the company.
Review period and filing deadline
Every company has a confirmation statement review date, which is set 12 months after the date of incorporation for the first statement and 12 months after the previous review date for subsequent ones. The company has 14 days after this review date to file. You can also file earlier than the review date if you need to update information — for instance, after a share allotment or a change of director — and this will reset the 12-month clock from the new filing date.
There is no prohibition on filing more than once a year, and there is a separate fee for each filing. Most companies file exactly once a year, unless mid-year changes require an earlier update.
Consequences of failing to file
Failure to file a confirmation statement is a criminal offence. Both the company and every officer in default can be prosecuted and fined. In practice, Companies House sends reminder notices before the deadline, but reliance on reminders reaching the right person is not a defence. If a company persistently fails to file, Companies House may assume it is no longer active and commence a striking-off process under Section 1000 of the Companies Act 2006, which would dissolve the company.
A dissolved company loses all its assets to the Crown, its contracts are voided, and directors lose the benefit of limited liability. Re-registering a dissolved company requires a court application. The consequences of missing a confirmation statement are therefore far more severe than missing an accounts filing deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Is the confirmation statement the same as the annual return?
The confirmation statement replaced the annual return on 30 June 2016. It covers broadly the same information but uses a confirmation model rather than requiring all details to be re-submitted each year. Only changes need to be reported, making it simpler to file.
Do I need to update Companies House separately if a director resigns?
Yes. Changes in directors, registered office, and share allotments should be notified to Companies House within 14 days of the event using the relevant form (TM01 for director resignation, for example). The confirmation statement then confirms the position as at the review date but does not replace the obligation to notify changes promptly.
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