What is a confirmation statement?

A Confirmation Statement is a document that a company must submit once a year to Companies House. It replaced the Annual Return in June 2016.

What It Contains: The confirmation statement confirms the following information is correct:

• Company's registered office address
• Directors and their details
• Secretary details (if applicable)
• Share capital structure
• Shareholder information
• People with Significant Control (PSC)
• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes
• Statement of capital
• Shareholder information (for non-traded companies)
• Register locations (if not at registered office)

Key Requirements:

• Filing Deadline: Within 14 days after the review period
• Review Period: 12 months from incorporation or last statement
• Filing Fee: £13 online, £40 paper filing
• Mandatory: All companies must file (including dormant)

Differences from Old Annual Return:

• Can be filed anytime during review period
• Simpler process - confirm or update information
• Includes PSC (People with Significant Control) information
• More flexibility in filing date

Consequences of Not Filing:

• Late filing penalties (starting at £150)
• Directors can be prosecuted
• Company may be struck off
• Damages credit rating and reputation

What It Tells You About a Company:

• Up-to-date filing: Good compliance, active company
• Regular filing: Well-managed administration
• Overdue statements: Warning sign of problems
• Check the data: Verify directors, shareholders, PSCs

Important Points:

• Even if nothing has changed, must still file
• Not the same as accounts - separate requirement
• Public document - information becomes public
• Critical for maintaining accurate public records
• Shows who controls the company

The confirmation statement is a key compliance document that keeps the public register current and helps identify who owns and controls UK companies.