Running a company in the UK involves several statutory filing requirements. One of the most important annual filings is the Confirmation Statement (CS01) submitted to Companies House. Many company directors confuse it with annual accounts, but it serves a completely different purpose. This guide explains what a CS01 is, who needs to file it, deadlines, penalties for late filing, and the step-by-step process to submit it.

What is a Confirmation Statement (CS01)?

A Confirmation Statement (CS01) is a mandatory annual filing that confirms the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate and up to date.

Instead of submitting all company details again each year, the confirmation statement simply verifies that the information on the public register is correct. If there are changes (such as directors, shareholders, or registered office address), these must be updated before or during the filing.

The confirmation statement typically confirms:

  • Company name and registration number
  • Registered office address
  • Directors and company secretary details
  • Shareholders and share capital
  • Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
  • SIC codes (nature of business activities)

This ensures transparency and keeps the UK company register reliable for the public, investors, and regulators.

Who Needs to File a Confirmation Statement?

Every limited company and LLP registered in the UK must file a confirmation statement, including:

  • Private limited companies (Ltd)
  • Public limited companies (PLC)
  • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
  • Community interest companies

Even if no changes have occurred during the year, the company must still submit the confirmation statement to confirm the details remain correct.

Sole traders and partnerships that are not registered companies do not need to file CS01.

When is the Deadline to File CS01?

The confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months.

Key timing rules:

  • Each company has a review period of 12 months.
  • The CS01 must be filed within 14 days after the end of the review period.
  • The review period usually begins on:
    • The date of company incorporation, or
    • The date the last confirmation statement was filed.

Example:

  • Company incorporated: 10 March 2024
  • Review period ends: 9 March 2025
  • Filing deadline: 23 March 2025

Companies can also file the confirmation statement earlier if needed, for example after updating shareholder details.

Filing Fee for Confirmation Statement

The filing fee payable to Companies House is:

  • £34 – Online filing
  • £62 – Paper filing

This fee covers all confirmation statements filed within the same 12-month review period, meaning you only pay once per year even if you submit multiple updates.

Penalties for Not Filing a Confirmation Statement

Unlike annual accounts, there is no direct financial penalty for late confirmation statements. However, failing to file can still lead to serious consequences.

Possible outcomes include:

  • The company being struck off the register
  • Directors facing legal consequences
  • Difficulty obtaining loans or contracts
  • Company status being marked as non-compliant

If a company repeatedly fails to file, Companies House may start the process to dissolve the company.

Step-by-Step Process to File a Confirmation Statement (CS01)

Step 1: Log in to Companies House WebFiling

Go to the Companies House WebFiling portal and log in using your company authentication code.

Step 2: Select “File a Confirmation Statement”

From the dashboard, choose the option to file a Confirmation Statement (CS01).

Step 3: Check Company Information

Review the following sections carefully:

  • Registered office address
  • Directors and secretary
  • Shareholders and share capital
  • Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
  • SIC codes

If any information has changed, update it before confirming.

Step 4: Confirm Statement of Capital and Shareholders

Verify shareholdings and capital structure. Any changes must be reflected before submission.

Step 5: Review PSC Information

Confirm the individuals or entities who have significant control over the company.

Step 6: Submit and Pay the Filing Fee

Complete the submission and pay the filing fee online.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation

Once submitted, you will receive confirmation from Companies House, and the filing will appear on the public register.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many companies encounter issues when filing CS01 due to simple mistakes such as:

  • Forgetting the 14-day deadline
  • Not updating shareholder or PSC information
  • Incorrect SIC codes
  • Using an outdated authentication code
  • Confusing the confirmation statement with annual accounts

Ensuring company records are regularly updated helps make the filing process quick and straightforward.

Final Thoughts

The Confirmation Statement (CS01) is a simple yet essential compliance requirement for UK companies. Filing it on time keeps your company records accurate and prevents potential legal or administrative issues.

By understanding the filing process and maintaining updated company information, businesses can easily meet their obligations with Companies House and remain fully compliant.