What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A Confirmation Statement is a legal document introduced in 2016 to replace the long-winded Annual Return. It is quicker and easier to complete and is used to confirm the accuracy of key information held by Companies House, including:
- Company information
- SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification)
- Statement of capital
- Trading status of shares
- Shareholder details
As of May 2024, it is now mandatory to provide a registered email address for your company. This address will not be publicly available but will be used by Companies House to send filing reminders. You must also confirm that your company’s activities are lawful.
Who Needs to File a Confirmation Statement?
All limited companies (with or without share capital) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are legally required to file a Confirmation Statement to ensure the information held at Companies House is up to date.
Note: A Confirmation Statement is not used to notify Companies House of changes. Any of the following updates must be filed separately:
- Change of registered office or company address
- Director appointments or resignations
- Changes to share capital or shareholdings
Even if your company is dormant or no changes have occurred, you are still required to file a Confirmation Statement.
When Do I Need to File?
You must submit a Confirmation Statement once every year.
For new companies, the first review period begins on the date of incorporation and ends 12 months later.
For existing companies, the next review period begins the day after your last Confirmation Statement was filed and ends 12 months later.
You can file earlier if you need to update the public record—for example, if banks, suppliers or customers need to see recent changes. However, doing so will reset your review period, starting a new 12-month cycle from the date after submission.
What Happens If I Don’t File on Time?
You must submit your Confirmation Statement within 14 days of the review period ending.
Failing to do so could result in:
- Removal of company credit rating
- Possible prosecution or having your company struck off the register.
Even if nothing has changed or your company is inactive, filing on time is essential.
If your Confirmation Statement goes overdue, the public register will be marked for all to see.
How Do I File a Confirmation Statement?
You can file online via the Companies House WebFiling service. You’ll need:
- Your company number
- Your company authentication code (a six-digit code unique to your company, similar to a PIN)
Alternatively, we can handle it for you. Our Company Secretarial team can prepare your Confirmation Statement, send it to you for review and signature, and then file it on your behalf.
Need help with your Confirmation Statement?
Our experienced team is here to make the process easy. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support your company compliance.