What is a confirmation statement and how do you file one?

Filing your confirmation statement is a legal requirement and must be done at least once a year, even if no changes occur. A missing deadline can result in penalties or a strike-off, so it’s in your company’s best interest to understand everything that goes into a confirmation statement and the laws that surround it.

In this guide, we will explore exactly what a confirmation statement is, discuss how and when you should file one, who you need to notify and what can happen if you miss a deadline or fail to file one at all. 

Every UK limited company and LLP needs to file confirmation statements, but sole traders and general partnerships don’t, as they aren’t registered with Companies House. If you’re not sure which business structure is right for you, you can find more information in our guide. 

What is a confirmation statement?

A confirmation statement (CS01) is a yearly portfolio of your company’s key details held at Companies House. It confirms that the information on the public register is accurate as of the end of your review period.

You must file your statement even if nothing has changed. The statement also includes newer requirements introduced as part of the UK’s corporate law reform programme, which can mean providing a registered email address and confirming that the company intends to operate lawfully.

If something has changed during the year, you will need to update those changes first, and then you can submit the confirmation statement to verify that the register is now correct.

What does a confirmation statement include?

The confirmation statement is simply the final check of your company record, and it confirms that the details Companies House has are correct. Most updates should be filed separately and then confirmed on the statement.

Despite this, there are a few sections you can update within the statement itself. These include:

• Your registered office address 
• Where your records are kept
• Your company name and registered number (learn more about how to change the name of your business)
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Directors and secretaries 
• Your SIC codes, which will describe your business activities 
• Your registered email address

Within the CS01, you can also update:

• PSC exemption statements 
• Shareholder information 
• Trading status of shares
• Statement of capital

Remember, any changes must be updated separately before submitting the statement, especially changes surrounding directors, PSCs, email addresses and your registered office. It’s also important to note that all company directors must verify their identity to prove who they are before filing the statement. Then, when required, directors must provide their Companies House personal code and confirm that their identity has been verified.

PSCs must also provide their Companies House personal code. The period for doing this depends on your situation.

When are confirmation statements due?

It’s a legal requirement to review and file one confirmation statement every 12 months. 

The review period ends 12 months after either:

• The date your company incorporated, if it’s the first time you’re filing a confirmation statement.
• The ‘confirmation statement date’ on your last confirmation statement.

Once the period ends, you have 14 days to submit a statement or face penalties.

An example of a confirmation statement review period is shown below:

• Last confirmation statement: 12 October 2025
• Next review period: 13 October 2025 – 12 October 2026
• Statement date: 12 October 2026
• Filing deadline: 26 October 2026

This deadline is fixed by law. If you do not meet it, Companies House can begin strike-off action, which effectively ends your company’s legal existence and operation. 

Can you submit your confirmation statement early?

You don’t have to wait until your current review period has ended before filing your confirmation statement. However, if you do file early, you will need to choose a new confirmation statement date. Your next review period will then start the day after this date.

Who is responsible for filing your confirmation statement?

Company directors are legally responsible for ensuring the confirmation statement is filed on time and contains accurate information. This responsibility remains with the directors even if the filing is completed by a third party, such as a company secretary, accountant or formation agent.

Most companies submit their statement online through the Companies House service. Although many businesses use a company formation agent to simplify the process and reduce the risk of errors, ultimate responsibility still rests with the board of directors.

What happens if you submit your confirmation statement late?

There can be consequences if you submit your statement late or fail to submit at all, as it is a legal requirement. These can include:

• The company being marked as overdue Companies House will record the missed deadline and may contact the directors regarding the late filing.
• Enforcement action Although there is no fixed automatic penalty for every late confirmation statement, Companies House has a range of powers to encourage compliance.
• Strike-off action If Companies House considers the business to be failing its statutory obligations, it may begin removing the company from the register. This process can move quickly, particularly for dormant or smaller companies.
• Legal consequences for directors Failure to comply with Companies House filing obligations can lead to legal consequences for directors, and while prosecutions are relatively rare, directors can still be held accountable.
• Reputational impact Overdue filings appear on the public record, potentially influencing how lenders, suppliers and other parties assess the business.

How much is a UK confirmation statement?

In the UK, it costs £50 to file your confirmation statement online, and £110 to file a paper form CS01 by post.

Your payment period, which tells you when your annual fee is due, is separate from your review period. The period covers 12 months starting with the date of incorporation, and for older companies, each payment period covers 12 months and ends on the anniversary of the return date of your last annual return.

You only need to pay the annual filing fee when submitting your first confirmation statement within each 12-month payment period. Once the fee has been paid, you can file additional confirmation statements during the same period without incurring any extra charges.

A new fee becomes payable when your company reaches the next anniversary of that 12-month payment period.

How do you file a confirmation statement?

Most companies tend to file their confirmation statements online as the form is quicker, cheaper and immediately acknowledged. The process typically looks like this:

1. Update your information

If your directors, PSCs or shareholders have changed, make sure to update this first. Then, you can file those updates individually before starting the CS01.

2. Gather the required information

Review your SIC codes, share capital details, shareholder records and trading status to ensure everything is accurate and up to date before you begin.

3. File your CS01 online

The Companies House online service guides you through each section of the confirmation statement. As part of the process, you'll also be required to confirm that the company will carry out only lawful activities 

4. Complete identity verification where necessary

As Companies House introduces new identity verification requirements, directors and PSCs may need to verify their identity and provide a unique personal code.

5. Pay the annual fee

This is £50 for an online form, and £110 by post (you pay once per payment

Can I do my confirmation statement myself?

Yes, if you are the company’s director, company officer or are otherwise authorised to file the company's confirmation statement.

All you’ll need is the company authentication code and Companies House login details. You will also need to make sure the company’s information is fully up to date.

Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader

Although it is up to the directors to make sure the confirmation statement is filed, becoming a Which? Trusted Trader offers you a dedicated account manager for tailored advice on maximising your endorsement. You will also receive a dedicated company page where customers can view trusted reviews that have been authenticated by our team.

Join the scheme now and see what a Which? endorsement can do for your company.

*All information is accurate at the time of writing. If you have any questions or concerns, please seek independent financial advice.