If you run a limited company in the UK, there’s one piece of admin you can’t afford to forget - your confirmation statement (CS01). It’s a simple but essential filing requirement with Companies House, and skipping it could land your business in hot water.

Now, before you sigh at the thought of another form, bear with us; filing a CS01 is easier than you think. In fact, it’s probably the quickest compliance task you’ll do all year! 

No complicated accounts, no endless paperwork, just a way to confirm that your company’s key details are correct. Let’s find out all about the CS01 and when/how you need to file it, without the stress. 

What is a confirmation statement (CS01)?

A confirmation statement (CS01) is like a yearly check-in with Companies House to officially confirm that all the key details about your business are correct and up to date.

Unlike your annual accounts or tax return, the confirmation statement isn’t about money, it’s purely a snapshot of your company’s records. Even if nothing has changed, you still need to file one.

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What information does a CS01 include?

When you file your CS01, you’re confirming details such as:

• Your registered office address (where official mail is sent)
• Company directors (who’s running the business)
• Persons with Significant Control (PSC) (who ultimately owns or controls it)
• Shareholders and share structure (for limited companies with shares)
• SIC code(s) (your business activity classification)

Do I need to file one if nothing has changed?

Yes! Even if every detail is exactly the same as last year, you must still file a CS01. Much like  renewing your driving licence it’s not about changes, it’s about keeping your records valid.

What happens if I don’t file?

Skipping your confirmation statement means you could be in big trouble, and it can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Your company could be struck off the register (even if you're actively trading!)
• Directors facing penalties or legal action 
• Problems if you need to apply for business loans or change details later
• You’ll lose your business name, meaning someone else could grab it
• Banks, investors, and suppliers may refuse to work with you (missing filings = red flag 🚩)

Basically, ignoring it isn’t worth the risk. Especially when filing is so quick and easy. And if you ignore Companies House for too long, they’ll start the process of dissolving your company, which can be a nightmare to reverse.

Now that you know what a confirmation statement is, let’s talk about when you need to file it (spoiler alert: there’s a deadline you won’t want to miss!).

When do you need to file your CS01?

Unlike tax returns or annual accounts, there’s no ‘set’ deadline for all companies - your confirmation statement is due once a year, based on your company’s unique review period.

So, when is my CS01 due?

Your CS01 deadline is linked to your confirmation date (formerly known as the "made-up date"), which is usually:

• The anniversary of your company’s incorporation (if it’s your first CS01)
• 12 months after your last confirmation statement (for all future filings)

Once your review period ends, you have 14 days to submit your CS01 to Companies House.

Example of  how the deadline works:

Let’s say your company was incorporated on 1st April 2024.
🔹 Your first CS01 is due by 1st April 2025 (your review period runs from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025).
🔹 You then have 14 days (until 15th April 2025) to file it.

How can I avoid missing the deadline?

• Set a reminder, Companies House sends email alerts, or set up your own calendar alert
• File early, you don’t have to wait until the last day.
• Use online filing, it’s quicker, easier, and cheaper.

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How to file your confirmation statement

Filing your CS01 with Companies House might sound official and complicated, but it’s actually one of the easiest bits of business admin. We have covered exactly what you need to do to file your CSO1/confirmation statement in this step-by-step guide:

• How to file your confirmation statement: The ultimate guide

So read that article to learn about what’s involved and how to do it. A couple of important tips to remember are: 

• If you need to update any of these details (e.g., change your address, add/remove a director), do this before filing your CS01 as some updates require separate forms.
• File online, as opposed to the paper option. It’s faster, cheaper than paper filing (£34 vs. £62), and much more accurate (pre-filled details help avoid mistakes).

How much does it cost to file a CS01?

The filing fee depends on how you submit your confirmation statement:

• Online filing: £34 (cheaper, faster, easier)
• Paper filing: £62 (slower, riskier, more expensive)

It’s good to know that the fee is per year, not per statement. So if you file multiple CS01s within 12 months, you only pay once. Even if nothing changes, you still need to pay and file your CS01.

CSO1 - not exciting, but easy and essential

Filing your CS01 confirmation statement might not be the sexiest part of running your own business, but it is a simple way to stay compliant with Companies House. 

Unlike tax returns or financial reports, there’s no number-crunching involved, just a straightforward confirmation that your company’s details are correct. And with online filing taking just a few minutes, it’s hardly worth putting off.

The most important thing is not to ignore it. A missed confirmation statement can lead to serious consequences, including your business being struck off the register. 

Fortunately, keeping on top of your CS01 is fairly effortless. Filing early, double-checking your details, and using online services can make the whole process smooth and stress-free.

If you’re running a business, there are plenty of things that deserve your time and attention, this isn’t one of them. Get it filed, tick it off your to-do list, and get back to what really matters, growing your company.

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