In the UK all companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) must file a confirmation statement. This mandatory document must be filed annually with Companies House, and it serves as a declaration that the company's registered information is correct and up-to-date.  

Many business owners are confused about what’s involved in filing a confirmation statement. So in this guide we’ll walk you through each step, explaining every essential aspect. By the end you’ll be fully 101’d and ready to file your confirmation statement with confidence.

What is a confirmation statement and why is it Important?

A confirmation statement provides a snapshot of essential company information and confirms that the details Companies House holds about your business are accurate. 

The key information it covers includes:

• The company’s registered office address.
• The directors and secretary (if applicable).
• The SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification), which describes your business activity.
• Details of shareholders and the share capital structure.#

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Filing a confirmation statement is important for several reasons:

• Legal compliance - It ensures that the company is meeting its legal obligations under UK company law.
• Public record - The statement is a public record, providing transparency about the company's structure and operations.
• Avoiding penalties - Failure to file on time can result in fines and other penalties.

Who needs to file a confirmation statement?

All companies and LLPs registered in the UK are required to file a confirmation statement, regardless of their size or activity level. Even if no changes have occurred in the past year, you still need to file a confirmation statement. 

Failing to submit this document on time can lead to penalties and may result in your company being struck off the register, so it’s essential to stay on top of this annual requirement.

1. Understanding the Requirements

You should familiarise yourself with current confirmation statement filing requirements, so you don’t get caught out by changing legislation or missing due dates.

Legal obligations - 

Filing a confirmation statement is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006. 

Due dates - 

The due date for filing a confirmation statement depends on the company's accounting reference date (ARD). This is usually the last day of the company's financial year. The statement must be filed within 14 days after the ARD.

Penalties for late filing - 

If a company fails to file its confirmation statement on time, it may face penalties. These can include: 

• Fines, in the form of late filing fees (up to £5,000) imposed by Companies House.
• Striking off, in extreme cases, persistent failure to file can lead to the company being struck off the register.

It is important to note that the specific penalties and their severity may change over time, so it is advisable to check the latest guidance from Companies House and HMRC.

2. Gathering Necessary Information

To complete the confirmation statement, you will need to gather the following information:

Company Details:

• Company name - The full legal name of the company.
• Registered number -The unique number assigned to the company by Companies House.
• Registered office address - The official address of the company.
• Nature of business - A brief description of the company's activities.
• SIC codes: The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes that categorise the company's business.

Financial information:

While the confirmation statement itself does not require detailed financial information, you may need to refer to your company's financial records to verify the accuracy of certain details, such as the number of shares issued and the names of directors and shareholders.

Changes to the Company:

If there have been any changes to the company's structure or information since the last confirmation statement was filed, you will need to report these changes. This could include:

• Changes to directors or shareholders - Additions, removals, or changes in shareholdings.
• Changes to the company's registered address - A change of location.
• Changes to the company's name - A change in the company's legal name.
• Changes to the company's SIC codes - A change in the nature of the company's business.

3. Filing the confirmation statement: A step-by-step guide 

Now you understand the requirements and have gathered all the necessary information you’re ready to proceed with the act of actually filing the form. There are 3 ways to file - online, by paper and use of a third party (such as an online accountant). 

By far the best way to sign is online as it’s quick, easy and almost half the price of paper/postal form. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Access the confirmation statement form:

• Visit the Companies House website.
• Log in to your online account or create a new one.
• Navigate to the "Confirmation Statement" section.
• Select the "Start a new confirmation statement" option.
  

2. Provide company details:

• Enter your company's registered number.
• Confirm the company's name and registered office address.
• Indicate any changes to this information since the last confirmation statement.
  

3. Update share capital and shareholders:

• Provide details about the company's share capital, including the number of shares issued and their nominal value.
• List the names and addresses of shareholders.
  

4. Declare directors and secretaries

• Provide information about the company's directors, including their names, addresses, and dates of appointment.
• Declare the company's secretary (if applicable).
  

5. Confirm Other Information:

• Answer any additional questions related to the company's structure, activities, or significant events.
• Review the confirmation statement for accuracy.

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What happens after filing?

Once you've successfully filed your confirmation statement, Companies House will update your company’s public record with the latest information. This ensures that anyone searching for your company’s details, including investors, clients, or potential partners, can access the most accurate data about your business.

If no changes were made during the filing process, the confirmation statement simply acts as verification that the current details are correct. However, if you updated any information—such as shareholders, SIC codes, or your company’s registered address—these changes will be reflected in the public database shortly after submission.

Confirmation statement filing made simple

Filing a confirmation statement with Companies House can be a relatively simple and stress-free process, especially if you've kept your company's information up to date. 

It’s definitely much easier than the former annual return because you’ve no requirement to enter previously filed information if there’s been no changes in the past 12 months.

If you follow these steps and incorporate the tips provided, you can successfully complete your confirmation statement and ensure compliance with UK company law.

Interested in how Crunch can support your limited company accounting? Get in touch and book a free consultation with our advisors.

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