Running a limited company in the UK comes with a number of legal obligations, and one of the most important yet commonly misunderstood is filing your Confirmation Statement with Companies House. This annual filing isn’t a tax return—it’s a snapshot of your company’s key details and structure. Fail to file on time, and you risk penalties or even your company being struck off the register. But don’t worry: this guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you file your first Confirmation Statement confidently and correctly.
What Is a Confirmation Statement and Why Does It Matter?
The Confirmation Statement, previously known as the Annual Return, is a mandatory document that all UK limited companies must file at least once every 12 months. Unlike a Corporation Tax Return, which details your company’s financial performance and tax liability, the Confirmation Statement is all about confirming and updating the basic information Companies House holds about your company. This includes details like your registered office address, directors, shareholders, and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes which describe your business activities.
Companies House uses this information to maintain an accurate public register. Keeping your details current is not just a legal requirement—it helps maintain your company’s credibility with clients, suppliers, and investors. An up-to-date Confirmation Statement also ensures you avoid penalties and administrative complications.
See alsoFiling CT600: the Corporation Tax return for first-time directors→When and How Often Do You Need to File?
Your company’s Confirmation Statement must be filed at least once every 12 months, with a filing deadline linked to your company’s ‘confirmation date.’ Your confirmation date is usually the anniversary of your company’s incorporation or the date you filed your last Confirmation Statement. For example, if your company was incorporated on 15th May 2023, your first Confirmation Statement will be due by 14th May 2024.
You can file early if you want to update your information before the deadline, but remember that your Confirmation Statement only covers details as of the date you file. Filing late can result in fines starting at £150, and persistent failure may lead to your company being struck off the register, which can have serious consequences for your business.
Missing your Confirmation Statement deadline triggers penalties of £150 if filed within one month late, £375 if filed 1-3 months late, £750 if 3-6 months late, and £1,500 if more than 6 months late. These fines apply per late filing, so staying on top of deadlines is crucial.
Before You File: What Information Do You Need?
Preparing your Confirmation Statement filing is simple when you gather all relevant information beforehand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Registered office address – your company’s official address registered with Companies House.
- Details of directors and company secretaries (if any), including full names, service addresses, dates of birth, and occupation.
- Shareholder information, including the names, addresses, and shareholdings of all shareholders or members.
- The company’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, which describe the nature of your business activities.
- Statement of capital – the number and types of shares issued and their total value.
Your company’s public record on Companies House will already contain most of this information from incorporation or previous filings. However, if you’ve made changes during the year, such as appointing a new director, changing your registered office, or altering shares, you must update these details in your Confirmation Statement.
Before filing, visit the Companies House service website and search your company to review your current public record. This helps you spot any inaccuracies and prepare updates accordingly.
Step-by-Step Guide: Filing Your First Confirmation Statement
Filing your Confirmation Statement is a quick process that can typically be completed within 5 minutes online. Here’s a practical walkthrough using Companies House WebFiling, the official and free platform for UK companies:
- Register for a Companies House WebFiling account if you haven’t already. You’ll need your company number and authentication codes.
- Log in to your WebFiling account and select ‘File a Confirmation Statement’ for your company.
- Review the current company information displayed, including registered office, directors, and shareholders.
- Make necessary updates if any details have changed since your last filing. For example, update SIC codes if your business activities have evolved.
- Confirm your statement of capital and shareholdings. If there are changes, enter the new figures and share types.
- Check the ‘People with Significant Control’ (PSC) section to ensure all PSCs are correctly listed.
- Review the entire form carefully before submitting.
- Pay the £13 filing fee (or £40 if filing by paper) online and submit your Confirmation Statement.
- You will receive a confirmation email once your filing is accepted.
If you prefer, you can also file via third-party agents or accounting software that integrates with Companies House. These options might offer additional support or reminders but usually come with a fee.
Common Questions and Practical Tips
Many company directors find the Confirmation Statement straightforward, but a few areas often raise questions. Here are some answers and practical advice to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Is the Confirmation Statement the Same as a Tax Return?
No. The Confirmation Statement is a legal requirement that confirms your company’s details with Companies House. Your Corporation Tax Return (CT600) is a separate obligation managed by HMRC and relates to your company’s financial performance and tax liabilities. Both filings are mandatory but serve different purposes.
What if My Company Has No Changes to Report?
Even if your company’s details haven’t changed since the last Confirmation Statement, you still must file it on time. Simply confirm the existing information is correct and submit. This reassures Companies House that your records remain accurate.
How Do I Find My SIC Codes?
SIC codes classify your company’s business activities. You can search for appropriate SIC codes on the Companies House website or the Office for National Statistics SIC code list. It’s best to select codes that accurately reflect your main business activities to avoid compliance issues.
“When I filed my first Confirmation Statement, I underestimated how important it was to keep my company details up to date. A quick review each year saves headaches later and keeps my business looking professional to partners.” – Sarah T., Founder of GreenTech Solutions Ltd
After Filing: What Happens Next?
Once you submit your Confirmation Statement and Companies House accepts it, the updated information becomes part of the public record. This means anyone can view your company’s details online, promoting transparency and trust.
Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records. It’s also wise to set a calendar reminder for your next Confirmation Statement deadline—usually 12 months later—to ensure you never miss it.
If you spot any errors after filing, you can file another Confirmation Statement to correct the information. However, this should be done promptly to maintain accurate records and avoid confusion.
Summary: Your 5-Minute Annual Filing Task
Filing your first Confirmation Statement with Companies House is a simple yet critical task for any UK limited company director. It’s not a tax return, but a confirmation of your company’s key details, which must be filed annually to stay compliant.
By gathering your company information, reviewing your public record, and using Companies House WebFiling, you can complete the process in just a few minutes. Remember to file on time to avoid penalties, keep your company details accurate, and maintain your business’s professional standing.
With this guide, you’re well-equipped to handle your Confirmation Statement confidently. If in doubt, consider consulting a company accountant or company secretary to assist with filings and compliance.