Every UK limited company and LLP must send a confirmation statement to Companies House each year, confirming that the information held on the public register is still correct and up to date.
Why is the purpose of the confirmation statement?
Companies House uses the confirmation statement (form CS01) to check that the details shown on the public register for your company are still correct.
This includes information such as:
- The registered office address.
- Directors and company secretaries.
- Shareholders and shareholdings.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs).
The confirmation statement is completely separate from your company accounts and Corporation Tax return – it doesn’t contain any financial details about the company, such as profits or tax liabilities.
How to file a confirmation statement
Most companies file the confirmation statement online through Companies House.
You can register for online filing, or download form CS01 and send a paper return by post.
Many accountants file confirmation statements for their contractor clients as part of their monthly service.
It is worth remembering that, even if your contractor accountant files your company’s statement, the directors are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the information.
March 2024 confirmation statement changes
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act added several new requirements linked to Companies House filings.
Registered email address
Companies now need to provide Companies House with a registered email address.
Companies House uses it for official messages and reminders, but the address is not shown on the public register.
Lawful purpose statement
Companies now also need to confirm that the company’s intended future activities are lawful.
Companies House added a confirmation box to the filing process for statement dates from 5 March 2024 onwards.
Check and confirm
Before filing the confirmation statement, directors should check that the following details are still correct:
- Company name and registration number.
- The registered office address and any Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL).
- Where the company’s statutory registers are kept.
- Director details, including service address, occupation and nationality.
- Company secretary details, where applicable.
- Shareholder details and any share transfers.
- The registered company email address.
- Statement of capital information.
- Share classes and voting rights.
- Any disclosure exemptions claimed under Section 790ZG of the Companies Act 2006.
- PSC information.
Most contractor companies only have one or two shareholders, so this section is usually straightforward unless ownership has changed during the year.
People with Significant Control
Most contractor companies only have one PSC, typically the director who owns the shares.
The PSC register records who ultimately controls the company.
A PSC is normally someone who:
- Owns more than 25% of the company’s shares.
- Controls more than 25% of the voting rights.
- Can appoint or remove most of the board.
- Exercises significant influence or control over the company.
- Controls a trust or firm that meets one of the conditions above.
Companies must keep the PSC register up to date.
Identity verification and confirmation statements
Since 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs must now verify their identities before companies can file certain Companies House documents, such as the confirmation statement.
Directors can verify themselves through GOV.UK One Login, or ask an accountant or formation agent registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to handle it.
Existing directors and PSCs have until 18 November 2026 to complete the verification process.
Anyone appointed as a new director or PSC after 18 November 2025 needs to complete verification before Companies House records the appointment.
Read our dedicated guide to mandatory identity verification for directors.
Confirmation statement deadline
Most companies file a confirmation statement once every 12 months.
The filing deadline falls 14 days after the end of the company’s review period, which is usually linked to the anniversary of incorporation.
You pay for only one confirmation statement fee each year, even if you update your company details several times during that period.
Dormant companies still need to file
Dormant companies still need to file a confirmation statement each year.
Even where the company has stopped trading, Companies House still expects the public register to remain accurate for as long as the company continues to exist.
Who is responsible for filing it?
The directors are legally responsible for making sure the confirmation statement is filed correctly and on time.
Some larger businesses use a company secretary to handle the filing process, while many small companies rely on their accountant.
Even when an accountant files the statement, Companies House still holds the directors responsible if the filing is incorrect or omitted entirely.
If your company fails to submit the statement, Companies House can begin strike-off action and potentially remove the company from the register.
Reminders and further information
Companies House offers a free email reminder service for confirmation statements and accounts deadlines.
You can activate reminders through Companies House’s online filing system and choose up to 4 recipients.
You can also read the official Companies House confirmation statement guidance here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I update PSC information outside the confirmation statement?
Yes. Companies can update PSC information separately using the relevant Companies House forms, rather than waiting for the next confirmation statement.
What happens if I file late?
Companies House can begin compliance action against the company, including strike-off proceedings in serious cases.
Do dormant companies still need to file?
Yes. Dormant companies must still file a confirmation statement each year while they remain active on the register.
How much does the confirmation statement cost?
The filing fee is currently £50 online or £110 for a paper filing.
Can I correct a mistake after filing?
Yes. Companies can normally submit a replacement confirmation statement or file separate update forms to correct errors.
Can I file early?
Yes. You do not need to wait until the exact due date to file the statement.
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