Running a limited company – what is a confirmation statement? [2025 guide]

All private limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) registered in the UK must submit a confirmation statement to Companies House each year.

So what does this statement contain, and how often must it be submitted?

Introduced in June 2016, the confirmation statement serves the same purpose as its predecessor, the annual return, but in a simpler format.

Here, we explain why you need to file a confirmation statement and what information you must provide, including details about any “People with Significant Control” (PSCs).

This guide was last updated in January 2025 to include some official March 2024 changes.

Why You Need to File a Confirmation Statement

The confirmation statement (form CS01) verifies that your company details registered at Companies House during incorporation and shown on the public register are accurate and up to date.

If you need to update the register, you can do so by filling out the relevant form at the time of the change or when you file your annual confirmation statement.

If all your company details are the same, check and confirm to complete your confirmation statement.

How to File a Confirmation Statement

You can file your statement online by registering with Companies House and filing online or download the form CS01 from their site and send it in by post.

Companies House has streamlined its online services, and digital filing is now encouraged as the preferred method.

Most specialist accountants will do this on behalf of your company. However, you need to check that the submission is correct and ensure it is filed on time.

March 2024 changes

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced some changes which took affect in March 2025.

1. Requirement to provide a registered email address

All companies now need to provide a registered email address which is used for Companies House communications. It won’t appear on the public register.

New companies (formed from 4th March 2024 onwards) must provide a registered email address.

Existing companies must provide a registered email address when they file their next confirmation statement, with a statement date from 5th March 2024 onwards.

2. Statement to confirm the company is lawful 

All companies also need to confirm that the company’s ‘intended future activities’ will be lawful.

This applies where your statement date is 5th March 2024 onwards.

The confirmation box must be ticked each year before the statement can be filed successfully.

Check and Confirm

When completing your confirmation statement, check and confirm the following details about your company are correct:

• Company’s name and registration number.
• The registered office address and a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL).
• Where the company’s statutory registers are held.
• Full name(s), residential and service address of each director, plus their date of birth, occupation, and nationality
• Full details (as above) of any company secretary.
• Names of shareholders, the type of shares held, and details of any transfer of shares.
• From 5 March 2024 onwards, a contact email address is required. This will not be published on the public register.
• Statement of capital, including the total number of shares of the company, their aggregate nominal value, and, where applicable, the aggregate amount unpaid on the shares.
• For each type of share, you should confirm the total number of shares and the rights attached to them, their trading status, and their aggregate nominal value.
• Details of any exemptions applied for from disclosure under Section 790ZG of the Companies Act 2006.
• Information about PSCs (see below), including name, date of birth, nationality, service and residential address, and the date when the individual(s) became a PSC.
• Confirm that the ‘intended future activities’ of your company will be lawful (tick box).

People with Significant Control

All companies must keep a PSC register at their registered office address (or alternative location), which is available for inspection.

This register identifies individuals or entities with significant control or influence over the company, ensuring transparency about who owns and controls it.

A PSC is typically someone who:

• Owns more than 25% of the company’s shares.
• Holds more than 25% of the company’s voting rights.
• Has the right to appoint or remove the majority of the company’s board of directors.
• Exercises, or has the right to exercise, significant influence or control over the company.
• Holds control over a trust or firm that meets one of the above conditions.

Deadline for the Confirmation Statement

The deadline or due date for filing your confirmation statement is on the anniversary of your company formation and should be completed within 14 days of that date.

You must file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once every 12 months.

Unlike the previous system, where you had to pay each time you made changes to your annual return, you now pay a one-off annual fee regardless of how many times you amend your confirmation statement within the same 12-month period.

What About Dormant Companies?

Dormant limited companies must file a confirmation statement each year, even if the business is not presently trading.

If the company still appears on the central public register, you must check and confirm all the details are accurate and current.

Who Is Responsible for Completing the Statement?

In larger companies, where one is appointed, the company secretary will file the confirmation statement.

Otherwise, a company director or a designated member is responsible for ensuring the statement is filed with Companies House each year.

This is a legal requirement, and directors who fail to comply can face serious consequences, including fines and prosecution.

If you forget to file your confirmation statement by the deadline, check and confirm your details as soon as possible. If not, the registrar may assume the company has ceased trading and strike you from the company register.

Although your accountant is likely to file the confirmation statement on your behalf, the company’s directors are ultimately responsible. Mistakes can occur, so verifying the filing is accurate and on time is crucial.

Sign Up for a Reminder and further information

Register online with Companies House and sign up for their email reminder service to ensure you never miss your deadline. To do this, sign in to Companies House Online Filing and select ‘Activate e reminders’.

This service is free and you can choose up to four people to receive a reminder.

You can also read a simple official guide to the Confirmation Statement here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I update my PSC information outside of the confirmation statement?

Yes, you can update PSC information at any time by submitting the relevant form to Companies House. This ensures the register remains up to date and reduces the burden of updating everything during the confirmation statement filing.

2. What happens if I file my confirmation statement late?

Failure to file on time can result in penalties, and your company may be struck off the register. It’s crucial to act promptly if you miss the deadline.

3. Are there additional requirements for public companies?

Yes, public companies may have additional disclosure requirements in their confirmation statements. If you’re unsure, consult a specialist.

4. Is there a fee for filing the confirmation statement?

Yes, there is an annual fee for filing the confirmation statement; currently, it is £32 if filed online or £64 if you file a paper return. This fee remains the same regardless of how many amendments you make during the year.

5. What happens if my company information changes after filing the confirmation statement?

You can update most information anytime by submitting the relevant forms to Companies House. Changes to directors, shareholders, or PSCs should be reported right away rather than waiting for the next confirmation statement.

6. Do I need to file a confirmation statement if my company is non-trading?

Yes, even dormant or non-trading companies must file a confirmation statement to confirm that all registered information is current.

7. How can I correct an error on my confirmation statement?

If you spot an error after filing, you can file a replacement confirmation statement with the correct information. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid any potential compliance problems.

8. Can I file my confirmation statement early?

Yes, you can file the statement early if you prefer, but it will not change your next filing deadline.