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ComplianceUpdated 2026-02-12

What is a Confirmation Statement?

Quick Answer

A Confirmation Statement (formerly Annual Return) confirms your company's details are correct with Companies House. It's due at least once every 12 months and costs £50 to file online (£110 on paper).

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Detailed Explanation

A Confirmation Statement is an annual filing that confirms key information about your company is accurate:

Information confirmed

- Registered office address - Directors and their details - Shareholders and share structure - People with Significant Control (PSCs) - SIC code (business activity) - Statement of capital

Filing requirements

- Due at least once every 12 months from incorporation or last confirmation statement - Can be filed any time during the review period - Fee: £50 online, £110 by post, paid with the first confirmation statement in each 12-month payment period - Filed with Companies House (not HMRC)

What happens if you don't file

- Company may be struck off the register - Directors can be prosecuted - Company becomes 'inactive' and loses limited liability protection

vs Annual Accounts

Confirmation Statement is separate from Annual Accounts (also due to Companies House) and Corporation Tax Return (due to HMRC). All three have different deadlines.

Making changes

If any information has changed, you must update Companies House before filing. Changes to directors, shareholders, or registered office require separate filings.

Source: Companies House Confirmation Statement Guidance

Real-World Examples

Address Change Scenario

Your company moved registered office in March. When you file your Confirmation Statement in June, you must confirm the new address is correct and update Companies House through the confirmation statement process if you haven't already notified them.

Share Transfer Scenario

A shareholder sold some of their shares in your company. When filing your Confirmation Statement, ensure the updated shareholder list and share allocation accurately reflect this transfer, or update this separately beforehand if required.

PSC Change Scenario

A person with significant control (PSC) left the company and a new one was appointed. The Confirmation Statement must reflect the details of the new PSC, which needs to be updated on the Companies House register within 14 days of the change, not just at confirmation statement time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to update changes with Companies House immediately, only waiting for the Confirmation Statement, which can lead to late filing penalties for specific updates.
  • Assuming no changes means simply refiling the same information as the previous year without verifying its accuracy.
  • Ignoring the requirement to confirm PSC details, especially if there have been changes in who controls the company.
  • Using an incorrect SIC code, as this misrepresents your company's primary business activity to HMRC and the public.

Can I file my Confirmation Statement more frequently than annually?

Yes, you can file more than once a year, particularly if there have been significant changes to your company's information that you want to reflect sooner. This can be useful for transparency and maintaining accurate records.

What happens if I discover an error in a previously filed Confirmation Statement?

You can file a 'PSC07 - Notification of change of other details' form to correct errors in director or PSC details or amend the SIC code. Other changes may require different forms or updating at the next confirmation statement.

Does a dormant company still need to file a Confirmation Statement?

Yes, even dormant companies are required to file a Confirmation Statement annually to confirm their registered details are up-to-date with Companies House. There is no exemption for dormant companies.

Can I file the Confirmation Statement myself or do I need an accountant?

You can file the Confirmation Statement yourself through the Companies House website or using company formation agents. An accountant isn't required, but they can assist if you are unsure about any of the information requested.

Practical Tips

  • Set a reminder in your calendar a month before your Confirmation Statement due date to review all company information and ensure it's accurate.
  • Keep a record of all changes to your company's details (registered office, directors, shareholders, PSCs) throughout the year to streamline the Confirmation Statement process.
  • Double-check the SIC code to ensure it accurately reflects your company's primary business activity. Use the Companies House SIC code search tool if you are unsure.
  • Consider using company secretarial software or a professional service to manage your Confirmation Statement filing and other compliance requirements.

Related Questions

When are annual accounts due?

Annual accounts must be filed with Companies House within 9 months of your accounting period end. For HMRC, you have 12 months to file your Corporation Tax return including the accounts.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Making Tax Digital is HMRC's initiative requiring businesses to keep digital records and submit returns using compatible software. VAT is already under MTD; Income Tax follows in April 2026.

What records do I need to keep for my limited company?

Keep all business records for at least 6 years. This includes bank statements, invoices, receipts, payroll records, and accounting records. Companies House records must be kept indefinitely.

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