Limited Company Confirmation Statement Submission: What You Need to Know.

Filing a Confirmation Statement to Companies House.

Running a limited company in the UK comes with several legal responsibilities, and one of the most crucial yet often overlooked requirements is the Confirmation Statement. This annual filing ensures that your company details are up to date with Companies House and helps maintain transparency in the business sector. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the Confirmation Statement is, why it matters, and how to submit it correctly.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation Statement (formerly known as the Annual Return) is a mandatory filing that all UK limited companies must submit to Companies House at least once every 12 months. The purpose of this statement is to confirm that your company’s registered details are accurate and up to date.

What Information Does It Include?

When submitting your Confirmation Statement, you’ll need to confirm or update the following details:

• Company Name and Registration Number
• Registered Office Address
• Directors and Secretary Details
• Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
• Shareholders and Shareholding Structure
• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes

Why Is It Important?

Failing to submit a Confirmation Statement on time can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Your company being struck off the Companies House register
• Fines and potential legal action against company directors
• Difficulty securing credit or loans due to non-compliance

Keeping your Confirmation Statement updated also ensures that your business details remain accurate and accessible to stakeholders, investors, and customers.

When Is the Deadline?

The Confirmation Statement must be filed at least once every 12 months, with the due date being the anniversary of your company’s incorporation or the date of your last Confirmation Statement. You have 14 days from this due date to submit the statement.

How to Submit Your Confirmation Statement

Submitting your Confirmation Statement is a straightforward process:

1. Log Into Companies House

You can file your statement online via the Companies House WebFiling service. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.

2. Review Your Company Details

Check that all information on your company record is correct. If there are changes, you must update them before submitting the statement.

3. Make Any Necessary Changes

If your details have changed, you may need to file additional forms (e.g., for changes in directors or share structure) before submitting the statement.

4. Pay the Filing Fee

There is a £34 fee for online submissions and a £62 fee for paper filings. Fee date 13/02/25. Here is a link to Companies House fees.

5. Submit the Statement

Once everything is reviewed and correct, submit your Confirmation Statement and keep a copy for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the deadline – Mark it in your calendar and set reminders.
• Not updating PSC information – Ensure significant shareholders and control figures are correctly listed.
• Failing to update SIC codes – Ensure your business classification reflects your company’s activities.
• Incorrect shareholder details – Keep an accurate record of shares issued and ownership percentages.

FAQs About the Confirmation Statement

1. What happens if I don’t file my Confirmation Statement?

If you fail to file your Confirmation Statement, Companies House may strike your company off the register, meaning it will cease to exist as a legal entity. Additionally, directors could face legal consequences.

2. Can I file my Confirmation Statement early?

Yes, you can submit your Confirmation Statement early if needed. However, filing early does not change your next due date—it remains based on your last filing date.

3. Do I need to submit a Confirmation Statement if nothing has changed?

Yes, even if no changes have occurred, you must still file a Confirmation Statement to confirm that your company details remain accurate.

4. Can I change company details when filing the Confirmation Statement?

You can update some details, such as SIC codes and shareholder information, within the Confirmation Statement. However, certain changes (e.g., registered office address, director appointments) require separate filings before submitting the statement.

5. How do I check when my Confirmation Statement is due?

You can check your due date by searching for your company on the Companies House website. The filing deadline is listed under the company’s details.

6. What if I made a mistake on my Confirmation Statement?

If you realise you made an error after submitting your Confirmation Statement, you can file a correction statement using Companies House WebFiling.

7. What if my Confirmation Statement is overdue?

If you have an overdue Confirmation Statement and want to get it filed quickly, you can purchase this service in our shop. We can get this submitted promptly to ensure compliance and prevent any penalties or risk of company dissolution.

8. Can BarrettStacey Accounting manage my Confirmation Statement for me?

If you have our Confirmation Statement service, you will never have to worry about missing the deadline again. Emma is very proactive and will always email you ahead of the deadline asking if anything needs updating. A lot of business owners submit this themselves to save costs, but eventually, they ask us to do this for them—it’s one less task on their to-do list. It’s simply not worth risking missing the deadline.

Additional Insights from FreeAgent

According to FreeAgent’s guide on Confirmation Statements, this document is crucial for ensuring that Companies House holds accurate records of your company’s details. They also highlight that it is not a financial document and does not replace annual accounts or corporation tax filings. Many small business owners assume that filing a Confirmation Statement means they have met all their filing obligations, but this is not the case. It is just one aspect of compliance required by Companies House.

By working with BarrettStacey Accounting, we ensure that your Confirmation Statement, annual accounts, and tax obligations are all managed efficiently, so you remain fully compliant and stress-free.

Need Help with Your Confirmation Statement?

If you’re unsure about your filing obligations or want to ensure accuracy, BarrettStacey Accounting can help. We assist limited companies with all aspects of compliance, ensuring that your filings are handled correctly and on time. Get in touch today for expert support!

Stay Compliant, Stay Hassle-Free

Submitting your Confirmation Statement is a crucial part of running a limited company. With a little preparation and the right guidance, it can be a simple and stress-free process. Don’t let deadlines catch you off guard—act now and keep your business compliant!