Every company, including dormant and non-trading companies, in the United Kingdom is required to file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once a year. This statement confirms that the information held by Companies House about the company is up to date. It is important to file a confirmation statement even if there have been no changes to the company’s details during the review period. The confirmation statement also requires companies to state that their intended future activities are lawful.
How to File a Confirmation Statement?
To file your confirmation statement, there are a few options available to you. One convenient method is to use the online filing service provided by Companies House. This allows you to submit your statement electronically, saving time and effort. To access the online service, you will need your password and authentication code. If you don’t have these credentials yet, don’t worry; you can easily register for online filing on the Companies House website.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can file your confirmation statement by post. Companies House provides a downloadable template for the required form, known as form CS01. By filling out this form and sending it to the appropriate address, you can fulfill your obligation to file a confirmation statement.
To make the process even smoother, here is an overview of the two methods:
Online Filing
- Visit the Companies House website and log in to your account using your password and authentication code.
- Navigate to the “File Confirmation Statement” section.
- Review and update your company’s information as necessary.
- Submit your confirmation statement online.
Postal Filing (Form CS01)
- Download the form CS01 from the Companies House website.
- Complete the form accurately, providing all the required information.
- Double-check that the form is signed by an authorized person.
- Mail the form to the appropriate address provided on the Companies House website.
Choosing the method that best suits your needs and preferences will ensure a smooth and efficient filing process. Remember that accuracy and timeliness are crucial when submitting your confirmation statement.
Updating Your Company’s Details
Before filing your confirmation statement, it is important to review and update your company’s details. This ensures that the key information included in a confirmation statement reflects the most current and accurate information about your company.
Here are the key areas to consider when updating your company’s details:
Directors, Secretary, and People with Significant Control (PSC)
Your confirmation statement should include the names and details of all directors, the company secretary (if applicable), and any individuals or entities with significant control over the company. If there have been any changes to these positions since the last confirmation statement, make sure to update the relevant information.
Registered Office Address
The registered office address is the official address of your company. If your company has moved or changed its registered office address, it is important to update it before filing the confirmation statement.
Registered Email Address
Providing a registered email address is mandatory for all companies. If the registered email address has changed, ensure that you update it to receive important notifications and correspondence from Companies House.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code
The SIC code represents the primary economic activity of your company. If your company’s activities have changed and no longer align with the current SIC code, make sure to update it accordingly.
Statement of Capital and Trading Status of Shares
If there have been any changes to your company’s statement of capital or the trading status of shares, such as issuing or cancelling shares, it is important to reflect these changes in the confirmation statement.
Exemption from Keeping a PSC Register and Shareholder Information
If your company is exempt from keeping a register of people with significant control (PSC) or there have been changes to shareholder information, ensure that these details are accurately updated in the confirmation statement.
By reviewing and updating these key areas, you can ensure that your confirmation statement contains the most up-to-date information about your company. This helps maintain compliance with Companies House requirements and provides an accurate representation of your company’s current status.
| Information to Update | Actions to Take |
|---|---|
| Directors, Secretary, and PSC | Update any changes or additions to personnel information |
| Registered Office Address | Update if the company has moved or changed its registered office address |
| Registered Email Address | Ensure the registered email address is up-to-date to receive important notifications |
| Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code | Update if the company’s primary economic activity has changed |
| Statement of Capital and Trading Status of Shares | Reflect any changes in the statement of capital or trading status of shares |
| Exemption from Keeping a PSC Register and Shareholder Information | Update if the company is exempt from keeping a PSC register or if there are changes to shareholder information |
Review Period and Deadline
The annual confirmation statement filing is due within a specific review period, which starts from the date of company incorporation or the date of the previous confirmation statement. This review period spans 12 months, during which companies are required to submit their confirmation statement to Companies House. It is crucial to note that the deadline for confirmation statement submission falls within 14 days after the end of the review period.
Filing the confirmation statement within the designated timeframe is essential to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Failure to meet the deadline for confirmation statement submission may result in serious consequences for the company. These consequences include potential prosecution and the striking off of the company from the register. To maintain the company’s legal status and avoid penalties, it is imperative to file the confirmation statement promptly.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If a company fails to file the confirmation statement within the required timeframe, it could face severe repercussions. Companies House may issue a statutory notice to the company, indicating an overdue confirmation statement. This notice serves as a warning that the company has failed to meet its legal obligations.
Continued non-compliance and failure to file the confirmation statement can eventually lead to the company being struck off the register. This means that the company will no longer exist as a legal entity. It is crucial to prioritize the timely submission of the confirmation statement to avoid such detrimental consequences.
Therefore, it is essential for companies to keep track of their review period and the deadline for confirmation statement submission. Adhering to these deadlines ensures that the company remains in good standing with Companies House and maintains its legal status.
Annual Fee and Payment Period
When filing a confirmation statement for your UK company, it is important to understand the associated costs and payment period. The fee for filing a confirmation statement online is £13, providing a convenient and cost-effective option. Alternatively, if you prefer to submit a paper form, the fee is £40. It’s worth noting that the online filing option offers significant savings.
The payment period for the annual fee is separate from the review period. It spans 12 months, commencing from the date of your company’s incorporation or the anniversary of the return date of the last annual return. It’s essential to remember that the annual fee only needs to be paid with the first confirmation statement within the payment period. Subsequent confirmation statements submitted during the same payment period are exempt from an additional fee.
Cost Comparison:
| Filing Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online | £13 |
| Paper Form | £40 |
By choosing to file your confirmation statement online, you can save £27 compared to the paper filing option. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to fulfill your company’s obligations with Companies House.
Understanding the annual fee and payment period is crucial to ensure compliance with the necessary requirements. By staying informed, you can navigate the filing process smoothly and avoid any unnecessary expenses.
Restoring a Company
If a company needs to be restored to the register, it is essential to file a confirmation statement using the companies house confirmation statement form CS01. This form must be filed on paper, not online. When completing the form, ensure that the confirmation date entered is the one that was due before the company was struck off.
It is advisable to contact Companies House before submitting the confirmation statement to ensure accurate information is provided. Companies House can provide guidance on the restoration process and clarify any doubts regarding the confirmation statement.
| Steps to Restore a Company | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Complete form CS01 | Companies House confirmation statement form |
| Provide accurate confirmation date | Date that was due before company strike off |
| Contact Companies House | For guidance and assistance |
Restoring a company is a critical process that requires attention to detail. By following the necessary steps and submitting a properly completed confirmation statement, companies can successfully restore their legal status and continue their operations.
Importance of Filing a Confirmation Statement
Filing a confirmation statement is a statutory requirement for all limited companies and LLPs registered in the UK. It is an essential step to ensure compliance with company law and maintain the legal status of your business.
The confirmation statement serves a crucial role in verifying and updating important company data recorded at Companies House. By submitting this statement, you confirm that the information about your company’s structure, directors, registered office address, shareholders, and trading status of shares is accurate and up to date.
This annual filing provides transparency and reassurance to stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and potential business partners, who rely on accurate and current information when making decisions. It showcases your commitment to maintaining transparent and reliable records, which can enhance your company’s reputation and credibility in the market.
Filing a confirmation statement also allows HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to track and monitor tax compliance by businesses. It enables them to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of the information provided, ensuring that the company’s accounting records align with the details submitted to Companies House.
Additionally, the confirmation statement includes a declaration of your company’s intended future activities, confirming that the business will engage in lawful pursuits. This declaration affirms your commitment to conducting business ethically and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Benefits of Filing a Confirmation Statement:
- Compliance with statutory requirements
- Maintaining the legal status of your company or LLP
- Enhancing transparency and credibility
- Demonstrating commitment to accurate record keeping
- Fulfilling obligations to stakeholders
- Supporting tax compliance efforts by HMRC
- Confirming lawful intentions of future activities
By promptly and accurately filing your confirmation statement, you ensure that your company remains in good standing, avoids penalties, and can continue to enjoy the benefits of legal recognition. Failure to file the statement within the designated timeframe can result in fines, legal repercussions, and even the potential striking off of your company from the register.
Conclusion
Filing a confirmation statement is a straightforward process that can be done online or by post. It is essential to keep your company’s details up to date and file the confirmation statement within the designated review period. Companies House provides guidance and resources to assist with the filing process.
To submit a confirmation statement, you can use the convenient online filing process through Companies House. If you prefer, you can also file the statement by post. Whichever method you choose, it is crucial to ensure that your company’s information is accurate and reflects any changes that have occurred.
To make the process simpler, it is recommended to sign up for email reminders from Companies House. These reminders will help you stay on top of the filing deadline and avoid any potential penalties or legal repercussions. Companies House also offers a user-friendly login system to access the necessary forms and resources for submitting your confirmation statement.
Remember, failure to file the confirmation statement can lead to serious consequences, including the potential striking off of your company from the register. It is in your best interest to comply with this requirement and maintain the legal status and integrity of your company.
FAQs
How can I file my confirmation statement online?
To file your confirmation statement online, you will need your password and authentication code. If you don’t have these, you can register for online filing on the Companies House website.
Can I submit my confirmation statement by post?
Yes, you can submit your confirmation statement by post using the form CS01. Companies House provides a downloadable template for the form on their website.
When is my confirmation statement due?
The review period for filing a confirmation statement is 12 months starting from the date of company incorporation or the date of the previous confirmation statement. The statement must be filed within 14 days after the end of the review period.
How much does it cost to file a confirmation statement?
The cost of filing a confirmation statement online is £13, while the cost of sending a paper form by post is £40. The annual fee only needs to be paid with the first confirmation statement in the payment period.
What should I do if my confirmation statement is overdue?
If your confirmation statement is overdue, you may receive a statutory notice or an overdue confirmation statement letter. It is important to file the statement as soon as possible to avoid penalties and maintain your company’s legal status.
How do I access the Companies House online filing service?
To access the online filing service, you will need your password and authentication code. If you don’t have these, you can register for online filing on the Companies House website.