What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a filing you make with Companies House to confirm that the information they hold about your company is accurate and up to date. It replaced the old annual return in June 2016.
The statement covers key details such as your registered office address, directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), share capital, and SIC codes. You're not providing new information — you're simply confirming that what Companies House already has on record is correct, or updating anything that's changed.
Even if nothing has changed since your last filing, you still need to submit a confirmation statement. It's a legal requirement for every active limited company in the UK.
Do I Need to File One?
Yes. Every company registered at Companies House must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. This applies to:
- Private limited companies (Ltd)
- Public limited companies (PLC)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLP)
- Companies limited by guarantee
There are no exemptions. Whether your company is actively trading or dormant, the confirmation statement must be filed on time.
How Much Does It Cost?
Companies House charges a fee each time you file a confirmation statement:
Online filing
£34
Paper filing
£62
Filing online is cheaper, faster, and the method most accountants will use on your behalf.
Identity Verification Requirement
From 2025, Companies House requires all directors and PSCs to verify their identity before certain filings can be made, including the confirmation statement.
You'll need to complete the identity verification process through GOV.UK to obtain a verification code. Without this code, you won't be able to file your confirmation statement.
How to verify your identity:
- Visit the GOV.UK identity verification service
- Sign in or create a GOV.UK One Login account
- Provide your personal details and photo ID
- Receive your Companies House personal code
- Use this code when filing your confirmation statement
What Happens If You Don't File?
Missing your confirmation statement deadline is serious. The consequences include:
- Criminal offence — directors can face prosecution and fines
- Strike-off action — Companies House may begin proceedings to remove your company from the register
- Loss of limited liability — if your company is struck off, you lose the legal protections it provides
- Reputational damage — late filings appear on your public company record
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Common Questions
What is a confirmation statement?
A confirmation statement is an annual filing that tells Companies House your company's details are up to date. It replaced the old annual return in June 2016 and must be filed at least once every 12 months.
How much does it cost to file a confirmation statement?
Companies House charges a £34 fee when filing online, or £62 for paper filings. Most companies file online for the lower cost.
What happens if I don't file a confirmation statement?
Failure to file is a criminal offence. Companies House may also start proceedings to strike your company off the register, which means it would cease to exist as a legal entity.
Do I need to verify my identity before filing?
Yes. From 2025, all directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House before filing. You can do this online through the GOV.UK identity verification service.
Can my accountant file the confirmation statement for me?
Yes. Most accountants will handle your confirmation statement as part of their company secretarial services, ensuring it's filed accurately and on time.