How to File a Confirmation Statement and Stay Compliant in the UK
Running a UK company comes with legal responsibilities, and one of the most important annual obligations is to file a confirmation statement. This filing ensures that Companies House holds accurate and up-to-date information about your business. Failing to submit it on time can lead to penalties and even company strike-off, making it essential for directors to understand the process fully.
This guide explains confirmation statement filing in simple terms, outlines who must submit it, and highlights the safest way to complete the process.
Understanding Confirmation Statement Filing
Confirmation statement filing is a statutory requirement for all UK registered companies and LLPs. It confirms that your company details on the public register are correct as of a specific review date.
The confirmation statement file typically includes:
Company registered office address
Directors and company secretaries
Shareholder details and share structure
SIC codes describing business activities
People with Significant Control (PSC)
Even if no changes have occurred during the year, the filing is still mandatory.
Which Businesses Must Submit a Confirmation Statement?
You must file a company confirmation statement if your business is:
A private limited company
A public limited company
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A dormant or micro-entity company
Companies operating in major commercial hubs must also comply, including those required to file a confirmation statement in London.
Confirmation Statement Deadlines Explained
Each company has a 12-month review period. Once this period ends, you have 14 days to submit your confirmation statement to Companies House.
Missing this deadline results in late filing of the confirmation statement, which can trigger warnings and enforcement action. Repeated failures may lead to compulsory dissolution.
How to File a Confirmation Statement Online
Most directors now choose to file confirmation statements online due to speed and convenience. Online submission reduces errors and provides instant confirmation from Companies House.
The process usually involves:
Reviewing existing company information
Updating any changed details
Submitting the confirmation statement
Paying the annual filing fee
To ensure accuracy and compliance, many companies choose to file a confirmation statement using a professional service such as
This approach reduces administrative burden and helps avoid costly mistakes.
Common Issues During Filing
Directors often face problems when filing confirmation statements, including:
Incorrect shareholder information
Outdated SIC codes
Missing PSC updates
Incomplete company records
These issues can delay acceptance or lead to further queries from Companies House. Professional confirmation statement services help identify and correct such errors before submission.
What Happens If You Do Not File?
Failure to submit a confirmation statement file can result in:
Fines and penalties
Public record showing non-compliance
Risk of company strike-off
Loss of business credibility
Companies House treats non-filing seriously, which is why proactive compliance is essential.
Benefits of Using Confirmation Statement Services
Using expert confirmation statement services provides several advantages:
Accurate review of statutory records
Timely filing before deadlines
Reduced risk of rejection or penalties
Peace of mind for directors
For businesses that need additional compliance support, specialist services such as
can also help keep company details accurate and up to date.
Final Advice for UK Directors
To file a confirmation statement correctly is a core responsibility of every company director. It protects your business from regulatory action and ensures transparency on the public register.
