GlossaryUK
What is a confirmation statement?
Annual confirmation of company details to Companies House (formerly the annual return)
Short answer
A confirmation statement is how a UK company confirms, at least once every 12 months, that the information Companies House holds about it is correct and up to date. It can be filed up to 14 days after the end of the review period.
Explained
It checks the registered office, directors, secretary, where records are kept, share capital and shareholders, SIC code and PSCs, and adds a registered email address if none has been given yet. The review period ends 12 months after the last statement date (for the first one, the incorporation date); filing early starts a new review period.
It can only be used to change the SIC code, statement of capital, trading status of shares, PSC exemption and shareholder information; other changes, such as a new address or director, are filed separately. Existing directors give their Companies House identity verification personal code in the company’s next confirmation statement.
Good to know
- Failing to file is an offence; it can lead to a fine and the company being struck off.
- Dormant companies must file a confirmation statement too.
- The confirmation statement is not a tax return; tax returns go to HMRC.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the official source for the latest position or talk to us.
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