The UK introduced new rules on 30 June 2016, replacing the old Annual Return (form AR01) with the annual confirmation statement. It serves the same purpose, only in a more straightforward way.
Every private limited company and limited liability partnership (LLP) must file one at least once every 12 months. This applies even if the business is not trading.
The point of the statement is to ensure that Companies House records are up to date.
Importantly, however, you don’t use the statement to report changes.
You should update Companies House with any changes first, then file the statement to confirm everything is correct. You can do both around the same time, but treat them as separate steps.
If nothing has changed since the last filing, the process is straightforward. Review what Companies House holds for your company, and if you are happy that it is accurate, simply “check and confirm”.
Register of people with significant control
The confirmation statement also covers who controls the company. You must keep details about your “people with significant control” (PSCs) up to date.
If the company was formed after 30 June 2016, PSC information was captured at incorporation; otherwise it was first provided with your initial confirmation statement and must be maintained.
- Name
- Month and year of birth (only this appears on the public record)
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Service address
- Residential address
- Service address (to appear on public record)
- Date they became a PSC
- Nature of their control
What to include in a confirmation statement
The core items are simple:
- Company name and registration number
- Registered office address and, if used, your SAIL address
- Where the statutory registers are kept (registered office or SAIL)
- Director details (full name, any business names used in the past 20 years, date of birth, nationality, occupation, service address)
- Company secretary details (if appointed)
- Principal business activities (SIC codes)
- Shareholder names and a statement of capital
For shares, you confirm the aggregate nominal value, any unpaid amounts, the number and classes of shares, and the rights attached to each class of shares.
Confirmation statement deadline
You must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. Your review period runs from the date of incorporation (or last confirmation statement) to your “confirmation date”. You then have up to 14 days after that date to file.
For example: If you formed the company on 10 July 2024, your first confirmation date is 10 July 2025 and you have until 24 July 2025 to file.
How do I file?
You can file online or by post. Many companies file via their accountant. The online fee is £34, and the paper form is £62. If you file more than once in a year, the fee applies only to the first confirmation statement within that 12-month period.
If you prefer help, speak to your limited company accountant. They can also ensure any underlying changes are submitted before you confirm.
New: Companies House ID verification (from autumn 2025)
From autumn 2025, all company directors, PSCs and those forming new companies will need to verify their identity with Companies House.
Existing companies must complete ID checks by their first confirmation statement date after the new rules take effect.
See our guide: Companies House ID checks for directors and PSCs.
FAQs
Do dormant companies need to file a confirmation statement?
Yes. Every registered company and LLP must file at least once every 12 months, even if dormant or not trading.
What happens if I miss the 14-day window?
Companies House can take enforcement action and, in serious cases, may strike the company off the register. Directors can also face prosecution. File as soon as possible and keep future dates diarised.
Can I use the confirmation statement to report changes?
No. Update changes first (for example, director appointments or resignations, registered office changes, share allotments), then file the statement to confirm the public record is correct.
Which SIC code should I use?
Pick the code that best matches your main activity. You can include more than one if needed, and you can update codes if the business focus changes.
Do I have to list my full date of birth?
You supply the full date of birth to Companies House, but only the month and year appear on the public record. If you don’t want your residential address to appear on the public record, consider using a service address.
How much does it cost to file?
Online filing is £34 and paper filing is £62. You pay once per 12-month period, even if you file multiple confirmation statements in that period.
Will ID verification delay my confirmation statement?
When the new ID checks start in autumn 2025, most existing companies will need to complete verification by their first confirmation statement date after the new rules take effect. Plan ahead so you can verify and file on time.
Should I ask my accountant to file it?
Many company directors do. Your accountant can make sure that all changes have been lodged correctly and then submit the confirmation statement on your behalf.
