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May 14 2024

Understanding company confirmation statements

As the owner of a limited company, you need to fill out and submit a company confirmation statement at least once a year. While this isn’t a major responsibility, it is something that business owners are obligated to do to inform Companies House that your information is up to date. A confirmation statement can also be required when notable changes happen within the business. Learn more about what needs to be done regarding company confirmation statements below.

What are company confirmation statements?

A confirmation statement is a document that must be sent to Companies House to provide updates on information relating to your business. It shows that you are fulfilling your filing obligations in the time since you last sent a confirmation statement. The information included in a confirmation statement is very general, consisting of:

  • Details of your registered office, the directors, secretaries, and the address where records are kept
  • Your SIC code (the number that identifies what your company does)
  • The business’ register of ‘people with significant control’
  • If the company has shares, the statement of capital and shareholder information

You must also include an email address with your confirmation statement which Companies House can use to contact you about the business. Any changes to your preferred email address must also be mentioned. An experienced accountant for small business can help make sure statutory accounts such as this are taken care of.

Key points to bear in mind with company confirmation statements

  1. It’s a legal requirement

Every UK limited company, including dormant companies, is required to file a confirmation statement at least once a year with Companies House. This ensures that the information held about the company is accurate and up to date.

  1. When to file a company confirmation statement

The company confirmation statement must be filed with Companies House at least once every 12 months. This period typically starts from the date of incorporation. However, companies might have to file more frequently if there are any changes to report during that time. Note that you have two weeks before the end of the review period (usually 12 months since filing the last confirmation statement) to file.

  1. There’s a filing fee

The fee associated with submitting a confirmation statement to Companies House is small, although it changes depending on how it filed. The fees associated with filing confirmation statements recently went up on May 1st 2024. They are at the time of writing currently:

  • Digital: £34.
  • Software: £34.
  • Paper: £62.

Previously, businesses needed to pay £13 when filing online and £40 when filing in person. Chartered Accountants will always use online filing methods where possible as it’s more efficient and easier to organise.

  1. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to file a confirmation statement on time can result in penalties being imposed by Companies House. If you’re found to be non-compliant again, you could face further legal action which could be a drain on finances and resources.

Looking for accountants in Liverpool?

The most important thing for businesses is that they maintain accuracy whenever they file a confirmation statement. This ensures you avoid penalties and maintain a good relationship with Companies House. Jan McDermott Chartered Accountants work closely with your business to make sure we are aware of any changes that need to be reported to Companies House through confirmation statements. Contact us to speak to a member of team about your accounts management needs.