Head to our blog post, “Confirmation Statement: Why it’s important to file for one (2021)”, for more information on why it’s essential for businesses to file confirmation statements.
How do I file a confirmation statement?
The best approach to submit your information to Companies House is to complete your confirmation statement online. Companies House will pre-populate much of the form for you if you submit online, so all you have to do is simply modify information rather than starting from the very beginning each time you complete a confirmation statement.
Before filing this form, you must notify Companies House of any changes relating to your:
- directors and secretary;
- people with significant control (PSC);
- company’s registered office address.
You can also change any of the information Companies House has on file for your firm in the 'additional information’ section of the online form. It can be used to keep up with:
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code;
- Trading status of shares;
- Shareholder information;
- Statement of capital;
- Exempt from keeping a register of the People with Significant Control (PSC) register.
You must keep in mind that even if your organisation has not changed throughout the review period, you must still submit a confirmation statement. This verifies that your records are current and that the information Companies House have on file is accurate.
Filing a confirmation statement online costs £13. You'll only have to pay the £13 fee once a year, so filing another one during that time won't cost you anything additional. If you wish to submit the confirmation statement by paper form then you will be charged £40. Additionally, it will not be pre-populated by Companies House.
Which types of businesses need to file a confirmation statement?
Even if the business or partnership is dormant, all UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Who is the person responsible for filing this form?
The confirmation statement will be filed on behalf of larger or publicly traded firms by a company secretary. If your company doesn't have a secretary, it can be filed by any of the directors or another selected company member.
The most important thing is that the statement is filed with Companies House on time every year, regardless of who takes on the task. Our brief video discusses your responsibilities as a director of a limited business.
The Review Period
A confirmation statement is required by Companies House at least once every 12 months. During your review period, you can file at any time.
The review period for new corporations that have never filed a confirmation statement begins on the day of incorporation and ends 12 months afterwards.
For example, if the company was incorporated on the 1st of January, the due date would be on the 31st of December 2021.
What are the consequences of failing to submit a confirmation statement?
It is not a choice to file your confirmation statement because it is a legal requirement.
Within 14 days at the completion of your review period, you must file your confirmation statement.
If it is not done, there are substantial penalties for directors, including fines and prosecution. The registrar may also remove the statement from the company register if it is not submitted on time.
Can I restore my business after it has been removed from Companies House’ register?
According to Companies House, you can restore your company back into the register but this can only be done by completing the CSO1 form by post. It cannot be done online. Additionally, you must enter the due date of the statement before the business was previously removed from the register. You can proceed to contact Companies House should you need assistance with the due dates and this should be done before filing a confirmation statement.
Persona Finance aims to simplify your business needs by providing you with remote accounting services. For more information on how to file confirmation statements or for other business and accounting queries, please contact Persona Finance at [enquiries@personafinance.co.uk].
