Confirmation Statement: Definition, History, and Recent Changes

Confirmation Statement

A Confirmation Statement is an essential document for UK companies, providing a snapshot of the company’s structure and confirming that all necessary information held by Companies House is up to date. This article explores the definition of a Confirmation Statement, its history, recent changes in pricing, overdue penalties, the CS01 form, and the specific requirements for limited companies and other entities.

Definition

A Confirmation Statement is an annual filing required by Companies House that ensures the company’s information is accurate and current. It includes details about the company’s directors, registered office address, shareholders, share capital, and people with significant control (PSCs).

History of the Confirmation Statement

The Confirmation Statement replaced the Annual Return (AR01) on 30th June 2016. The change aimed to simplify the process for companies by reducing the information needed for the annual filing and streamlining the updating process. The shift from the Annual Return to the Confirmation Statement marked a significant step towards modernizing and simplifying UK company law compliance.

The Confirmation Statement requires companies to confirm the accuracy of the information held by Companies House, including details about directors, shareholders, and registered office addresses. This ensures that the public record remains up-to-date and accurate. Unlike the Annual Return, the Confirmation Statement can be filed at any time during the year, offering greater flexibility for businesses.

This modern approach not only reduces administrative burdens on companies but also improves transparency and accountability. By making it easier for businesses to comply with legal requirements, the Confirmation Statement has played a crucial role in enhancing corporate governance in the UK.

Recent Changes to Companies House Fees

Effective from 1st May 2024, Companies House has implemented several changes to its fee structure. Key adjustments include:

• The fee for establishing a new business has increased from £12 to £50 for digital formations.
• Same-day formation through software filing now costs £78.
• Changing a company’s name now incurs a fee of £20 for digital submissions or £30 for paper filings.
• Voluntary strike-off fees are now £33 for digital submissions or £44 for paper filings.

These adjustments ensure that the fees cover the cost of delivering services, without generating a profit. The changes aim to modernize and streamline the fee structure, making it more sustainable and reflective of the actual costs involved.

Updated Confirmation Statement Fees from January 2025

Starting in January 2025, Companies House has announced new fees for their Confirmation Statement. The updated fees are £35 for electronic filing and £63 for paper filing. This adjustment continues to support the push towards digital filing, which remains more efficient and cost-effective for both companies and Companies House.

When Does a Confirmation Statement Become Overdue?

A Confirmation Statement becomes overdue if it is not filed within 14 days of the anniversary of your company’s incorporation date or the date you filed your last Confirmation Statement. Filing this statement is crucial as it ensures that your company’s details are accurate and up-to-date with Companies House.

Failing to submit the Confirmation Statement on time can result in penalties and may affect your company’s good standing. If you miss the deadline, Companies House may issue a reminder, and continued non-compliance could lead to the company being struck off the register.

It’s also important to note that the Confirmation Statement includes vital information about your company, such as details about directors, shareholders, and registered office addresses. Keeping these details current is not just a legal requirement but also essential for maintaining transparency and trust with stakeholders.

To avoid missing the deadline, you can set up reminders or use digital tools that alert you when it’s time to file. Ensuring timely submission helps maintain compliance and avoids any unnecessary complications or penalties.

What is the CS01 Form?

The CS01 form is used by companies to file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House. This form confirms that your company’s details are up-to-date and accurate on the public register. It must be filed at least once every year, within 14 days of the anniversary of your company’s incorporation date or the date you filed your last Confirmation Statement.

The CS01 form also allows you to make any necessary updates to your company’s information, such as changes to the standard industrial classification (SIC) code, statement of capital, trading status, and shareholder details, such as:

• Company details
• Statement of capital
• Shareholder information
• People with significant control (PSCs)
• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes

Completing and submitting the CS01 form accurately and on time is crucial for maintaining compliance with UK company law.

What is a CS01 Confirmation Statement?

A CS01 Confirmation Statement is a mandatory document that companies registered in the UK must file with Companies House. It serves as an annual confirmation that your company’s information on the public register is accurate and up-to-date. This includes details about your company’s directors, shareholders, registered office address, and other statutory information.

The CS01 form is used to file this statement and allows for any necessary updates to be made to your company’s information. It needs to be submitted at least once every year, within 14 days of the anniversary of your company’s incorporation date or the date you last filed a Confirmation Statement.

Ensuring that your CS01 Confirmation Statement is filed on time helps maintain your company’s good standing and compliance with UK company law. Failure to file this document can result in penalties and may ultimately lead to your company being struck off the register.

What is an AR01?

PSC Forms

PSC forms are used to report details about people with significant control (PSCs) over the company. These forms are a crucial part of the Confirmation Statement, as they help ensure transparency about who owns and controls the company.

Filing a Confirmation Statement Online

Filing a Confirmation Statement online is the most efficient and cost-effective method. The process is straightforward, and the reduced fee of £34 for electronic filings compared to £62 for paper filings encourages companies to use the online system. Companies can update their information quickly and ensure compliance without the need for extensive paperwork.

Requirements for Limited Companies and Other Entities

Limited Companies (Ltd)

Limited companies must submit a Confirmation Statement annually. The statement must include:

• The company’s registered office address
• The address where the company’s records are kept
• Details of the company’s directors
• Information about the company’s share capital
• Shareholder details
• PSCs

Other Entities

Other entities, such as Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and Community Interest Companies (CICs), must also file a Confirmation Statement. While the basic requirements are similar to those for limited companies, specific details may vary depending on the entity type.

• LLPs: Must provide details of members instead of directors and share capital.
• CICs: Must ensure that community interest details are updated and accurate.

Conclusion

Maintaining up-to-date information with Companies House through the Confirmation Statement is a legal requirement for UK companies. Understanding the history, recent price changes, and the specifics of the CS01 form helps ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Whether you manage a limited company or another type of entity, staying informed about your filing obligations is crucial for smooth operation and legal compliance.

For more information or assistance with filing your Confirmation Statement, visit Xact+ Accountants. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring your company’s information is always current and compliant.