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.

What is a Confirmation Statement?

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.

Recent Changes to Companies House Fees

Starting from January 2025, Companies House has introduced several updates to their fees. Here are the key changes:

1. Confirmation Statement Fees: The fee for filing a Confirmation Statement has increased to £35 for electronic filing and £63 for paper filing.
2. Company Incorporation Fees: The cost of incorporating a new company has risen from £12 to £50.
3. Name Change Fees: Changing a company’s name now costs £33, up from £8.
4. Voluntary Strike-Off Fees: The fee for voluntarily striking off a company has increased from £8 to £33.

These changes are part of Companies House’s ongoing efforts to ensure their fees cover the cost of providing services and to encourage digital filing, which is more efficient and cost-effective.

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 is due annually, with the filing date being exactly one year after the previous filing or incorporation date. Companies have a 14-day window to file the Confirmation Statement. Failure to submit within this period results in the statement being overdue, which can lead to penalties, compulsory strike-off action, and potential legal action against the company.

What is the CS01 Form?

The CS01 form is used to file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House. It includes sections for updating various aspects of the company’s information, 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 simply the formal name of the document used to confirm that a company’s information is accurate and current. It replaced the AR01 form, which was previously known as the Annual Return.

What is an AR01?

The AR01, previously known as the Annual Return, was a document that companies had to file annually with Companies House to ensure their information was up to date. This has now been replaced by the CS01 form, making the process simpler and more streamlined.

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.