Filing a Confirmation Statement with Companies House
A Confirmation Statement is a mandatory submission required by Companies House for all UK companies. It provides a snapshot of general information about the company, ensuring that the public record is accurate and up to date. This article will cover the essentials of filing a Confirmation Statement, including important keywords and processes.
What is a Confirmation Statement?
A Confirmation Statement (formerly known as the Annual Return) is a document that UK companies must file annually with Companies House. It confirms that the company information displayed on the public record is accurate at a certain date. This includes details such as:
- Company address
- Directors and secretaries
- Shareholders and share capital
- People with Significant Control (PSC)
How to Submit a Confirmation Statement
1. Preparation
- Companies House Login: Before you can file your Confirmation Statement, you need to log in to your Companies House account. If you do not have an account, you must register for one on the Companies House website.
2. Filling the Confirmation Statement
- Confirmation Statement Form: Use form CS01 to file your Confirmation Statement. This form can be filled out online or downloaded, completed, and sent by post.
- Accurate Information: Ensure all company details are accurate. This includes the registered office address, SIC codes (describing your business activities), and details of directors, secretaries, and PSCs.
3. Submission
- Filing Confirmation Statement at Companies House: You can submit the form online for quicker processing. The Companies House web service guides you through the process step-by-step.
- Confirmation Statement Submission: After completing the form, review all information for accuracy and completeness before submitting it.
4. Payment
- Confirmation Statement Cost: There is a fee for filing a Confirmation Statement. As per the current guidelines, the fee is £34 for online submissions and £62 for paper submissions.
- Payment Confirmation Statement: Ensure you receive a payment confirmation once the fee is paid. This serves as proof of submission and payment.
Important Considerations
Annual Confirmation Statement vs. Annual Return Companies House
The Confirmation Statement replaced the Annual Return in 2016. While both documents serve to keep company information updated, the Confirmation Statement is considered a more straightforward and streamlined process.
Terms: Conformation vs Confirmation
Ensure you refer to the process correctly. It is a “Confirmation Statement,” not a “Conformation Statement.”
Late Filing of Confirmation Statement
It is crucial to file your Confirmation Statement on time. The deadline is usually a year after the date of the previous statement. Late submissions can result in penalties and affect your company’s good standing.
Companies House Confirmation Statement Overdue
If your Confirmation Statement is overdue, you should submit it as soon as possible to avoid fines and other legal consequences. Companies House may take enforcement action against companies that consistently follow the late filing of confirmation statements.
How to Find the Confirmation Statement
You can find and review your company’s Confirmation Statement by logging into your Companies House account. This allows you to check previously submitted information and ensure all data is accurate before filing your new statement.
Conclusion
Filing a Confirmation Statement with Companies House is a crucial annual requirement for all UK companies. Ensuring timely and accurate submissions helps maintain your company’s good standing and avoids legal issues. For more assistance with filing your Confirmation Statement, managing deadlines, or handling any related queries, consider seeking professional help from Xact+ Accountants. Our experts can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
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About the Author: Ahmad Raza
