Confirmation statement
In short. A confirmation statement is an annual filing that a UK company makes to Companies House to confirm that the information held about it is correct. It must be filed at least every 12 months, even when nothing has changed, and failing to file can lead to penalties or removal from the register.
Last checked against its sources on 10 October 2026. How we write these.
The confirmation statement replaced the annual return. Each year you review what Companies House holds, such as your registered office address, directors, shareholders and people with significant control, and confirm it is accurate or update it.
The review period ends 12 months after incorporation, then 12 months after the date of the last statement. You can file up to 14 days after the period ends, or earlier if you choose a new confirmation date. Companies House says that missing the deadline can bring a financial penalty and the company may be struck off.
It is also now where identity verification meets everyday admin. Companies House says it will not accept a company's confirmation statement until all directors have verified their identity, and people with significant control must also verify, with timing depending on their situation.
A common failure is for the person who handled formation to leave and for reminders to go to an old email address. A small company can avoid missed dates by keeping a named owner for the task and checking the deadline in the public register entry.
Questions people ask
Do I have to file if nothing has changed?
Yes. The statement confirms that the information is up to date, so it is required every 12 months even where there are no changes.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Companies House may issue a financial penalty and the company may be struck off the register. Filing promptly once you notice is better than waiting.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Filing your company's confirmation statement checked 10 October 2026