If you need to file confirmation statement documents for a UK company, this is the most comprehensive plain-English guide available online.
Every company registered with Companies House must submit a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
This guide covers the 2026 fees, statutory obligations, PSC rules, dormant company requirements, and step-by-step filing instructions, providing clarity for both new and experienced directors.
Last Updated: 15/02/2026
A confirmation statement (form CS01) is a statutory filing required under the Companies Act 2006. It provides a snapshot of your company’s current information, ensuring Companies House records are accurate and up to date.
This form replaced the annual return in 2016, simplifying the compliance process, but retaining the legal responsibility for directors.
While the CS01 does not directly update company changes, it signals that all previous filings, updates, and statutory records are accurate as of the confirmation date.
Filing it accurately avoids penalties, maintains your company’s credibility, and prevents potential legal issues.
Experience insight: Many directors mistakenly think the confirmation statement updates company information. Always ensure changes are filed separately before submitting the CS01 to avoid errors.
Directors are legally responsible for submitting the confirmation statement accurately and on time. Delegating the task to a third-party service does not remove legal accountability.
Failure to comply with the Companies Act 2006 can result in fines, personal liability, and even prosecution in extreme cases.
It is advisable for directors to maintain internal records, verify all company registers, and ensure deadlines are met.
Tip: Treat filing reminders seriously - even a short delay can trigger penalties or warning notices from Companies House.
Failing to submit a confirmation statement can have serious repercussions, including:
Accurate and timely filings demonstrate compliance, protect your company’s legal standing, and ensure your business maintains a professional reputation.
Additionally, filing the CS01 confirms compliance for audits and inspections, providing a clear record of company structure and PSC details.
As of 1 February 2026, Companies House charges the following fees:
These fees apply per 12-month review period, regardless of the number of filings within that period. Paying online is faster, cheaper, and ensures immediate processing.
Understanding fees upfront helps directors budget compliance costs and avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.
Even dormant or non-trading companies are legally obligated to file a confirmation statement annually. Failure to do so can lead to strike-off and other penalties.
Experience insight: Directors of dormant companies often assume no filing is required. Always confirm your obligations to stay compliant.
Your confirmation date is usually determined as:
You must file within 14 days of this date.
Mark your calendar and set reminders well in advance. Missing the deadline triggers automated letters and potential penalties.
Experience insight: Directors often confuse accounting year end with confirmation date. They rarely align - always check your official record.
Accurate details in these areas ensure that Companies House records reflect the company’s current status.
Some updates can be made directly within the confirmation statement, whereas others require separate statutory forms:
Understanding this distinction prevents rejections and ensures legal compliance.
PSC refers to any individual or entity that exerts significant influence over the company, including:
PSC information must be verified before confirming to prevent compliance issues.
Experience insight: PSC errors are a common source of rejections. Always double-check share percentages, voting rights, and any changes before submission.
Dormant companies - those without trading activity, income, or expenses - are still required to file CS01 annually.
Failure to submit may lead to strike-off, even if the company has no active operations.
Directors should maintain clear internal records to confirm dormancy and verify that no inadvertent changes occurred during the period.
| Confirmation Statement | Annual Accounts |
|---|---|
| Confirms company structure and statutory info | Reports financial performance |
| £50 online / £110 paper | No filing fee |
| 12-month review period | Based on accounting period |
It’s important not to confuse CS01 with annual accounts - both serve distinct legal purposes.
Filing online is the fastest and most reliable way to submit your confirmation statement. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:
Pro tip: Always download or screenshot your submission confirmation for your records. It acts as proof in case of disputes or technical issues.
Experience insight: Pre-checking all registers and completing identity verification before submitting prevents common delays or outright rejections by Companies House. Visit FAQ page if you have any questions.
Directors often make avoidable errors when filing a CS01. Understanding these can save time, money, and potential legal trouble:
To illustrate why accuracy matters, consider this scenario:
Your company recently:
Before filing the CS01, you must submit the relevant updates:
Submitting the confirmation statement without these updates could result in inconsistencies on the public register, triggering queries from Companies House and possible fines.
Experience insight: Always align your CS01 submission with the latest company updates. Delays in updating official records can affect contracts, bank accounts, and shareholder confidence.
Missing your confirmation statement deadline can lead to serious consequences:
Directors can face fines or legal action, even if the company is dormant or inactive. Setting reminders and filing early is always recommended.
LLPs are also legally required to submit confirmation statements, though terminology differs slightly:
Even if the LLP does not trade or has no financial activity, submission is mandatory annually to remain compliant.
You can submit a confirmation statement before the 12-month review period ends. Early filing has benefits:
Tip: Use the Companies House reminder service to get notifications ahead of your confirmation date.
Yes, multiple submissions within a 12-month review period are allowed, for example if corrections or updates are needed. However, only one fee (£50 online / £110 paper) is charged per period.
Always check the timing of previous filings to ensure the new submission is valid and aligns with your review period.
If you discover an error after submitting a CS01, it’s crucial to act quickly. Companies House allows corrections through several options:
Always review all company registers before resubmitting. Even small discrepancies in PSC or shareholding data are a common cause for rejection.
Experience insight: Many directors face delays because PSC or director information wasn’t updated beforehand. Cross-check all registers, download confirmation receipts, and save screenshots of your submission.
Use this checklist to ensure your CS01 filing is accurate and complete:
Correct and timely filing of confirmation statements is a cornerstone of UK company compliance. Key takeaways:
Following these steps protects your company from fines, maintains credibility, and ensures your records with Companies House are correct.