Did You Miss the Confirmation Statement Deadline?

Every limited company in the UK must file a confirmation at least once every 12 months. But what if you’ve already missed the confirmation statement deadline? Unlike annual accounts, the consequences are not immediate fines, but that does not put you in the clear.

If you have forgotten or delayed filing your confirmation statement, here is comprehensive guide on why you shouldn’t be delaying it further, what you should do now and how you could avoid future issues.

What is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation statement (form CS01) is a legal filing that confirms your company’s details are up to date on the public register. It includes information such as:

• Registered office address
• Shareholders
• SIC code (business activity)
• People with significant control (PSC)
• Statement of capital (for companies with shares)

Even if there have been no changes, you must file the statement every year before the confirmation statement deadline to confirm that all details remain accurate.

What Kind of Companies File Confirmation Statements?

All limited companies registered with Companies House and appearing in the official register must file an annual confirmation statement with Companies House. These include:

• Private Limited Companies (LTDs)
• Public Limited Companies (PLCs)
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
• Dormant Companies
• Limited Partnerships (LPs)

When is the Confirmation Statement Deadline Due?

The confirmation statement is due every 12 months. The due date is known as “the confirmation date”, and you have 14 days after that date to file it.

For example, if your last confirmation statement was filed on 1^st July 2024, your next due date would be 1^st July 2025, with confirmation statement deadline being 15th July 2025.

Why Confirmation Statement Must Be Filed

• Maintaining Accurate Records – The confirmation statement ensures that information on the public register maintained by Companies House remains accurate and up-to date. This helps stakeholders, investors and the general public to have reliable information about the structure and activities of a company.
• Promoting Accountability – The confirmation statement fosters accountability because companies must regularly confirm their details. It requires companies to keep their information current and accessible as part of good business practices that are characterised by transparency and accountability.
• Identifying Changes – Companies evolve with time; thus, changes in any directorship, shareholding or nature of business itself call for recording. Thus, the confirmation statement functions as a way for companies to update their records regarding any changes in their structure so that they stay updated.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

While Companies House does not issue late filing penalties for missing the confirmation statement deadline (unlike with annual accounts), failing to file can still lead to some very serious consequences.

• No Fine, But Still a Criminal Offence – Not filing a confirmation statement is technically a criminal offence under the Companies Act 2006. Directors and the company secretary can be held personally liable.

• Risk of Company Being Struck Off – If you continue to ignore reminders, Companies House can start the strike-off procedures. This means that your company could be removed from the register (even if it is trading), and your assets could be forfeited to the Crown.

• Directors Maybe Prosecuted – Directors can be personally prosecuted and fined for non-compliance, especially if they ignore repeated notices from Companies House.

What Should You Do If You Miss the Confirmation Statement Deadline?

• File the Confirmation Statement Immediately

Don’t delay it any further. Head to the Companies House Webfiling service and file your CS01 as soon as possible.

You will need:

• Your company authentication code
• Updated company information (if anything has changed)
• A £34 filing fee (or £62 if filing by post)

You can also fine even if you are past the confirmation statement deadline. The system will accept late filings as long as your company has not been struck off yet.

• Review Your Company Information

Before filing, double-check your company records for any changes in:

• Shareholding structure
• PSCs (People with Significant Control)
• SIC Code
• Company address
• Directors and secretaries

If there are updates, you must include them in the confirmation statement. If Companies House has sent you a warning letter or a strike-off notice, act immediately. Filing the overdue CS01 and bringing your records up to date will usually stop the process.

Can You Be Fined for a Late Confirmation Statement?

As mentioned earlier, failing to file your confirmation statement in time is still considered a criminal offence, and Companies House can take some serious action to enforce it. You would not get a monetary penalty like you would with late annual accounts, but prosecution is possible.

Conclusion

Missing the confirmation statement deadline is not the end of the world, but it can quickly spiral into something serious if not addressed. Filing it as soon as possible and keeping your company’s records up to date will protect you from compliance issues, fines and potential strike-off.

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