If you need to file your confirmation statement with Companies House in 2026, you must ensure your company details are accurate, verified, and submitted on time through the GOV.UK online system.
The process is mandatory for all UK limited companies, even if nothing has changed during the year, and missing the deadline can lead to penalties or strike-off action.
In simple terms, you must check your company records, verify identity details, and submit Form CS01 online before your 12-month review period expires.
Key highlights:
- File once every 12 months
- Use Companies House WebFiling or GOV.UK service
- Ensure directors and PSC identity verification is complete
- Pay £50 online fee before submission
What Is a Confirmation Statement at Companies House?
A confirmation statement is a legal filing required by Companies House to confirm that the information held about your company is correct and up to date.
It is submitted using Form CS01 and acts as an official “snapshot” of your company’s details at a specific point in time.
This includes core business information such as your registered office address, company officers, shareholders, SIC codes, and People with Significant Control (PSCs). It does not replace updates made throughout the year; instead, it confirms those updates are accurate.
A senior Companies House compliance adviser has stated:
“The confirmation statement is not about changing records—it is about confirming that the records already held are accurate and verified at the point of submission.”
A key point to understand is that even if your company has been dormant or has not traded, you are still legally required to file this statement every 12 months. Failure to do so can result in your company being struck off the register.
This requirement ensures transparency in UK business operations and helps maintain the integrity of the public company register.
Who Needs to File Confirmation Statements Companies House?
Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement, regardless of its size or trading activity. This includes active companies, dormant companies, and non-trading entities.
The responsibility lies with company directors, even if an accountant or formation agent completes the filing on their behalf.
“Directors remain legally responsible for filing confirmation statements accurately and on time, even where third-party agents assist with administration.” – A Companies House policy officer
Companies required to file include:
- Private limited companies registered in the UK
- Dormant companies with no trading activity
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Small and micro-businesses
- Companies in the process of restructuring or changes
Failing to file applies equally to all categories and is treated as a compliance breach regardless of company size or activity level.
How to File Confirmation Statement Online Through GOV.UK?
Filing your confirmation statement online is the most efficient and widely used method. It is completed through the Companies House WebFiling system or the GOV.UK online services portal, both of which are designed to streamline compliance for UK businesses.
Step 1: Access Companies House Online Services
To begin, you must log in to your Companies House account using secure credentials. This typically includes your company number, authentication code, and access to GOV.UK One Login where required. Many users now need identity verification before gaining full access to filing services.
A Companies House digital services manager commented:
“The transition to GOV.UK One Login is designed to improve security and ensure only verified users can access sensitive company data.”
Once logged in successfully, you can access your company dashboard and begin the confirmation statement process.
Step 2: Review Your Company Records
Before filing a confirmation statement, you should review all company information carefully to ensure the records are accurate and up to date.
Important details to check include:
- Registered Office Address: Current business address
- Director Information: Names and appointment details
- Shareholder Records: Share ownership information
- PSC Details: People with Significant Control records
- SIC Codes: Business activity classifications
Any incorrect information should be updated before submitting the confirmation statement, as the filing process does not automatically correct company records.
Step 3: Complete Form CS01
Form CS01 is the official confirmation statement form used by Companies House. You will be asked to confirm that your company details are accurate as of the review date.
You can also update certain information within this step, such as SIC codes or shareholder details, if they have changed during the year.
Step 4: Add Identity Verification and Companies House Personal Codes
A major update in recent years is mandatory identity verification for directors and PSCs. Each individual must have a verified identity and a Companies House personal code before submission.
This step ensures that all company officers are legitimate and traceable, reducing fraud risks in the UK business register.
Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee and Submit Your Confirmation Statement
After completing all checks and confirmations, you must pay the filing fee before submission. Once payment is made, the confirmation statement is officially submitted and recorded by Companies House.
A business compliance consultant explains:
“Submitting early can be useful, but companies must remember that it resets the review period and affects future filing deadlines.”
After submission, you will receive confirmation, which should be stored for your company records as proof of compliance. This documentation is often required during banking, funding, or due diligence checks.
Real-Time Example: When Filing Becomes Confusing in Practice
Filing a confirmation statement through Companies House may appear simple, but many UK businesses still experience delays due to identity verification and system access issues.
Some users believe overdue filings suggest weak administration, while others say the delays are often technical rather than intentional. Common problems include GOV.UK One Login errors, expired verification emails, and failed ID checks.
One user stated:
“The new ID checks introduced recently are creating a lot of problems for people trying to file CSs.”
While overdue filings can sometimes raise concerns, other users in the same discussions highlight that delays are not always linked to poor compliance or negligence.
In many cases, the issues are tied to system access problems or identity verification hurdles introduced under the updated Companies House processes.
One contributor explained:
“As someone who has just spent ages trying to get a recalcitrant director prove his ID for Companies House this year, I would say it’s hardly a flag at all this year.”
These experiences reflect a broader reality in 2026 compliance processes, where GOV.UK One Login and identity verification requirements can delay filings even when companies are actively trying to comply.
When Is a Confirmation Statement Due and What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
A confirmation statement must be submitted at least once every 12 months, based on your company’s review period. Once the review period ends, you have a strict 14-day window to complete the filing.
Missing the deadline can have serious consequences, even if your company is otherwise compliant throughout the year.
A regulatory compliance officer has stated:
“Late filing of a confirmation statement is treated seriously, and persistent non-compliance can lead to strike-off proceedings.”
If you fail to submit on time, Companies House may take enforcement action, which can escalate quickly depending on the length of delay.
Consequences include:
- Company status being marked as overdue on the public register
- Financial penalties or enforcement warnings
- Risk of compulsory strike-off action
- Legal responsibility issues for directors
In practice, many delays occur due to login issues, identity verification problems, or system access errors with GOV.UK One Login. These technical issues make early preparation essential, especially as deadlines cannot be extended once the review period ends.
Starting the process ahead of time reduces the risk of last-minute system delays affecting compliance.
What Company Details Must Be Updated Before Sending Your Confirmation Statement?
Before submitting your confirmation statement, certain company details must be updated separately. These changes cannot be made within the CS01 submission itself.
You must ensure the following are updated in advance:
- Director appointments or resignations
- People with Significant Control (PSC) updates
- Registered office address changes
- Registered email address updates
Failing to update these beforehand can result in incorrect company records and potential compliance issues later. Once these updates are completed, the confirmation statement simply verifies that all records are now accurate.
What Changes Can Be Made Within a Confirmation Statement?
The confirmation statement allows limited updates directly within Form CS01. These changes are usually related to company structure and classification rather than officer details.
Update Options Available During Filing:
You can update the following within the confirmation statement process:
- SIC codes describing business activity
- Statement of capital information
- Shareholder structure updates
- Trading status of shares
These adjustments ensure that your company’s classification remains accurate without requiring separate filings for every minor change.
The ability to update certain details during filing helps streamline compliance, but it does not replace mandatory standalone updates for directors or PSCs.
How Much Does It Cost to File Confirmation Statements Companies House in 2026?
Filing a confirmation statement involves a standard fee set by Companies House, with different costs depending on the method of submission.
Filing Fees Overview:
| Filing Method | Cost | Processing Type |
| Online Submission | £50 | Fast digital filing |
| Paper CS01 Form | £110 | Manual postal submission |
The payment structure also follows a separate annual cycle known as the payment period. You only pay once per period, even if you file multiple confirmation statements during that time.
It is also worth noting that early filing does not incur extra charges, but it does reset the review cycle.
What Are the Most Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid?
Many companies experience delays when filing confirmation statements due to avoidable mistakes and incomplete preparation.
Common issues include:
- Incorrect Login Details: Problems accessing Companies House accounts
- Missing Verification Codes: Identity verification emails expiring or not arriving
- Outdated Company Records: Director, PSC, or address details not updated
- Filing Assumptions: Expecting the confirmation statement to update company information automatically
- Incorrect Submission Details: Errors in company records or filing data
Most filing problems occur because company information was not reviewed or updated before submission. Preparing records in advance is one of the best ways to avoid delays, rejection, or compliance issues.
How Can You Keep Future Companies House Filings Organised?
Staying organised with Companies House filings reduces the risk of missed deadlines and compliance issues. A structured approach helps maintain accuracy and avoids last-minute stress.
You should track your review period and payment cycle carefully, ensuring reminders are set well in advance. Many companies also use accounting software or compliance calendars to manage deadlines efficiently.
“Companies that maintain structured compliance systems rarely experience filing issues because deadlines are tracked as part of routine governance.” – A business operations consultant
Keeping digital copies of submitted CS01 forms, authentication details, and confirmation emails also ensures you can quickly verify compliance if required.
Conclusion
Filing a confirmation statement with Companies House in 2026 is a straightforward but essential legal requirement for all UK companies. The process ensures your company information remains accurate, verified, and compliant with current regulations.
By understanding your deadlines, completing identity verification, updating company details in advance, and filing online through GOV.UK, you can avoid penalties and maintain good standing.
Ultimately, consistent compliance is not just about meeting legal obligations—it also strengthens trust with banks, investors, and partners who rely on accurate company records.
FAQs About Confirmation Statements Companies House
How do you get a copy of a confirmation statement from Companies House?
You can download a copy through the Companies House online service by searching your company record and viewing filing history.
Can you submit more than one confirmation statement in a year?
Yes, but each submission resets your review period, so timing should be carefully managed.
Do dormant companies still need to file confirmation statements?
Yes, even dormant companies must file annually to confirm their details are accurate.
Can an accountant file a confirmation statement on your behalf?
Yes, but directors remain legally responsible for ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
What is the difference between a confirmation statement and annual accounts?
A confirmation statement confirms company details, while annual accounts report financial performance.
Can you correct an error after submitting Form CS01?
Yes, corrections can be made by submitting updated filings or contacting Companies House if necessary.
Does filing a confirmation statement update all company records automatically?
No, only specific sections are updated; most changes must be filed separately before submission.
