What is a Confirmation Statement?
Confirmation Statement
A Confirmation Statement is an important document that all companies registered with Companies House in the UK are required to file at least once a year. It serves as a way for businesses to confirm that the information held by Companies House about the company is accurate and up to date. Whether your company has been active or dormant during the year, filing this statement is a legal obligation. Let’s explore what a confirmation statement is and why it matters for your business.
What Does the Confirmation Statement Include?
The confirmation statement is a summary of your company’s key information and includes the following details:
Company Name and Registration Number: These must remain consistent with the details on record at Companies House.
Registered Office Address: This is the official address for your company, where legal documents will be sent.
Directors and Secretaries: You need to confirm the details of the company’s current directors and secretaries, including any changes over the year.
Shareholders: The statement must include information about shareholders and shareholdings, including any updates or new shares issued during the period.
People with Significant Control (PSC): This includes individuals who own or control more than 25% of the company's shares or voting rights.
SIC Codes: These Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes specify the nature of your company’s business activities.
Do I Need to File a Confirmation Statement if Nothing Has Changed?
Yes! Even if nothing has changed since your last filing, you must still submit a confirmation statement. This is simply a way of confirming to Companies House that the information they hold about your company is still accurate.
When Should You File Your Confirmation Statement?
You need to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, and you have 14 days from the end of your review period to submit it. The review period begins the day after you file your previous statement, and your next confirmation statement is due within a year. If you miss the deadline, your company could face penalties or even be struck off the register.
How Do You File a Confirmation Statement?
Filing your confirmation statement is straightforward and can be done online via the Companies House website. You’ll need to log in to your account and review the existing information. If everything is correct, you simply confirm it; if changes are needed, you can make updates before submitting. There’s a small filing fee, currently set at £13 for online submissions and £40 for paper filings.
What Happens if You Don’t File a Confirmation Statement?
Failing to file a confirmation statement is a serious matter. Companies House can issue penalties, and if you don’t comply for a long period, they may even strike your company off the register, meaning it ceases to exist as a legal entity.
New Requirements Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
From 4 March 2024, new requirements introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 will affect the filing of confirmation statements. Key changes include:
Registered Email Address: All companies must now provide a registered email address. This will be used for communication by Companies House, although it won’t be made public.
Lawful Purpose Confirmation: Companies must confirm that their intended future activities will be lawful. You will be unable to file a confirmation statement without this confirmation.
Why is the Confirmation Statement Important?
Filing your confirmation statement is not just about staying compliant with the law—it’s also a way to maintain your company’s credibility. It ensures that your company’s information is accurate and visible to anyone who wants to do business with you, including potential clients, partners, and investors.
How Lloyds Accountancy Can Help
At Lloyds Accountancy, we understand that keeping up with filing requirements can be a hassle. Our expert team can manage your company’s filings, including the confirmation statement, so you don’t have to worry about deadlines or compliance. We’ll ensure that everything is submitted on time and that your company remains in good standing.
