What is a confirmation statement?
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What is a confirmation statement for Companies House?
A confirmation statement (CS01) is a form that all limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) have to file with Companies House every year.
In layman’s terms, it’s an online report that tells the government how your limited company is doing, whether it’s doing well, and whether or not you’ve been following the rules.
Companies House needs to know the details they hold about your business are correct. By submitting a confirmation statement every year, you’re letting them know before they chase (and potentially fine) you.
If you don’t submit a CS01, you’re liable for prosecution under 853A of the Companies Act 2006. So, it’s best you do this mega simple task on time to avoid any penalties.
What is a confirmation statement for a limited company?
The purpose of a CS01 for a limited company is to provide the government with a general overview of information. It’s essentially a snapshot of key facts about a ltd. company.
The required information includes details about the company directors and shareholders, the secretary (if there is one), the registered office address, share capital, and people with significant control.
What does a confirmation statement look like?
It’s a standard black-and-white form you fill out on the GOV.UK website. The form has spaces for you to fill in your company information. For example, its registered address, details of the directors and secretary, information on its share capital, and confirmation that it’s following the rules.
The form also has sections for you to confirm the information you’ve provided on behalf of your company is accurate and up-to-date. You’ll then need to sign and submit the form to the government. Once it’s all gone through, you’ll receive a confirmation email that lets you know it’s been received and reviewed.
How to file a confirmation statement (CS01)
The easiest and cheapest way to file a statement is online via Companies House WebFiling.
First, you’ll need to register to use the service.
Then simply enter your log-in details and file your return online here.
If you need to hire an accountant to help you, you can find out how much accountants cost with our useful guide.
When is the confirmation statement due?
The deadline for filing a CS01 is within 14 days of your company’s 12-month review period ending.
For example, if you registered your limited company on the 1st of March 2023, you’ll need to submit your statement at some point during the last two weeks in February 2024.
The next statement would then be due within a year of the previous one being filed.
Once you’ve registered with Companies House, you can sign up for email alerts, which will send you a reminder of when your CS01 is due. This is obviously helpful if you’re the forgetful type!
What’s the confirmation statement fee?
It’s cheaper to submit a CS01 online vs. via post. However, both options are available to you, so it’s a matter of preference. The confirmation statement cost will set you back:
- £13 if you file your CS01 online
- £40 if you file your CS01 by post
You can download the CS01 form here if you wish to submit it by post.
How to correct a CS01
Mistakes happen. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix for correcting errors you’ve made on your statement. All you have to do is search the ‘find and update company information’ register for your company details and update your records.
You can only make ‘some’ updates when you file your statement. However, other actions must be done before filing your CS01, such as adding a new director.
What happens if you don’t file a confirmation statement?
There’s no late fee or penalty, which might sound great. However, not filing a CS01 is a criminal offence.
If yours is overdue, your company and officers could be prosecuted. Not only that but your company could be struck off the register, which wouldn’t be good for business.
Do you have to file a CS01 for a dormant company?
Yes, by law, you still have to file a confirmation statement for a dormant company. You must file a CS01 each year, even if nothing has changed.
FAQs
Can you amend a confirmation statement?
Yes, you can easily amend your CS01 by searching the register for your company details and updating your records.
What is included in a confirmation statement?
A CS01 includes an overview of your limited company or LLP. It states the company directors and shareholders, the secretary (if you have one), your registered office address, share capital, and a list of people with significant control.
Do I need to file a confirmation statement?
You are legally obligated to file a CS01 every year, even if no details have changed or your company is dormant.
How early can you file a confirmation statement?
At any stage during your review period. Your next CS01 will be due 12 months from the date you filed the previous one.
What happens if you miss the Companies House deadline?
If you miss the Companies House deadline for filing your statement, you will normally receive a request from Companies House asking you to submit it ASAP. If it’s still not submitted, your company and your officers could be prosecuted. In more extreme cases, your company could be struck off the register.
Can I do my own confirmation statement?
You can log in to the Companies House WebFiling portal to file your own CS01 quickly and easily.
Is a confirmation statement the same as an annual return?
A confirmation statement was previously known as an annual return. The only difference is that it now contains information about ‘people with significant control.’
What is ‘confirmation statement overdue?’
This is just a reminder that you’ve missed the deadline for your CS01 and need to fill out the form and send it off asap.
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