Confirmation Statement (Annual Return): What It Is & How to File
Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once every 12 months. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
The confirmation statement (CS01) replaced the old "annual return" in June 2016. It confirms that the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate and up to date.
It covers:
- Registered office address
- Directors and secretaries
- Shareholders and share structure
- SIC codes (nature of business)
- Statement of capital (share classes and amounts)
- People with Significant Control (PSC register)
When Is It Due?
Your first confirmation statement is due 12 months after incorporation. After that, every 12 months from the date of your last confirmation statement.
You can file early (any time after the previous statement), but the next one will still be due 12 months from the review date you choose.
Late Filing
There's no penalty fine for late confirmation statements, but Companies House can:
- Start strike-off proceedings (removal from the register)
- Prosecute directors (criminal offence, fine up to £5,000)
How to File
Online (Recommended)
- Log in to the Companies House WebFiling service
- Enter your company number and authentication code
- Review the information on file
- Confirm or update each section
- Pay the £13 fee
- Submit
Filing online takes about 10-15 minutes if nothing has changed.
Paper Filing
Paper filing costs £40 and takes longer to process. There's rarely a good reason to file on paper.
What You Need to Check
| Section | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Registered office | Current address correct |
| Directors | Names, addresses, dates of birth, nationalities |
| Secretary | If appointed |
| SIC codes | Accurate description of business activities |
| Share capital | Number and types of shares, paid-up amounts |
| Shareholders | Names and shareholdings |
| PSC register | People with significant control (25%+ shares/voting rights) |
Confirmation Statement vs Annual Accounts
These are different filings:
| Confirmation Statement | Annual Accounts | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed with | Companies House | Companies House |
| Contains | Company details | Financial statements |
| Deadline | 12 months from last CS | 9 months from period end |
| Fee | £13 | Free (online) |
| Penalty for late | Strike-off | £150–£1,500 |
Your company needs to file both, plus a CT600 with HMRC.
Changes During the Year
If company details change during the year, you should file the relevant form immediately — don't wait for the confirmation statement:
- New director: File AP01 within 14 days
- Director resignation: File TM01 within 14 days
- Address change: File AD01
- New shares issued: File SH01 within 1 month
The confirmation statement then confirms these changes are already recorded.
Need to file your Corporation Tax return too? Use Taxpipe — £59 for your CT600, no hidden fees.