If you’re a business owner, you’ll have to file a confirmation statement! This article defines what a confirmation statement is — and how to submit one.
All companies MUST complete a confirmation statement — whether they are a limited company in a remote UK village, or use a registered office address in London.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
Each year, limited companies and LLPs must file a confirmation statement at Companies House. The confirmation statement of a limited company discloses details of its directors and shareholders, while the statement of an LLP discloses the details of its members.
Essentially, a confirmation statement is a document that “confirms the details” of a company’s relevant members. Even dormant and non-trading companies have to file a statement, at least once a year, to ensure their details are correctly recorded and updated at Companies House.
Every eligible company will get a reminder two weeks before they have to file a confirmation statement. The company must return this completed statement within 14 days of the due date. You only have to pay a confirmation statement fee once — even though you’re entitled to file as many confirmation statements as you wish.
NOTE: The swiftest way to file a confirmation statement is online.
How to File a Confirmation Statement
When it comes to filing your confirmation statement, make a note of the following:
Check Your Details Are Correctly Recorded
Before you file a confirmation statement, you need to check and confirm your company’s details are correct on the Companies House website. Ensure you update your records if any information is incorrect or outdated. You must notify Companies House of the following:
A change of director or secretary
Changes to People With Significant Control (PSC)
Changes to the company’s registered office address
What if Nothing Has Changed?
You must still file a confirmation statement even if no changes have occurred during the review period. The statement will confirm your records are up-to-date records and Companies House has the correct information.
When Is the Review Period?
You must file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months. The 12 month review period begins on either the date your company was incorporated or the date you filed your last confirmation statement.
For example:
Your new company is incorporated on 1 January 2020.
Your review period will start on 1 January 2020 and will end on 31 December 2020.
NOTE: Failure to file your statement within 14 days of the end of your review period could result in prosecution for your company and its officers. Your company could also be crossed off the register!