How to File a Confirmation Statement (Form CS01) in the UK

Every UK limited company must submit an annual confirmation statement (Form CS01) to verify its records. This guide explains key legislative requirements, compliance deadlines, fees, and the updated identity guidelines under the Companies Act 2006.

Are you prepared to complete your company compliance check? Filing your confirmation statement in the UK requires verifying that all structural, share, and personnel details are accurate with Companies House. This statutory duty under the Companies Act 2006 applies to all incorporated businesses even if they are inactive.

Key Takeaways: Quick Compliance Rules

For quick reference, you must remember these critical processing deadlines, operational costs, and statutory constraints:

• Every limited company and partnership must complete this check once a year.
• The submission window closes exactly 14 days after your 12-month review period ends.
• You must process structural updates before you submit the final Form CS01 document.
• Dormant and non-trading companies must still file to stay registered and active.
• Identity checks apply from November 2025 for all directors and partners.

What is a confirmation statement?

A confirmation statement is a mandatory administrative return that validates active records.

Formally introduced under the Companies Act 2006 to replace the old annual return on 30 June 2016, Form CS01 requires UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships to confirm that all records held by Companies House are accurate. Every active, dormant, or non-trading company must file this statement.

What information does it cover?

Information structure determines which changes require separate notifications and which items can be updated within the form itself.

The table below categorises where specific corporate information must be updated to ensure administrative accuracy:

When do I have to file it?

You must file your statement within 14 days after your 12-month review period ends.

The review period spans exactly 12 months. This starts on your company incorporation date or the date of your last filed confirmation statement.

For example, if your company was incorporated on 1 August 2024, your review period ends on 1 August 2025. Your final deadline to submit the statement with Companies House would be 15 August 2025.

What are the modern identity verification requirements?

All directors and PSCs must obtain a personal code to complete filing submissions.

Under corporate reforms, all company directors and People with Significant Control must verify their identity to get a personal code. These rules apply starting on 18 November 2025. Failure to complete this step will prevent your statement from being accepted.

How much does a confirmation statement cost?

Filing fees are set at £50 for online submissions and £110 for postal papers.

The statutory fees apply on an annual basis. You only pay once per 12-month payment period even if you choose to submit multiple statements during that time.

What happens if you do not file on time?

Failing to submit your statement can rest in severe penalties and corporate dissolution.

Under the Companies Act 2006, missing your deadline constitutes a criminal offence. Directors can face personal prosecution, and the court can impose fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance.

Companies House also holds the legal power to strike your company off the register entirely. There are no automatic grace periods for filing fees or compliance deadlines.

Do I need to file a confirmation statement if my company is dormant?

Yes. Every UK company must file a statement annually regardless of trading status. This obligation applies to dormant and non-trading companies to keep registered records up to date.

Can I file my confirmation statement early to change my statement date?

Yes. You can file your statement early at any point of your choosing. Filing early resets your 12-month review period to begin the day after the new statement date.

Do I have to pay twice if I file multiple confirmation statements in one year?

No. You only pay the filing fee once per 12-month payment period. You can file multiple statements within that period without paying additional government fees.