What is a Confirmation Statement?

This article provides a comprehensive overview of confirmation statements, how to file one, the associated costs, penalties for late filing, and the consequences of failing to file a confirmation statement. Additionally, we will explain the AR01 form and its relevance.

A confirmation statement is a document that verifies the information Companies House holds about your company or LLP is accurate and up to date. It includes details such as:

• Registered office address

• Directors and secretary (if applicable)

• Shareholders

• Share capital

• People with significant control (PSC)

The purpose of the confirmation statement is to ensure that the public record reflects the current state of your company.

How to File a Confirmation Statement

Filing a confirmation statement is a straightforward process that can be done online or by post.

Online Filing:

1. Sign in: Go to the Companies House website and sign in to your account.

2. Review Information: Check the current information held by Companies House.

3. Update if Necessary: Make any necessary updates to the company information.

4. Submit: Submit the confirmation statement online.

Postal Filing:

1. Download the Form CS01: Download and print the CS01 form from the Companies House website.

2. Complete the Form: Fill in the form with the current information about your company.

3. Mail the Form: Send the completed form to Companies House.

Cost of Filing a Confirmation Statement

The cost to file a confirmation statement is:

• £13 if filed online

• £40 if filed by post

These fees are payable each time you file a confirmation statement, even if you file more than once a year.

What Does Confirmation Statement Overdue Mean?

A confirmation statement is considered overdue if it is not filed within 14 days after the end of the review period, which is typically 12 months from the date of the last confirmation statement. Companies House sends reminders, but it is the company's responsibility to file on time.

Penalties for Filing Late

Failing to file your confirmation statement on time can lead to several penalties:

1. Fines: While there are no direct fines for late filing of a confirmation statement, not filing it can result in penalties for other filing obligations.

2. Compulsory Strike-Off: If the confirmation statement is significantly overdue, Companies House may begin the process of striking the company off the register, which means the company will cease to exist legally.

3. Director Penalties: Directors can be personally fined or prosecuted for failing to ensure the confirmation statement is filed on time.

Consequences of Not Filing a Confirmation Statement

If a company does not file its confirmation statement, it risks being struck off the Companies House register. This means the company would no longer legally exist and could not trade, own property, or incur liabilities. Additionally, directors might face legal consequences for not fulfilling their statutory duties.

What is an AR01?

The AR01 form was the previous form used for filing the annual return before the introduction of the confirmation statement. The AR01 was replaced by the confirmation statement (CS01) in June 2016. While the AR01 form is no longer in use, it served a similar purpose in confirming the company's details on an annual basis.

Conclusion

Filing a confirmation statement is a critical duty for every UK company and LLP. Ensuring timely and accurate submissions helps maintain compliance with Companies House regulations and avoids the severe consequences of non-compliance. The process is designed to be simple and can be done online for a minimal fee. By understanding the requirements and procedures, companies can ensure they stay in good standing with Companies House.