Filings & Documents

Confirmation Statement CS01

Stands for: Confirmation Statement (UK)

The annual UK Companies House filing in which every UK company confirms that the registry-held information about it - directors, shareholders, registered office, SIC codes, and people with significant control - is up to date.

Definition

The Confirmation Statement, filed on form CS01, replaced the older Annual Return (form AR01) in June 2016 and is now the central annual housekeeping filing every UK company must lodge with Companies House. Unlike its predecessor, the Confirmation Statement does not require restating all of the previous information - the company simply confirms that the data already on the public register is correct, or files updates for anything that has changed. Items confirmed or updated include: the registered office address; SAIL (single alternative inspection location) address if used; SIC codes describing the principal business activities; details of the directors and the company secretary if any; details of the shareholders or members; the issued share capital; and the People with Significant Control (PSC) register that lists individuals or entities holding more than 25 percent of shares or voting rights or otherwise exercising significant control. The filing fee is 34 pounds online or 62 pounds by paper. The deadline is the anniversary of incorporation (or of the previous statement) plus 14 days. Missing the Confirmation Statement is one of the fastest ways for a UK company to be struck off the register: Companies House will issue a default notice and, if no statement is filed, can begin the strike-off process within a few months. The 2024-2025 Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reforms have layered additional identity-verification requirements onto directors and PSCs at the time of the Confirmation Statement.

When you'll encounter it

UK Ltd founders file the Confirmation Statement once a year (more often is allowed, free of additional fees within the same payment year). Most accountants and company-secretary providers (Inform Direct, 1st Formations, Rapid Formations, Companies Made Simple) bundle the filing into their annual service. Late or missing Confirmation Statements quickly lead to a struck-off notice in The Gazette and eventual dissolution; restoration is possible but expensive and disruptive.

FAQ

What is the difference between Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts?

The Confirmation Statement (CS01) is a registry-data update covering directors, shareholders, registered office, and PSCs. Annual Accounts are the financial statements covering the company financial year. Both are required, but they cover different things and have different deadlines.

What happens if I miss the Confirmation Statement?

Companies House will issue reminder notices and can ultimately begin a strike-off process. The company name appears in The Gazette, after which the company is dissolved unless the filing is made and any objection is lodged. Restoration can be done but requires a court application and substantial fees.

How are People with Significant Control (PSCs) reported?

PSCs are reported on the PSC register and confirmed in each Confirmation Statement. A PSC is generally any individual or legal entity that owns more than 25 percent of shares or voting rights, has the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors, or otherwise exercises significant influence or control. Identity verification rules tightened materially under the 2024-2025 ECCT Act.

References

  1. UK Companies House - Confirmation Statement Guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/confirmation-statement
  2. UK Companies House - File a Confirmation Statement Online https://www.gov.uk/file-your-companys-confirmation-statement
  3. Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/56/contents