Filing a confirmation statement

Almost all LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) and companies registered in the UK must provide a confirmation statement to Companies House once every 12 months, even if the business is dormant.

Role of a confirmation statement

The primary role of the Companies House form CS01 (Confirmation Statement) is to register a business name in the UK and ensure that any essential business data recorded with Companies House, and displayed on the public register, is valid, accurate, and up to date.

If any information is inaccurate or out of date when the confirmation is due, the business in question must update the data using the relevant form when delivering the confirmation statement.

Arguably, the updated confirmation statement process is more precise and straightforward than the annual return, as there’s now no need to provide previously filed information if no changes have occurred within the last twelve months. Also, suppose your business details are all the same, and you don’t have to make alterations to your report. You’ll only need to ‘check and confirm’ the information on the public register and submit your statement.

Items to include in a confirmation statement

For companies to complete a confirmation statement, they will need to check the information registered with Companies House and confirm that it is accurate and up to date at that time.

Some of the information you must check and confirm includes:

• Site of the company’s statutory registers
• Name of every shareholder
• Statement of capital
• Main business activities
• Shares held by every shareholder
• Total number of shares of the business
• The aggregate nominal value of its total shares
• The aggregate amount, if any, unpaid on those shares

In addition, for every class of shares, you will also have to present the:

• Prearranged particulars of the rights associated with the shares
• The overall number of shares of that class
• Trade standing of those shares
• Those individuals with significant control or PSCs
• The aggregate nominal value attached to shares of that class

Reporting changes using a confirmation statement

Business owners can report specific changes to their company data using a confirmation statement, which was also the case with the annual return. Some of the data you can update includes:

• Shareholder details
• SIC codes
• Paid-up share capital

All other information, like amendments to officers’ details and the registered offices, must be reported independently using the relevant Companies House forms. You can submit these forms and update the required information before or when filing your confirmation statement.

Summary

Business owners must file a confirmation statement at least once every twelve months. This requirement will also enable you to enjoy some of the benefits of being VAT registered. The due date to file is usually referred to as the ‘confirmation date,’ which falls on the anniversary of the date of your last confirmation statement. This date will serve as the official requirement date for filing your confirmation statement in years to come. You will also be afforded a fourteen day grace period after this date to comply.