Filing Your First Confirmation Statement

After a company is incorporated in England and Wales, it must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months with Companies House. This statutory requirement confirms that the company's public record remains accurate and up to date. The confirmation statement (submitted using Form CS01) replaced the older annual return in 2016 and forms a key part of corporate compliance under the Companies Act 2006. It is distinct from annual accounts and HM Revenue & Customs filings, focusing on company identity and structure rather than financial performance.

This guide explains what the first confirmation statement involves, when it is due, what information must be confirmed, how to file it, deadlines and consequences of late submission, and common questions for new company directors.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement is a snapshot of key company information held on the public register at Companies House. Its purpose is to confirm that company details remain correct at the end of a 12‑month review period. It includes core corporate data such as:

• Registered office address
• Directors and company secretary
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Share capital and shareholder information
• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes (business activities)
• Registered email address, if not already provided

Even if there have been no changes in the past year, a confirmation statement must be filed to confirm the information is accurate.

When Is Your First Confirmation Statement Due?

For a newly formed company, the first confirmation statement is typically due 12 months after the date of incorporation. You then have 14 days after that date to file the statement with Companies House.

For example:

• If your company was incorporated on 10 April 2025, the first review period ends on 9 April 2026.
• You must file the confirmation statement by 23 April 2026 (14 days after 9 April 2026).

This 12‑month window is known as the review period. Filing early within the review period is permitted - and can be beneficial if recent changes need recording - but the deadline for the first statement remains tied to the first anniversary of incorporation.

Preparation: What Information You Need

Before filing your first confirmation statement, gather the following details:

Company Identity and Contact

• Registered office address
• Registered email address (to receive official correspondence)

Corporate Officers

• Details of directors and the company secretary (if appointed)
• Names and personal identifiers for each officer
• Confirmed or updated People with Significant Control (PSCs)

Shareholder and Capital Information

• Current shareholders' identities
• Class, number and nominal value of shares
• Any changes in share capital during the review period

Business Activities (SIC Codes)

• Standard Industrial Classification codes representing the company's activities
• Check that these codes remain appropriate and update if necessary

You should also verify that all statutory registers are up to date before submitting the confirmation statement, because it confirms the accuracy of this information as of the end of the review period.

How to File Your First Confirmation Statement

Online Filing

The simplest and fastest method is to file online through the Companies House service. You will typically need:

• A Companies House account or access via an agent or software provider
• The company's authentication code (for verification)

Follow the prompts to confirm or update company details and submit the form. Online filing costs around £50.

Postal Filing

You can alternatively file Form CS01 by post, but this is slower and more expensive - typically around £110. Forms and instructions are available from Companies House.

Identity Verification Requirements

Before some filings, directors and PSCs may need to verify their identity using the GOV.UK One Login system. Directors must provide their personal verification codes before the confirmation statement is accepted. This verification is part of recent transparency reforms.

Review Period and Payment Period

It is important to distinguish between the review period and payment period:

• The review period determines when a confirmation statement must be filed - every 12 months starting from the date of incorporation or last filing.
• The payment period determines when the filing fee is due. A fee applies once per payment period, even if multiple confirmation statements are filed in that period.

If you file your first confirmation statement early in the review period, the next review period begins immediately after the filing date.

Consequences of Late Filing

Failing to file a confirmation statement on time carries serious compliance risks:

• Companies House can begin strike‑off proceedings, removing the company from the public register.
• Directors may be subject to penalties or enforcement action for failing to meet statutory duties.

Although financial penalties are not always automatic, persistent failure to file may result in legal consequences, including fines and potential difficulty in conducting business or securing financing.

To avoid these risks, companies can sign up for email reminders from Companies House notifying directors when their confirmation statement is due.

Common Questions

Can you file early?

Yes. You can file a confirmation statement at any point during the review period, and doing so resets the next review period accordingly.

Can changes be reported on the confirmation statement?

Only certain updates - such as SIC codes, share capital, shareholding details, and trading status of shares - can be submitted within the confirmation statement itself. Other changes (for example, director appointments or registered office updates) should be filed separately before submitting the confirmation statement.

Is a confirmation statement the same as annual accounts?

No. A confirmation statement confirms the company's details on the register. Annual accounts report financial activity and have separate filing deadlines and requirements.

Summary

Filing your first confirmation statement is a mandatory annual obligation for any company incorporated in England and Wales. It confirms that the company's registered details - including directors, PSCs, registered office, share capital and SIC codes - are correct as of the end of a 12‑month review period. The first statement is typically due 12 months after incorporation, with a 14‑day filing window thereafter. Directors should gather accurate information, verify identities where required, and choose an appropriate filing method (online or by post). Early preparation reduces the risk of late submission, compliance penalties and potential strike‑off. By meeting your statutory obligations on time, you help ensure your company's legal standing and credibility with stakeholders and authorities.