In this article, we’re answering “what is a confirmation statement?”
This will be relevant for UK companies, including both limited companies and limited liability partnerships.
This article is part of our free series on business banking, including how to find the best bank to open a business account in top jurisdictions around the world.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Confirmation Statement?
- What Is the Purpose of a Confirmation Statement?
- How Do I File a Confirmation Statement?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is an annual document that UK companies and partnerships file at the UK Companies House. It ensures that the information contained in public records at Companies House, is up-to-date and accurate. This requirement applies to both active and dormant companies.
In short, this statement includes key information about the company, such as details on the directors, shareholders, or members, depending on the respective structure.
What Is the Purpose of a Confirmation Statement?
The purpose of a confirmation statement is to ensure that the ownership and control of every UK company are clearly stated and accurate. For this reason, not filing with Companies House can lead to being fined in criminal court.
Explains Specific Company Details
In other words, a confirmation statement outlines the specific company details related to owners, directors, and members of each company. This ensures that both government representatives and other interested parties are able to quickly and transparently access company details.
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How Do I File a Confirmation Statement at Companies House?
To file a confirmation statement at Companies House, you will need to log into your Companies House account and use the appropriate method depending on your company structure. With this in mind, there are two online options, the first is through the Companies House website and the second is through the WebFiling system.
Importantly, you can only use the Companies House submission if your company matches the following criteria:
- Private company
- Single shareholder
- Between 1 and 5 directors
- Five or fewer people with significant control
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking for information on the Confirmation Statement. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
What Happens If You Don’t File a Confirmation Statement?
If you don’t file a confirmation statement (or do not file on time), there is no late penalty. However, the registrar can start legal proceedings against you and not filing can cause issues for the business as the registrar may strike off the entity, meaning it can no longer legally operate.
Is the Confirmation Statement the Same as Tax Return?
No, a confirmation statement is not the same as a tax return. Instead, it is completely separate and is used to confirm important information about the business and related parties. On the other hand, company accounts and corporate tax returns need to be prepared and submitted separately.
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