Confirmation statement guide for UK limited companies
A confirmation statement tells Companies House that key information about a company is correct or has been updated. It is a recurring duty for limited companies.
Written by the Business Sorted editorial team · Reviewed 18 July 2026
- Last reviewed
- 18 July 2026
- Next review
- Within 3 months, or sooner if official guidance changes.
- Primary sources checked
- File a confirmation statement, Companies House
Need to know in 30 seconds
A confirmation statement tells Companies House that key information about a company is correct or has been updated. It is a recurring duty for limited companies.
The safest next step is to identify whether this applies to your business, check the official source and set a preparation reminder before the filing or payment date.
What it is
The confirmation statement is a Companies House filing that confirms company details such as registered office, directors, shareholders and people with significant control.
Who it applies to
This guide applies to UK limited companies, including companies that have not traded or are dormant.
Why it matters
This topic matters because missed filings, unclear records or late payments can create avoidable admin, penalties, interest or extra support work. A simple reminder is useful only when it is tied to the correct official source.
When it applies
A confirmation statement is usually due at least once every 12 months, based on the company's review period.
Important deadlines
- Check the company's review period.
- Update company information if needed.
- File the confirmation statement by the Companies House deadline.
Preparation checklist
- Confirm whether this applies: This guide applies to UK limited companies, including companies that have not traded or are dormant.
- Open the relevant HMRC or Companies House account before acting.
- Collect records, dates and reference numbers that support the filing.
- Set a preparation reminder before the deadline, not only on the deadline.
- Save submission receipts, payment references and source links.
Realistic example
A first-time owner reads the Confirmation statement guide after receiving a reminder or official message. They check whether the duty applies, note the relevant date from the official account, gather the records listed in the source guidance and save evidence after filing or paying.
This example is deliberately general because actual dates and duties can change with your company history, tax registrations, accounting period and HMRC or Companies House notices.
Common mistakes
- Assuming no changes means no filing is needed.
- Missing people with significant control information.
- Leaving registered office details out of date.
- Confusing the confirmation statement with annual accounts.
Penalties and risk
Common myths
- If no money changed hands, no filings can be due.
- Companies House and HMRC deadlines are always the same.
- A reminder calendar can replace checking the official account.
- Filing a form always means any related payment has also been made.
How to prepare
Review company details before filing. If something is wrong, update it through the correct Companies House process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I file a confirmation statement if nothing changed?
Is a confirmation statement the same as accounts?
Video explainer
This guide is ready for a 2-minute explainer and 5-minute walkthrough. No video is embedded until Business Sorted has a reviewed transcript that matches the official-source guidance.
Transcript outline
- 1. What Confirmation statement means.
- 2. Who should check whether it applies.
- 3. Which dates and records to prepare.
- 4. Which official sources to open before acting.
Related guides
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