Companies House guide

What happens if a confirmation statement is late?

A late confirmation statement can lead to Companies House enforcement, including a possible financial penalty and strike-off action.

Last reviewed: 18 July 2026
Sources checked: 18 July 2026
Reading time: 6 minutes

Written by Business Sorted editorial team

Business Sorted provides general educational information and organisation tools. It is not Companies House, HMRC, a solicitor, an accountant, a tax adviser or a regulated professional adviser. Check official sources and get professional advice where your circumstances need it.

Direct answer

If a confirmation statement is late, file it as soon as possible and check any Companies House letters or notices. Official guidance says Companies House may issue a financial penalty and the company may be struck off if the statement is not filed.

Key facts

Companies House may issue a financial penalty if a confirmation statement is not filed.
The company may be struck off if the filing remains outstanding.
Late confirmation statement consequences are separate from late accounts penalty bands.
The safest practical step is to check the register and deal with the outstanding filing promptly.

Possible consequences

Companies House guidance says it may issue a financial penalty and the company may be struck off the register if the confirmation statement is not filed. The guidance also warns that directors can be fined up to GBP 5,000 if they do not file.

This is separate from late accounts penalties. If both accounts and the confirmation statement are overdue, treat them as separate tasks and check each official record.

Practical next steps

Check the company register, open any Companies House letters or online messages, and file the statement if you can. If the company record is wrong, update the relevant details through the correct process before confirming the statement.

If you receive a penalty warning or penalty notice, read the notice carefully. Companies House financial penalty guidance explains warning notices, representations and what may happen if a penalty is not paid.

Avoid repeat problems

After resolving the overdue filing, record the new confirmation statement date and next filing deadline. If filing was delayed because the authentication code or access was missing, request or organise access well before the next deadline.

Set preparation reminders before the due date, not only on the final filing day. That gives time to correct company details before filing.

Frequently asked questions

Will a late confirmation statement always create the same penalty?

Do not assume that. Check any Companies House notice and current official guidance because the process depends on the notice and circumstances.

Can I ignore the confirmation statement if the company is dormant?

No. Companies House says dormant and non-trading companies must still file a confirmation statement.

Useful next steps

Keep confirmation statement tasks visible

Keep your confirmation statement deadline visible alongside your other company obligations. BusinessSorted helps you organise what is due and when.

Relevant feature: Overdue Companies House task visibility.

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