What is a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement (form CS01) is a simple yearly update to Companies House. It confirms that the details they hold about your company are correct and up to date. This includes things like directors, people with significant control (PSCs), registered office address, and more. You need to file it even if nothing has changed since last time.

All UK companies, including dormant or non-trading ones, must do this at least once every 12 months. It replaced the old annual return a few years back and keeps the public register accurate.

Key Requirements in 2026

The basic rules stay the same, but there are important points for this year:

  • Identity verification is now fully in play. Directors must verify their identity with Companies House and provide a personal code when filing. For existing directors, you need to do this before or with your next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025. This transitional period runs until mid-November 2026 for most. PSCs have their own 14-day window tied to the company’s statement date to submit verification details.
  • Information to check and confirm includes director and PSC details, share capital, SIC codes if changed, and a statement that your company’s future activities are lawful. You also need a registered email address on file (not public).
  • Updates before filing — If anything is wrong in the register, sort it first via separate filings. The statement won’t go through smoothly otherwise.
  • Fees — From 1 February 2026, the digital filing fee rises to £50 (up from £34). Paper filing costs £110. If your deadline is early in the year, filing before the fee change might save a bit, but don’t rush just for that.

How to Calculate Your Deadline

Your review period is 12 months long. It starts from:

  • The date your company was incorporated, or
  • The date you filed your last confirmation statement.

The statement date is the last day of that period. You then have 14 days to file.

Examples for 2026:

  • Company incorporated 15 March 2025 → Review period ends 14 March 2026 → File by 28 March 2026.
  • Last statement filed 1 July 2025 → Next review ends 30 June 2026 → File by 14 July 2026.

If you file early (any time in the period), it resets the clock and starts a new 12-month period. This can help shift deadlines if useful.

Many people use a deadline tracker to avoid missing these dates. Missing the 14-day window can lead to fines, prosecution, or even the company being struck off the register.

How to File Your Confirmation Statement

The easiest way is online through the Companies House website. You need:

  • Your company authentication code.
  • To log in or register for online filing.

Check your company’s details first on the Companies House search page, update anything needed, then file the CS01. It usually takes minutes if everything is current.

Paper filing is possible but slower and more expensive.

Tips to Stay on Top of It

Set a calendar reminder a month before your statement date. Review your company info regularly so surprises don’t pop up. For busy directors or those managing multiple companies, having quick access to company data makes a big difference.

Tools that let you search Companies House records instantly and track deadlines for several companies can save a lot of hassle. They pull public info fast, show upcoming filings, and help you stay compliant without digging through the main site every time.

If you handle accounts or run your own business, an app like Companies House on the Go from Touch of Class can be handy. It gives fast searches for company details and helps monitor key dates so nothing slips. You can find it on the App Store or Google Play — many find it simplifies keeping track of these obligations.

Staying organised with the confirmation statement keeps your company in good standing and avoids unnecessary stress. Take a moment to check your own deadline now. It is straightforward once you know the dates.

For more on quick Companies House searches and deadline tracking, visit Companies on the Go. Download the app here: iOS or Android.