Every UK limited company is legally required to file a Confirmation Statement (CS01) with Companies House. It’s one of the most important annual compliance filings, and also one of the most misunderstood.
While it may look straightforward, filing the CS01 incorrectly or missing the deadline can cause serious issues: late penalties, restrictions on corporate activity, and even the risk of your company being struck off the Companies House register.
What Is the CS01 Form (Confirmation Statement)?
The CS01 form, also known as the Confirmation Statement, is an annual Companies House filing that:
- Confirms the accuracy of your company’s information held on the public register.
- Ensures details such as directors, shareholders, registered office, and people with significant control (PSCs) are up to date.
- Replaces the old Annual Return (AR01), which was discontinued in 2016.
The CS01 is not about reporting finances, it’s about confirming your company’s statutory details are correct.
Why Filing CS01 Matters
The CS01 filing is essential because it:
- Maintains legal compliance – required under the Companies Act 2006.
- Protecting your company’s status – failure to file can lead to Companies House striking the business off the register.
- Builds transparency – investors, partners, and the public rely on accurate Companies House data.
- Prevents penalties – missing deadlines or failing to update PSC details may lead to fines.
- Supports due diligence – lenders and investors regularly check confirmation statements.
Who Needs to File CS01?
Every registered company in the UK, including private limited companies, public limited companies, and even dormant companies, must file a CS01 at least once every 12 months.
This applies even if:
- No changes have occurred in directors, shareholders, or registered office.
- The company has been inactive.
- You already file other returns (e.g., accounts, tax filings).
If HMRC or Companies House has issued notices, you must comply regardless of company activity.
Filing Deadlines for CS01
- Deadline: At least once every 12 months, within 14 days of the company’s “confirmation date.”
- Confirmation date: The anniversary of either your incorporation or the date of your last confirmation statement.
- Window: You can file your CS01 early if needed, but never later than 14 days after the due date.
Example:
- Incorporation: 10 July 2023
- First confirmation date: 10 July 2024
- Deadline: 24 July 2024 (14 days after)
Penalties for Late Filing
Although Companies House does not impose direct late filing fines for CS01 (unlike annual accounts), the risks are significant:
- Your company may be flagged as non-compliant.
- Persistent failure to file may result in the company being struck off the register.
- Directors risk personal consequences, including disqualification for repeated breaches.
For companies raising investment or seeking contracts, late filing can undermine credibility with stakeholders.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing CS01
Step 1: Review Company Information
Before filing, review the following on Companies House:
- Registered office address
- Directors and secretaries
- Shareholders and share capital
- People with significant control (PSCs)
- SIC codes (business activity classification)
Step 2: Update Any Changes
If information is outdated, update it before or while filing. For example:
- New directors (AP01) or resignations (TM01)
- Address changes (AD01)
- Changes to share capital (SH01)
- PSC changes (PSC01–PSC09 forms)
Step 3: Access Companies House Services
You can file CS01:
- Online via Companies House WebFiling or “Find and update company information” service.
- By paper form (slower and less common).
You’ll need:
- Company number
- Authentication code (provided at incorporation)
Step 4: Complete the CS01 Form
The CS01 form includes:
- Company name and number
- Confirmation date
- Statement that all details are correct
- PSC details
- Shareholder information (if applicable)
- SIC code updates
Step 5: Pay the Fee
- £13 for online filing
- £40 for paper filing
Payment is required annually, even if no changes occur.
Step 6: Submit and Confirm
Submit the form online or by post. You’ll receive an acknowledgement from Companies House once accepted.
What Information Does CS01 Cover?
The CS01 requires confirmation or updates of:
- Directors and secretaries – names, addresses, resignations.
- Registered office – must be a UK address.
- Shareholders – changes in ownership.
- Share capital – current issued shares and rights.
- People with Significant Control (PSC) – individuals or entities with over 25% control.
- SIC codes – describing your business activities.
Common Mistakes in Filing CS01
- Missing the deadline – forgetting the 14-day rule.
- Failing to update PSC details – a legal offence if left outdated.
- Incorrect SIC codes – misleading activity classification.
- Using the wrong form – e.g., filing CS01 but forgetting AP01/TM01 for director changes.
- Relying solely on internal records – Companies House register must match.
- Paying incorrect fees – paper filing is costlier than online.
Example: Filing CS01 for a Startup
Imagine a tech startup incorporated on 15 March 2023.
- First confirmation date: 15 March 2024
- Deadline: 29 March 2024
During the year, the company issued new shares to investors and appointed a new CTO as director.
Steps taken:
- Filed SH01 for share allotment.
- Filed AP01 for new director.
- Updated PSC register.
- Filed CS01 confirming the above details.
This ensures Companies House records reflect both the company’s structure and ownership.
Best Practices for CS01 Filings
- Use online filing – cheaper, faster, and less error-prone.
- Maintain a compliance calendar – track CS01 alongside annual accounts and tax deadlines.
- Double-check PSC records – HMRC and regulators scrutinize PSC accuracy.
- Coordinate filings – update AP01, TM01, SH01, and other forms before CS01 submission.
- Store confirmations – keep digital and physical copies for auditors and investors.
Challenges Companies Face
Startups
- Often overlook CS01 amidst rapid growth.
- Forget to update PSC records after funding rounds.
SMEs
- Lack in-house compliance expertise.
- Directors unaware of legal obligations.
Cross-Border Companies
- Struggle with aligning UK filings with overseas compliance requirements.
Real-World Example
An SME missed its CS01 deadline due to director turnover. When applying for a bank loan, lenders flagged the company as non-compliant, delaying financing.
Why Many Businesses Outsource CS01 Filing
The CS01 may look simple, but in practice, it links with many other statutory obligations. Mistakes often occur when:
- Companies forget to update supporting filings before CS01.
- Directors manage compliance manually without reminders.
- Internal record-keeping doesn’t match Companies House registers.
Outsourcing ensures:
- Deadlines are never missed.
- Filings are accurate and cross-checked.
- Compliance risk is minimized.
How Commenda Helps with CS01 Filings
Commenda is the all-in-one compliance and tax platform trusted by cross-border companies. For CS01 filings, Commenda provides:
- Automated compliance calendar – alerts before your confirmation date.
- Seamless online filing – submit CS01 and related forms digitally.
- Expert oversight – PSC and shareholding changes handled accurately.
- Centralized records – store CS01 and supporting filings in one secure platform.
- Scalable compliance – manage CS01 filings alongside accounts, tax, and global entity management.
Whether you are a startup founder preparing your first CS01 or a CFO managing multiple entities, Commenda ensures your company stays compliant without the stress.
Book a demo with Commenda today and take the hassle out of CS01 filings.
FAQs: CS01 Confirmation Statement
1. What is the CS01 form?
It’s the Companies House confirmation statement, confirming your company details are accurate.
2. When is the CS01 due?
At least once every 12 months, within 14 days of your confirmation date.
3. Do dormant companies need to file CS01?
Yes, even dormant companies must file annually.
4. Is there a penalty for late filing?
No direct fine, but your company risks being struck off the register.
5. Can CS01 be filed online?
Yes, and it costs £13 versus £40 for paper filing.
6. Can CS01 update company details?
Yes, but some changes (like new directors or share allotments) require separate forms.
7. Do I need to file CS01 if nothing has changed?
Yes. You must confirm “no changes” at least once a year.
8. What happens if I forget PSC updates?
It’s a criminal offence for directors to fail to update PSC details.
9. What information is included in CS01?
Directors, shareholders, share capital, PSCs, SIC codes, and registered office.
10. How long does online filing take?
Usually processed within 24 hours.
11. Can I change my confirmation date?
Yes, you can bring it forward, but not delay it beyond 12 months.
12. Do LLPs file CS01?
Yes, confirmation statements also apply to LLPs.
