Your Confirmation Statement and Upcoming Changes.

Introduction: Why Your Confirmation Statement Matters More Than Ever

If you run a limited company, you’ll have heard about the confirmation statement. It might seem like one of those routine admin tasks — file it once a year, job done. But I can tell you, it’s far more important than most business owners realise. 

This simple document confirms key details about your company: who controls it, where it’s registered, your SIC code, shareholder information, and more. In short, it’s the official record of who you are — and it sits on the public register for all to see.

Here’s the thing: up until now, late or missed filings didn’t trigger automatic fines. That’s changing. New rules introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) mean late confirmation statements can now trigger financial penalties, potentially in the hundreds or even thousands of pounds. 

Combine that with the requirement for verified shareholder information and registered emails, and suddenly that “simple” form has a lot more weight.

That’s why I wrote this blog. This is to give you a clear understanding of what a confirmation statement really is, why it matters more than ever in 2025 and beyond, and what’s changing in the way Companies House enforces it. If you’re a small business owner, especially in a limited company structure, it’s time to get ahead of the changes and protect your business.

1. What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement is a legal requirement for all UK limited companies and LLPs. You have to file one at least once a year to confirm that the information Companies House holds about your business is up to date. Think of it as your company’s annual check-in with the government.

You’re not necessarily adding new information — you’re confirming that what’s already on file (or updated just before submission) is accurate. This includes:

• Your company’s registered office address.
• The directors and the company secretary (if applicable).
• Your shareholders and share capital.
• The company’s SIC code (your main business activity).

(A SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification code) is a five-digit number that describes your company’s main business activity. It helps Companies House and HMRC categorise what your business does.)

• The people with significant control (PSCs).
• Your registered email address (a new requirement introduced in 2024).

You can file a confirmation statement online for just £34, or by post for £62 — but most companies file online. It’s simple enough if everything is accurate, but here’s where many small businesses trip up: they either forget to file, assume it’s optional, or don’t realise that missing or incorrect information can have serious consequences.

The confirmation statement isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s what allows Companies House — and banks, investors, suppliers, and even potential customers — to see who you are and whether your company is being properly maintained. It’s public. And now, more than ever, it has to be right.

2: What Information Needs to Be Confirmed or Updated?

When you file your confirmation statement, you’re essentially verifying that the information Companies House holds about your business is still accurate — or updating it if it’s not. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a legal requirement and a key part of keeping your company compliant and credible.

Here’s what you’ll need to confirm or update:

1. Registered Office Address.

This is the official legal address of your company — the one that appears on the public register and is used for all formal correspondence from Companies House and HMRC. If you’ve moved premises or changed your registered office to a different accountant or service provider, now’s the time to update it.

2. Director and Secretary Details.

Are your current directors and company secretary (if applicable) listed correctly? Their names, addresses, and roles should all be accurate. If someone has joined or left the board, those changes need to be reflected before submitting your confirmation.

3. Shareholder Information.

You’ll also need to check that your shareholder list is up to date, including their names, share classes, and how many shares they hold. Any share transfers or new shareholders since your last statement must be reported.

4. People with Significant Control (PSC)

PSC refers to individuals who own or control more than 25% of your company or have significant influence. Their details must be listed and accurate, and failure to disclose this information properly can lead to penalties.

5. SIC Code (Business Activity)

As mentioned earlier, your SIC code tells the government what kind of work your company does. If your business has pivoted into a new area, you may need to update this, too.

Keeping all this information correct and current isn’t just a formality — it protects your legal standing, prevents delays with lenders or partners doing due diligence, and keeps you compliant with the law.

6. Trading Status of Shares.

You must state whether any of your company’s shares have been traded on a market (such as the London Stock Exchange) during the confirmation period. Most small private companies will select “No,” but this must still be formally confirmed.

3: What Happens If You Don’t File Your Confirmation Statement?

It’s easy to think of the confirmation statement as just another routine task, but forgetting to file it or filing it late can have serious consequences for your business.

1. It’s a Legal Requirement.

By law, every limited company and LLP in the UK must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months — even if nothing has changed. Failure to do so means your company is in breach of the Companies Act 2006.

2. Potential Penalties and Prosecution.

Currently, there isn’t a direct fine for late submission, but Companies House can and does take enforcement action. Directors can be prosecuted, and in some cases, you could face a personal fine of up to £5,000. Yes, that’s right — it’s not the company that pays, it’s you as a director.

3. The Company Could Be Struck Off.

One of the most severe consequences is that Companies House can begin proceedings to remove your company from the register. If struck off, your business will cease to exist as a legal entity. Any remaining assets can be claimed by the Crown — and restoring a company after dissolution is costly and time-consuming.

4. New Changes: Late Filing Penalties Are Coming.

As part of Companies House reforms aimed at tightening corporate transparency and accountability, late filing penalties for confirmation statements are expected to be introduced. These changes haven’t been implemented yet but are on the horizon. When they do come into effect, forgetting to file on time will likely hit your bottom line — just like missing your tax return deadline.

5. Reputational Damage.

If someone (such as a lender, investor, or potential partner) checks your record and sees your confirmation statement is overdue, it raises red flags about how seriously you take compliance and governance. It may lead to missed opportunities or reduced trust in your business.

In short, filing your confirmation statement isn’t optional, and the risks of ignoring it are too significant to overlook.

4. What Happens If You Don’t File It?

Ignoring your confirmation statement isn’t just risky—it can land you and your company in serious trouble.

First, let’s be clear: filing your confirmation statement is a legal requirement, not an optional task. Failing to submit it on time means your company is officially non-compliant, and that has real consequences.

1. Your Company Can Be Struck Off the Register.

Companies House has the power to strike your business off the register, meaning it will legally cease to exist. That’s right; your company can be dissolved simply by not submitting this one document.

And once your company is struck off:

• You lose access to the company’s bank account.
• All remaining assets could become the property of the Crown.
• You’ll have to go through a complex and costly restoration process—if it’s even possible.

2. Personal Prosecution and Fines.

Directors are held personally responsible. Failing to file on time could lead to:

• Criminal prosecution.
• Personal fines of up to £5,000.
• A permanent mark against your record as a company director.

This isn’t just an admin error—it’s a compliance issue with real legal and financial penalties.

3. Your Business Reputation Suffers

Late filings are visible to the public, including:

• Customers
• Suppliers
• Banks
• Potential investors

If they see you’re not meeting basic compliance obligations, they may lose confidence in doing business with you.

With new enforcement rules and tighter oversight coming soon, submitting your confirmation statement on time has never been more critical. Don’t leave it to chance—make sure you file, and file accurately.

5. What Changes Are Coming?

Companies House is undergoing one of the biggest overhauls in its history. As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, new rules are being introduced to make UK company data more transparent, accurate, and secure. And that includes major changes to the confirmation statement.

Upcoming Changes to the Confirmation Statement Process in the UK.

1. Mandatory Identity Verification (Autumn 2025).

All company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and individuals delivering documents to Companies House will need to verify their identity. Voluntary verification begins in March 2025, with compulsory verification for new appointments and filings from autumn 2025. Existing officers and PSCs must complete verification within a 12-month transition period. 

2. Registered Email Address Requirement.

Companies must provide a registered email address for official communications with Companies House. This requirement took effect from 4 March 2024 and must be included with the next confirmation statement filing if not already provided. 

3. Lawful Purpose Statement.

Companies must confirm that their intended future activities are lawful in each confirmation statement. This requirement has been in force since 4 March 2024.  

4. Increased Financial Penalties for Late Filing.

Companies House now has the power to impose financial penalties for late filing of confirmation statements. Penalties are not automatic; a warning notice is issued, giving 28 days to respond before a fine is levied. Fines range from £250 to £2,000, depending on previous late filings.

5. Changes to Registered Office Rules.

Companies must use a registered office address that is not a PO Box or a third-party address unless explicit consent is given.

This requirement is already in force and must be confirmed with each filing. 

6. Abolition of Certain Statutory Registers (Autumn 2025)

From autumn 2025, companies will no longer be required to maintain certain statutory registers, as Companies House will hold this information centrally. 

7. Registration of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

ACSPs will be authorised to carry out identity verification and must be registered and supervised under UK anti-money laundering regulations. 

How Rule 29 Can Help.

Submitting a confirmation statement might seem straightforward, but with the new Companies House regulations, the stakes are higher, and the margin for error is smaller. That’s where we come in.

At Rule 29, we don’t just tick boxes—we help you stay compliant, informed, and protected.

We Keep You on Track.

We proactively monitor your filing deadlines and send reminders so you’re never caught off guard. Our team will prepare and file your confirmation statement accurately and on time, ensuring all the new requirements are fully met.

We Review Your Company Information.

Before filing, we conduct a full review of:

• Director and shareholder records
• SIC codes
• PSC register details
• Registered email and office addresses

This reduces your risk of non-compliance and ensures your public data reflects the reality of your business.

We Help You Understand Your Filing.

No jargon, no guesswork. We explain what each section of your confirmation statement means and why it matters, so you stay in control without drowning in admin.

🔐 We Safeguard Your Business.

With new powers being granted to Companies House, even simple filing errors could result in penalties, reputational damage, or worse—striking off. We act as your buffer, keeping you compliant and confident.

Rule 29 is more than an accountant—we’re your business compliance partner. Let us take the stress out of filing so you can focus on running and growing your business.