What You Need to Know About Late Filing of Confirmation Statement in the UK
Running a company in the UK comes with certain duties. One of these is sending a confirmation statement to Companies House each year. This document tells the government that your company’s details are correct and up to date. If you miss this filing, it is called late filing of confirmation statement. Many small business owners don’t realize how important this step is until they face penalties or risk being struck off the register.
In this article, we’ll explain what happens when you file your confirmation statement late, how to fix it, and how forms like NM01 and documents like a VAT certificate connect to this process. We’ll keep everything simple and clear so that even beginners can understand it easily.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a short report that every UK company must send to Companies House at least once a year. It confirms that the information they have about your business is correct.
It includes details such as:
Company name and number
Registered office address
Company directors and secretaries
Shareholders and share capital
People with significant control (PSC)
You can file your confirmation statement online or by post. It’s a simple form, but missing the deadline can cause big trouble for your business.
What Happens If You File Late?
If you forget to file your confirmation statement on time, it is marked as overdue. Companies House sends reminders, but if you still don’t file, they can take serious action.
Here’s what can happen:
Your company may be removed (struck off) from the Companies House register.
You may face legal penalties, including fines.
Your company’s reputation may be damaged, especially if clients or investors check your company record.
So, it’s always best to file on time to avoid these problems.
How Long Can You Delay Filing?
The confirmation statement is due every 12 months from your last filing date. You have 14 days after the review period ends to submit it. If you go beyond this time, it is officially late.
Even if nothing has changed in your company’s details, you must still file. Many people think they don’t need to submit the statement if no updates are needed, but that’s not true. It’s required by law for every active company.
How to File a Late Confirmation Statement
If your filing is already late, don’t panic. You can still fix it.
Follow these steps:
Log in to your Companies House account.
Check your due date and review your company details.
Complete the CS01 form and submit it online.
Pay the small filing fee (£13 if online, £40 if by post).
Once accepted, your company record will show as “up to date.”
It’s a good idea to file as soon as you realize it’s late. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of your company being removed.
The Role of the NM01 Form
While the CS01 form is used for your confirmation statement, the NM01 form is used when your company wants to change its name. Some business owners confuse the two, but they are very different.
CS01 form: Confirms your company details each year.
NM01 form: Used when you apply to change your company name officially.
If you’re planning a rebrand or updating your company’s name, you’ll need to file an NM01 form. Both forms must be correctly filed to keep your company details current and compliant.
Why the VAT Certificate Matters
If your company is registered for VAT, you’ll also have a VAT certificate issued by HMRC. This document confirms your VAT registration number and shows your business is authorized to charge and claim VAT.
When your company details (like name or address) change, it’s important that these updates match both Companies House and HMRC records. If not, it can cause confusion or delays in tax processing.
So, whenever you file a confirmation statement, make sure your VAT certificate information is also correct.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some errors that can lead to late filings or penalties:
Forgetting the 12-month deadline
Thinking you only need to file if changes occur
Missing reminders from Companies House
Not updating company details before filing
Ignoring overdue notices
Setting a reminder on your calendar or using an accounting service can help avoid these mistakes.
Why You Should File Early
Filing early can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s why:
You’ll avoid the risk of penalties or company removal.
You’ll build trust with clients and partners.
You’ll keep your business compliant with UK law.
You’ll have more time to fix any errors in your records.
If you hire one of the top accountancy firms in the UK, they can handle this process for you. Accountants are familiar with forms like CS01 and NM01 and can ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
Conclusion
Late filing of a confirmation statement might seem like a small issue, but it can have big effects. Companies House takes it seriously, and missing your deadline could even lead to your business being removed from the register.
To stay safe, file your confirmation statement before the due date, keep your VAT certificate up to date, and understand the purpose of other forms like NM01. Staying organized helps your company remain active, trusted, and fully compliant in the UK.
If you find it hard to manage all the filings, you can always reach out to an accountant or firm that understands the process. With the right help, you’ll never have to worry about a late confirmation statement again.