What the CS01 confirmation statement is (and what it isn’t)
The CS01 confirmation statement is the yearly “check and confirm” filing that most UK limited companies and LLPs submit to Companies House. Its job is to confirm that the key public details on the register are correct as at a specific date (the “confirmation date”), or to update them before you confirm. Think of it as a snapshot verification, not a set of accounts.
What it is:
- A formal confirmation that your company information is accurate on the Companies House register.
- A way to report certain updates, such as changes to registered office, directors, PSC (people with significant control), SIC codes, and share capital/shareholders (where applicable).
- A recurring requirement, usually every 12 months, even if nothing has changed.
What it isn’t:
- Not your annual accounts (CS01 doesn’t include profit, loss, or balance sheet figures).
- Not a Corporation Tax return (that’s handled separately with HMRC).
- Not a one-off “set and forget” filing; you still need to keep your company details up to date throughout the year.
CS01 filing checklist (quick): confirm your registered office address, officer details, PSC register entries, SIC code(s), and (if relevant) your statement of capital and shareholder information. If anything is wrong, update it first, then submit the confirmation statement and pay the Companies House fee.
CS01 filing checklist: what to review before you confirm and submit
- Company details: Check the company name, registered number and registered office address match your latest Companies House record. If the registered office has changed, update that first so the CS01 reflects the correct address.
- Confirmation date and period: Make sure you’re filing for the right review period and that the confirmation date is correct. You’re confirming information is accurate as at that date, not necessarily “today”.
- People with significant control (PSC): Review each PSC’s name, service address, nature of control and dates. If anything has changed (for example, shareholdings or voting rights), update the PSC register details before confirming.
- Directors and company secretary (if applicable): Verify appointments, resignations, names and service addresses are up to date. If there are changes, file the relevant update forms first, then return to CS01.
- Share capital and shareholders: Confirm the total number of shares, classes, nominal values and currency. Check the statement of capital and shareholder list reflect any allotments, transfers or reorganisations already processed.
- SIC codes: Ensure the business activity codes still fit what the company does. If your activities have shifted, update the SIC codes to avoid mismatches later.
- Trading status and exemptions: If prompted, review any statements about trading on a regulated market or any applicable exemptions and ensure they remain accurate.
- Authentication and payment: Have the Companies House authentication code ready (for online filing) and confirm the filing fee amount and payment method before submitting.
- Internal cross-check: Compare the CS01 summary against your internal registers (PSC register, register of members, director details) to catch typos, date errors and missing updates.
How to file your CS01: online vs paper, costs, timing, and who can submit
Online filing (Companies House WebFiling or software) is usually the quickest option. It guides you through the CS01, helps reduce missed fields, and you’ll typically get an immediate on-screen confirmation plus an email acknowledgement. The fee is generally lower online than by post, and payment is made by card or Companies House account. Use online filing if you want speed, fewer admin steps, and a clearer audit trail.
Paper filing (post the CS01) can suit companies that prefer physical records or have limited access to online tools, but it’s slower and more prone to delays if anything is incomplete. The fee is typically higher for paper submissions. You’ll need to allow time for delivery and processing, and you won’t get instant validation prompts like you do online.
Timing checklist: your confirmation statement is due annually, based on your company’s confirmation date (the “made up to” date). You must file within the filing window shown on Companies House (commonly 14 days after the made up to date). If you’re close to the deadline, online filing is normally safer for timing.
Who can submit: filings are usually made by a company director, company secretary, or an authorised person acting for the company (for example, an accountant or formation agent) using the company’s authentication code for online submissions. For paper, ensure the form is signed as required and that the company details match Companies House records.
Before you submit: confirm your registered office, SIC codes, officer details, and PSC information are up to date; if anything has changed, update those items first (or as part of the CS01 process where applicable).
CS01 FAQs: deadlines, penalties, PSCs, share changes, and what happens after filing
When is the CS01 due?
It’s due every 12 months, based on your company’s confirmation date (the end of your review period). You can file any time during the review period, but it must reach Companies House within 14 days after the confirmation date.
Are there penalties for filing late?
There’s no automatic late-filing fee like annual accounts, but failing to file can trigger reminders, enforcement action, and ultimately prosecution or the company being struck off. If you’ve missed a deadline, filing as soon as possible usually limits escalation.
Do I need to update PSC details on the CS01?
Yes—if your People with Significant Control (PSCs) details have changed during the review period, the CS01 is where you confirm the current position. Some PSC changes must also be notified separately when they happen, so don’t rely on the annual CS01 alone if you’ve had a change mid-year.
What if shares or shareholders changed?
Share transfers, new share issues, or changes to share classes/rights should be reflected. The CS01 includes your statement of capital and shareholder information (for relevant companies). If you’re unsure whether a change affects filings, double-check your registers and any share paperwork before submitting.
What happens after I file?
Companies House updates the public register once processed. You’ll usually get an email confirmation for online filings. Keep a copy of the submission and note the next confirmation date so you can plan your next review period.