Confirmation Statement (CS01): What It Is and How to File It in 2026
Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement with Companies House at least once a year. This applies even if the company is dormant or has not traded. The statement is short, but missing it can lead to a penalty and, in the worst case, the company being struck off the register.
In this guide we explain what the confirmation statement covers, when it is due, what it costs and the new identity verification step that now applies to every filing.
What is a confirmation statement?
A confirmation statement (form CS01) confirms that the information Companies House holds about your company is correct and up to date.
When you file, you check and confirm:
- the registered office address
- the directors and company secretary (if you have one)
- the people with significant control (PSCs)
- the statement of capital and shareholder information
- the SIC code that describes your business activity
- the registered email address
- a statement that the company’s intended future activities are lawful
If something has changed, such as a new director, you may need to report it separately before or alongside the confirmation statement.
When is the confirmation statement due?
Your company has a 12-month review period. For your first statement, it starts on the date the company was incorporated. After that, it starts from the date of your last confirmation statement.
You must file within 14 days after the review period ends. You can find your exact due date on the company’s page on the Companies House register.
You can file early if you wish. If you do, your next review period starts again from the new date you choose.
How much does it cost?
Companies House charges a fee for the first confirmation statement in each 12-month period:
| Filing method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online or through filing software | £50 |
| Paper form CS01 by post | £110 |
These fees apply from February 2026. Online filing is cheaper and is usually processed faster.
The new identity verification step
Since 18 November 2025, every director must verify their identity with Companies House. When you file the confirmation statement, you need to give each director’s Companies House personal code and confirm that their identity has been verified.
For existing companies, this check is usually made at the next confirmation statement. If a director has not yet verified their identity, the statement cannot be completed until they do. People with significant control have their own 14-day window to provide their personal code. Our identity verification guide explains the steps.
How to file the confirmation statement
- Check the company details on the Companies House register.
- Make sure every director has a verified identity and a personal code.
- Sign in to the Companies House online service with the company authentication code, or ask an authorised agent to file for you.
- Review each section: registered office, officers, PSCs, shareholders, SIC code and registered email address.
- Confirm that the company’s intended future activities are lawful.
- Pay the fee and submit.
What happens if you file late?
If you do not file, Companies House may issue a financial penalty of up to £5,000 and may strike the company off the register.
If your deadline has passed, file as soon as possible. Contact us if you are unsure what to report.
Quick checklist before you file
- Due date checked on the Companies House register
- Company authentication code to hand
- Every director has a verified identity and a personal code
- Registered office address and registered email address are correct
- Director, PSC and shareholder details are up to date
- SIC code still describes what the company does
- Any changes during the year have been reported
Frequently asked questions
Does a dormant company need to file a confirmation statement?
Yes. Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, even if it is dormant or has not traded.
How much does a confirmation statement cost in 2026?
The Companies House fee is £50 if you file online or through filing software, and £110 if you send a paper form CS01 by post.
When is my confirmation statement due?
You must file within 14 days after the end of your 12-month review period. Your exact due date is shown on your company’s page on the Companies House register.
Can I file the confirmation statement if a director has not verified their identity?
No. Companies House will not accept the confirmation statement until every director has verified their identity. The statement must include each director’s Companies House personal code.
What happens if I do not file the confirmation statement?
Companies House may issue a financial penalty, which can be repeated for each day the statement remains unfiled, and the company may be struck off the register.
Can an agent file the confirmation statement for me?
Yes. An authorised agent, such as a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), can file it on your company’s behalf.
How we can help
As an AAT Licensed practice and a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP, Agent No. AP020720), we can check your company details, help directors with identity verification and file the confirmation statement for you. We work in English and Turkish.
See our confirmation statement service or get an instant quote with our pricing calculator.
This article is general information based on Companies House guidance as of October 2026. It is not personal advice. Fees and rules can change, so please check GOV.UK or speak to us about your own situation.