How to File a Confirmation Statement Online Quickly?

Running a business involves many administrative tasks, some of which can seem overwhelming, especially when they are legal requirements. One of these essential tasks is filing a confirmation statement with Companies House. Every year, all UK-registered companies must submit this statement, which ensures that their official information remains up-to-date. While the idea of filing might seem tedious, understanding how to file a confirmation statement online can help streamline the process and save you time.

In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of filing a confirmation statement online quickly and easily. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a newcomer to the process, this guide will give you the tools you need to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and ensure your business runs smoothly.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

Before diving into the details of how to file a confirmation statement, let’s first establish what it is. A confirmation statement is a legal document that must be submitted annually to Companies House in the UK. It confirms that the details about your company – including its directors, shareholders, and registered office – are accurate and up-to-date.

The confirmation statement has replaced the old annual return since June 2016. While the annual return was primarily used to update company information, the confirmation statement focuses on confirming that the existing data held by Companies House is still accurate. If there are no changes to the company details during the year, the statement will confirm that everything is correct.

The confirmation statement serves as a key part of a company’s legal compliance, and failing to file it on time can result in fines or even the company being struck off the register.

Key Information Included in a Confirmation Statement

When you file your confirmation statement, you will need to provide specific information about your company. This ensures that Companies House has the most accurate details about your business. The following information is typically included:

Company Details: Basic company information like its name, registration number, and country of incorporation.

Registered Office Address: The official address where all legal documents and correspondence are sent. It must be a valid address within the UK.

Directors and Secretaries: Names and details of the company’s directors and any company secretaries. If there are any changes, they must be updated.

Shareholders and Share Capital: Information about the company’s shareholders, the number of shares, and the share capital. If there have been changes, such as new shares being issued, they must be reflected in the statement.

SIC Code: The Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, which indicates the type of business activities the company engages in.

Persons with Significant Control (PSC): Information about individuals who have significant control over the company, such as shareholders with a large percentage of shares or decision-makers.

How to File a Confirmation Statement Online Quickly?

Filing a confirmation statement online is a simple and efficient process. By submitting it through the Companies House WebFiling service, you can quickly complete the process and ensure your business remains compliant. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to file a confirmation statement online:

Create a WebFiling Account (If You Don’t Have One)

The first step in filing your confirmation statement online is to create an account with Companies House WebFiling if you haven’t already done so. This account will allow you to access your company details, file documents, and make payments online.

Here’s how to create an account:

• Visit the Companies House WebFiling page.
• Click on the “Sign Up” button to create a new account.
• Fill in your company number and a few other details, including your email address and password.
• Once you have registered, Companies House will send you an authentication code by post, which you will need to enter to activate your account.

Log In to WebFiling

Once you’ve set up your account and received your activation code, you can log in to the WebFiling service. This will give you access to your company’s details, allowing you to file various documents, including the confirmation statement.

Navigate to the Confirmation Statement Section

Once logged in, find the section for filing a confirmation statement (also referred to as a CS01). This section will be easy to locate on the dashboard, typically under “File a document” or “Annual Filings.” Click on the relevant option to begin the filing process.

Confirm Company Information

Next, you’ll need to confirm your company’s details. The information provided will already be pre-populated based on the data Companies House holds about your company. This includes:

• Company name
• Registered office address
• Directors and secretaries
• Share capital and shareholder details

Carefully review each section and ensure that the information is up to date. If any changes have occurred over the last 12 months (such as new directors, changes in shareholders, or changes to your business address), make sure these are reflected accurately.

Update Information if Necessary

If any details have changed, such as the appointment or removal of directors, change of address, or changes in share capital, you will need to update these details in the confirmation statement form. If everything is correct, you can proceed to the next step.

Add or Remove Persons with Significant Control (PSC)

One of the requirements of the confirmation statement is to confirm the details of individuals or entities who have significant control over the company (Persons with Significant Control, or PSCs). This could be a person who owns more than 25% of the shares or has more than 25% of the voting rights.

If there have been any changes to the PSCs over the past year, you will need to update this section. Make sure the list of PSCs is accurate and up to date.

Review the Confirmation Statement

Once you have updated all the necessary details, take a moment to carefully review the confirmation statement before submitting it. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and that any changes are correctly reflected.

Submit the Confirmation Statement

After reviewing your confirmation statement, the final step is to submit it to Companies House. You’ll be prompted to confirm that all information is correct, and then you’ll click the “Submit” button.

You will also be required to make a payment for the filing fee, which is typically £13 if you file online. Payments can be made via debit or credit card.

Receive Confirmation

After successfully submitting the confirmation statement, you will receive a confirmation email from Companies House. This email will confirm that your submission has been accepted, and your company’s records have been updated.

Importance of Filing a Confirmation Statement

Now that you know how to file a confirmation statement online quickly, let’s revisit why filing the confirmation statement is so important.

Legal Compliance

Filing a confirmation statement is a legal obligation for all companies in the UK. It is a requirement under the Companies Act 2006, and failing to file on time could lead to penalties or your company being struck off the register.

Keeps Your Company’s Details Up to Date

The confirmation statement ensures that the details about your company are accurate and current. This helps to maintain transparency and allows businesses, investors, and potential partners to access up-to-date information.

Helps Avoid Penalties

Submitting a confirmation statement late can result in penalties. These penalties can increase over time, so it’s crucial to file on time to avoid additional costs. Regular and timely filings help avoid unnecessary financial burdens on your business.

Enhances Corporate Transparency

Filing your confirmation statement helps maintain transparency in your company’s operations. It ensures that directors, shareholders, and other key stakeholders are accurately listed, which is crucial for building trust with investors, clients, and customers.

Benefits of Filing a Confirmation Statement Online

There are numerous benefits to filing your confirmation statement online quickly and efficiently:

Convenience

Filing online is convenient and saves time. You don’t have to worry about paperwork or mailing physical documents. You can complete the process in minutes, all from the comfort of your office or home.

Speed and Efficiency

Online filing is faster than submitting paper forms. Once you’ve reviewed your information, you can submit the confirmation statement and receive confirmation within minutes. This ensures you stay on top of your filing deadlines.

Reduced Risk of Errors

The WebFiling system is designed to guide you through the process step by step, reducing the likelihood of errors. The system will prompt you to check key details, helping you submit a correct and complete confirmation statement.

Cost-Effective

Filing online is more affordable than submitting a paper form. The fee for online submissions is typically lower (£13), while paper submissions can cost up to £40.

Immediate Confirmation

After filing, you’ll receive immediate confirmation that your submission was accepted. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your filing is complete and your company remains compliant.

Conclusion

Filing a confirmation statement online is an essential task for all businesses, and knowing how to file a confirmation statement quickly can save you time and effort. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can ensure your business remains compliant, avoid unnecessary penalties, and maintain accurate public records. The process is straightforward, and with the convenience of online filing, it has never been easier to stay on top of your legal obligations.

Make sure to file your confirmation statement every year, and remember, it’s always better to submit early than to risk missing the deadline. With the right tools and a clear understanding of the process, filing your confirmation statement will be a quick, simple, and efficient task.