The rules governing identity verification for filing a confirmation statement have undergone substantial changes as a result of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This legislation introduces mandatory identity verification for both directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) within a company.

These requirements are designed to enhance corporate transparency and combat economic crime by ensuring that the individuals who are in key positions of power and influence within a business are properly identified and verified. As a result, companies must now implement more rigorous procedures to confirm the identities of these individuals to comply with the new regulations.

Purpose: The primary goal of this process is to authenticate an individual’s identity to effectively combat fraud, money laundering, and the misuse of identities of either fictitious or deceased individuals in the public register.

By establishing a verified connection between a legitimate person and their designated roles within companies—such as a director or a Person with Significant Control (PSC)—this system ensures transparency and accountability in corporate governance. This verification not only helps maintain the integrity of the business environment but also safeguards the interests of stakeholders by ensuring that companies operate under the oversight of real, responsible individuals.

Process: Individuals can verify their identity directly with Companies House by utilizing the GOV.UK One Login service or by engaging with an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. During this process, they are required to present a form of photographic identification, which can include a valid passport or a UK driving license. This verification is an essential step to ensure the authenticity of the individual and to maintain the integrity of the registration process. By employing these secure methods, Companies House aims to protect against fraud and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Outcome: Upon successful verification, each individual is provided with a unique personal IDV code. This code is exclusively assigned to the individual and is not associated with the company itself, ensuring that it remains confidential and personal.

Frequency: The process of identity verification usually takes place just once for each individual. After successfully completing this procedure, you will receive a personal code. This code serves as a unique identifier and will be utilized for all relevant filings and transactions going forward, ensuring a streamlined and secure approach to managing your personal information.

Confirmation Statement.
Purpose: The confirmation statement, which was formerly referred to as the annual return, is a crucial document that companies must submit to Companies House at least once every 12 months. This statement serves to verify that the information recorded on the public register accurately reflects the current status of the company.

By filing this statement, companies ensure that critical details—such as the registered office address, the names and roles of directors and secretaries, the identities of shareholders, and those designated as people with significant control (PSCs)—are both complete and up to date. This process is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in corporate governance, as well as for protecting the interests of stakeholders and the public. Failure to file the confirmation statement on time can lead to penalties, including fines and potential legal repercussions, highlighting the importance of timely compliance.

Process: The company, or an appointed agent, carefully fills out either an online or paper form. This process involves verifying and confirming that all details pertaining to the company, as recorded by Companies House, are accurate and up to date. The agent or representative ensures that every piece of information, including the company’s name, registration number, and registered address, is correct to maintain compliance with legal requirements and to facilitate efficient communication with regulatory bodies.

Outcome: The statement has been officially documented in the public record, clearly highlighting the company’s adherence to its ongoing reporting obligations as mandated by regulatory authorities. This transparency is essential for maintaining stakeholder trust and ensuring compliance with applicable financial and operational standards.

Key Difference. Identity verification is a crucial one-time process that ensures the acknowledgment of an individual’s real-world existence and confirms their identity through various means, such as government-issued identification documents and biometric data. This procedure is vital for establishing trust in various transactions, especially within corporate environments.

On the other hand, a confirmation statement is a mandatory annual filing that serves to validate the accuracy and completeness of a company’s statutory information recorded in the official register. This information typically includes the company’s registered address, details of its directors and shareholders, and particulars about share capital.

Recent regulatory changes have created a direct link between these two processes. Specifically, a successful identity verification process is now a prerequisite for companies intending to file their confirmation statements. To do this, companies must utilize the unique personal code generated from the identity verification process.

Failure to adhere to the identity verification requirements will prevent a company from filing its confirmation statement, leading to potential legal implications, including fines and penalties, which can significantly impact the company’s operations and reputation. It is, therefore, essential for businesses to ensure compliance with these new regulations to maintain their standing in the marketplace.

Third-party filers required to obtain authorization as Authorized Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) in order to submit documents on behalf of their clients. This new regulation mandates that these providers take responsibility for verifying the identities of the clients they represent. Non-compliance with identity verification requirements is classified as an offence and may lead to various consequences, including rejected filings, financial penalties, or potential disqualification of directors from their positions.

For a company to successfully file its confirmation statement, it is essential that all relevant directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) have undergone the identity verification (IDV) process, which includes providing their unique identification codes. Operating as a director or PSC with an unverified identity after the designated compliance date constitutes an offence, which could result in substantial fines or disqualification from serving in that capacity.

The IDV process is designed as a one-time requirement for individuals, with the assurance that the same unique personal code can be utilized for all their roles across various companies. This means that once verified, individuals will not need to undergo the IDV process again for different corporate roles, streamlining compliance efforts.

In summary, these new regulations aim to establish a comprehensive and mandatory pre-filing identity verification system that significantly enhances transparency and helps mitigate instances of fraud. This represents a substantial departure from the previous, less rigorous verification standards. The initiative not only seeks to bolster the integrity of the Companies House register but also reflects a shift towards stronger governance and accountability in corporate practices.

Who needs to be verified? The following individuals are required to verify their identity as part of regulatory compliance:

1. Company Directors:
   This includes all current directors and any proposed directors at the time the company is incorporated. Directors are responsible for overseeing the company’s operations and making key management decisions.
2. Persons with Significant Control (PSCs):
   These are individuals who own or control more than 25% of the company’s shares or voting rights, or who otherwise have substantial influence over the company’s management and strategic direction. This ensures transparency regarding who is ultimately in control of the company.
3. Members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs):
   This includes both general and designated members of the LLP. Designated members have specific responsibilities, including filing statutory documents and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
4. Individuals Filing Information on Behalf of a Company or LLP:
   This encompasses anyone who is authorized to submit reports, applications, or other documentation required by law for either a company or an LLP, ensuring that all necessary identity verification is upheld during these transactions.

Verifying these identities helps maintain the integrity and accountability of business operations within the regulatory framework.

Existing directors are required to confirm that they have completed the verification of their identity at the same time they submit their next annual confirmation statement following 18 November 2025. This step is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining the integrity of corporate governance.

For existing Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) who do not hold a directorship, identity verification must be completed within 14 days from the commencement of the month of their next birthday after 18 November 2025. For instance, if a PSC’s birthday falls on 27 January 2026, they must ensure that their identity verification is completed no later than 14 January 2026. This process is important to uphold transparency and accountability within the organizational structure.

An Authorized Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) plays a crucial role in facilitating the identity verification process for the confirmation statement, which is now a mandatory requirement for filings starting November 18, 2025. ACSPs are officially authorized to conduct identity verifications on behalf of clients for Companies House. This authority allows them to perform essential checks to validate the identities of company directors and other key personnel, including Persons with Significant Control (PSC), thus alleviating individuals from the complexities of this process.

By engaging the services of an ACSP, you can effectively meet the individual identity verification requirement mandated by Companies House. The ACSP will take on the responsibility of filing the confirmation statement and other critical documentation. This streamlines the process and ensures compliance, enabling businesses to focus on their core operations instead of navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

In the absence of an ACSP, individuals would have to undergo a more labor-intensive process, which includes verifying their identity independently through a GOV.UK service or in person at a Post Office. After successfully completing this verification, they would also need to secure a "personal code" from Companies House—a step that adds additional time and frustration to the filing process. The ACSP simplifies this by managing all aspects of identity verification and submission on your behalf, thereby ensuring adherence to the precise standards set forth by Companies House.

Once the identity verification is finalized, the ACSP is equipped to submit the confirmation statement along with any other necessary documents to Companies House for your company. Coddan CPM specializes in providing comprehensive identity verification services, ensuring that your UK entity navigates compliance with all mandatory requirements efficiently and effectively. With their expertise, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your filings are in capable hands.

The Form CS01 Confirmation Statement became the dominant method for filing when it replaced the Annual Return (Form AR01) on June 30, 2016. At that time, Companies House encouraged online filing by making it cheaper and simpler than the paper alternative.

The introduction of the Confirmation Statement (CS01) streamlined the annual reporting process. The old Annual Return required a company to re-submit all its information to Companies House every year, even if nothing had changed. The move solidified electronic filing as the dominant method by creating a simpler process that incentivized online submissions with lower fees. The previous system required companies to submit an Annual Return. This process could become complicated and involved submitting multiple paper forms if there were any changes to the company’s details, such as changes to share capital or shareholders.

The new, simplified process, combined with a lower fee for filing online, accelerated the move toward electronic submissions. Subsequent changes to the law have further solidified electronic filing as the norm. For example, as of March 2024, all companies must provide a registered email address to Companies House for official communications. This change was part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to increase corporate transparency and combat economic crime by requiring more secure digital communication.

The online filing system is faster and less prone to errors than paper submissions. The system is designed to be straightforward for companies to review their information and make the necessary confirmation. Electronic submissions have reduced the administrative burden on Companies House, leading to faster processing times and more up-to-date public records. Paper forms are an alternative, but they are more costly and take longer to process than online submissions.

In order to file a confirmation statement (CS01) in the UK, visit the Companies House website, log in to your company’s online account, and verify that all registered details are accurate. The statement must be submitted at least once every 12 months, even if no changes have occurred. You can access any templates needed for filing confirmation statements and annual accounts through our user-friendly filing platform. Filing a confirmation statement online with us is quick and straightforward; it takes a maximum of one day and costs only £75 plus VAT, which includes Companies House fees.

Key Takeaways

When do I need to file a confirmation statement?

You must submit a confirmation statement at least once annually, and it must be received by Companies House no later than 14 days after the conclusion of your 12-month review period.
You can submit a confirmation statement at any time during the review period, which will establish a new 12-month review period.
If you don’t file a confirmation statement, you can face penalties, including fines of up to £5,000, and your company could be struck off the register and dissolved.
Failing to file an annual confirmation statement is a criminal offense, and directors can be personally fined or prosecuted in the criminal courts.

Get Your Confirmation Statement Filed for £75 Follow the Next Easy Step to Start

To use the online service, ensure you have your company’s registration number and a valid Companies House authentication code. This code is sent to your registered office address and can be requested from Companies House if you have lost it. Starting in March 2024, you will also need to provide a registered email address and confirm that the company’s future activities will be lawful. If you fail to file on time, you may incur a financial penalty for your company and its directors, and Companies House could even remove the company from the register.

Filing the company confirmation statement online: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) want all companies to pay the right amount of tax, and takes reasonable steps to help companies meet their tax obligations.

For companies who are filing company accounts of less than £6.5 million turnover to Companies House, or a tax return to HMRC with turnover under £632,000, Coddan recommends using the HMRC online portal. The online service is the easiest way to submit your limited company, charity or association’s tax return. Paper returns (CT600) are being phased out, and you may only complete this if you’ve had extenuating circumstances affecting your ability to file online.

Before you begin, ensure you have your private company’s statutory accounts to hand. You’ll also need to be registered for a Government Gateway user ID and password, and have a password and authentication code with Companies House.

It’s vitally important that you don’t leave it until the last minute to file your tax return. Keeping your accounts up to date throughout the year, and giving yourself plenty of time to complete the tax return will make the process much simpler. Your company will be liable for fines if you file late or fail to complete your tax return. Contact the experts at Coddan for help, who will guide you through the process.

Filing a Confirmation Statement for your company can be a daunting task, especially for those without the necessary expertise and understanding of the process. In the UK, filing a Confirmation Statement is a statutory requirement that must be completed accurately and on time. Failure to do so can lead to legal consequences for your company and its officers, and your company could even be removed from the Companies House register.

We can alleviate the stress of filing your annual return for a fixed fee of just £75, excluding VAT. Additionally, if you are late in filing and face potential fines, or if Companies House is in the process of striking off your company due to failure to submit a Confirmation Statement, we can assist you. We will communicate with Companies House on your behalf to resolve these issues.

— e-File Electronically Through the e-Registry System —
We provide a timely way to file your final annual confirmation statement (annual return) on the gov.uk accurately and inexpensively for all types of businesses. In the UK, a company’s Annual Return has been replaced by two separate, mandatory filings: the Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts. Companies can file annual returns (confirmation statements) either electronically through the e-Registry system, our submit the CS01-Form by post. A company authentication code is a unique six-character alphanumeric identifier used as an e-signature for online filings at Companies House. To instant file a confirmation statement, you will need to supply the company number and unique authentication code and select the CH e-File option.

We offer the fastest and cheapest instant e-filing of annual confirmation statements with Companies House for your limited by shares or limited by guarantee companies. Coddan provides the quickest and most cost-effective solution for instant electronic filing of annual confirmation statements with Companies House.

Whether you operate a limited by shares or a limited by guarantee company, our streamlined process ensures that your filings are completed efficiently and accurately. With our expert assistance, you can effortlessly meet your statutory obligations while saving time and money, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Experience peace of mind knowing that your compliance needs are in reliable hands with Coddan.

Confirmation Statements: Everything You Need to Know
Until June 29, 2016, all UK Limited Companies were required by law to file an Annual Return. However, as of June 30, 2016, Companies House replaced the requirement for an Annual Return with a Confirmation Statement. The purpose of a Confirmation Statement is the same as that of the Annual Return: to ensure that Companies House has accurate information about your company.

From a regulatory and compliance perspective, the Confirmation Statement is a crucial document that must be filed at least once a year. It is essential to inform Companies House of any changes to your company since your last update. The changes that you must report include:

1. Changes to directors or secretaries, including any changes to their correspondence or residential addresses.
2. Changes to your business’s trading activities.
3. Changes to the amount of share capital issued.
4. Changes in share ownership.
5. Changes to persons who control the company.
6. Changes to your company’s registered address.

When do you need to file your company’s Confirmation Statement?
A Confirmation Statement must be submitted at least once a year. You can find the exact filing dates on the Companies House website under your company overview. If you have a virtual office subscription with us, we will send you filing reminders to ensure you don’t miss your deadlines. In some cases, you may need to file the statement early, such as when you appoint a new shareholder to your company. Filing early may also affect your next filing date.

What are the consequences of not filing a Confirmation Statement?
Filing a Confirmation Statement is a legal obligation. If you fail to submit your statement accurately and by the due date, both your company and its officers may face prosecution. Additionally, your company may be removed from the Companies House register.

How We Can Help You?
Filing confirmation statements can be confusing and complicated if you don’t have the relevant expertise and knowledge. That’s where we come in! We can help you file your Confirmation Statement quickly and without any hassle, all at a very low price. Our fees are lower than those charged by any High Street accountant or other online service providers. We are confident that you will not find a more affordable Confirmation Statement filing service.

Our goal is to file your Confirmation Statement within 1 business day of receiving your order and verifying your documents. If you have missing documents or codes from Companies House, we will assist you in obtaining them for free, at no additional cost.

If your statement is overdue and Companies House is in the process of issuing a fine, prosecuting you for late filing, or has started strike-off action to dissolve your company, we will speak to them on your behalf. Our aim is to help resolve the issue, get your fine waived, and secure an extension for filing your statement.

The confirmation statement (form CS01) verifies your company’s details as registered at Companies House during incorporation and displayed on the public register. We can also assist you with filing your confirmation statement offline via paper application. For more information, please reach out to us at info@coddn.co.uk.

Coddan, a leading expert in company formation, provides comprehensive support to hundreds of businesses each year, ensuring they meet their legal obligation to file precise confirmation statements on time. Our specialized services include detailed guidance on the preparation and submission of these statements, which also encompass essential information regarding Persons of Significant Control (PSC).

By partnering with Coddan, companies can navigate the complexities of corporate compliance confidently and avoid potential penalties for late or inaccurate filings. Before submitting the confirmation statement, verify that all your company’s information, including directors, registered office address, and people with significant control (PSCs), is accurate and current. You can either file online using your Companies House password or code, or you can download and submit a form by post.

iXBRL is a technical standard that combines human-readable HTML with machine-readable tags, making financial data accessible to both people and computers. Companies utilize iXBRL to file their annual financial accounts and corporation tax returns with HMRC. Starting from April 2027, Companies House will require financial accounts to be filed using software with iXBRL tagging. You must submit a CT600 form with iXBRL accounts to HMRC within 12 months of the end of your accounting period. iXBRL is the format required by HMRC for limited company owners and taxpayers when filing company accounts and tax returns.

You can create a cheap limited by shares company online with confirmation statement filing by using a company formation agent’s package. Opt for a package that includes both the formation of a limited by shares company and the filing of the first confirmation statement If you don’t want to use your personal address for the registered office, consider a package that includes a virtual office service, which is often an additional cost.