What is a Confirmation Statement?

In the United Kingdom, every registered company has certain legal obligations to fulfill, one of which is submitting an annual confirmation statement to Companies House. This article aims to shed light on what a confirmation statement entails, its significance, and the available options for filing it.

A confirmation statement, formerly known as an annual return, serves as a snapshot of key company information that must be submitted to Companies House on an annual basis. It confirms or updates details about the company's registered office address, director(s), company secretary (if applicable), shareholders, and their respective shareholdings. This statement helps ensure that the public register of companies is accurate and up to date.

The Importance of Filing a Confirmation Statement

Filing a confirmation statement is a legal requirement for all UK companies, regardless of their size or status. It plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability, as well as keeping the public and regulatory bodies informed about the current state of the company. By submitting this statement, companies demonstrate compliance with the legal obligations imposed upon them by the Companies Act 2006.

Filing Options: Standard Accounting and Companies House

Companies have two options when it comes to filing their confirmation statement:

1. Standard Accounting Filing Service:

   Companies can opt to use the filing service provided by Standard Accounting. Standard Accounting is a service provider that specialises in assisting companies with their financial and administrative obligations. Using their services simplifies the filing process, as they guide companies through each step, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

   To file through Standard Accounting, companies need to follow these steps:

   1. Go to the Standard Accounting search page.
   2. Search for your company name or number to locate the correct company details.
   3. Add the "Confirmation Statement" service to your order, indicating your intention to file this particular document.
   4. Proceed to the checkout page to finalise the filing request.

   By utilising Standard Accounting's filing service, companies can streamline the confirmation statement filing process, save time, and have peace of mind knowing that professionals are handling their compliance requirements.

2. Filing Directly with Companies House:

   Companies House, the UK's official registrar of companies, provides an online platform for companies to file their confirmation statements. By accessing the Companies House website, company administrators can complete and submit the necessary information. However, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the filing process and ensure accurate completion of the required fields.

Summary

Filing a confirmation statement is an essential task that UK companies must undertake annually. By doing so, companies fulfill their legal obligations and maintain an accurate public record of their vital information. While companies can choose to file directly with Companies House, third-party service providers like Standard Accounting offer a convenient and efficient alternative, ensuring accurate and compliant filing processes. Regardless of the chosen method, adherence to the legal requirement of filing a confirmation statement is crucial for maintaining transparency and regulatory compliance in the UK corporate landscape.