Confirmation Statement Late Filing Penalty
A confirmation statement is an annual Companies House filing used to confirm that a company's registered information is accurate and up to date. Missing the filing deadline can result in financial penalties, enforcement action and, ultimately, the company being struck off the register. For UK companies and international owners, dealing with a late confirmation statement promptly can help prevent the situation from becoming more serious.
Is There a Penalty for a Late Confirmation Statement?
Yes. Companies House can issue a financial penalty when a confirmation statement is not filed on time. Unlike the standard late filing penalty regime for annual accounts, confirmation statement penalties are handled under Companies House's broader financial penalty and enforcement powers.
Companies House guidance states that a company can be fined up to £5,000 for failing to file its confirmation statement and may also face strike-off action.
Under the current enforcement approach, additional penalties can potentially be issued while a confirmation statement remains outstanding.
What to Do If Your Confirmation Statement Is Late
If your confirmation statement deadline has passed, the priority should be to bring the company's record up to date.
The process generally involves:
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Checking the company's confirmation statement deadline
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Reviewing the company's registered information
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Updating directors and secretary information where necessary
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Checking PSC information
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Reviewing the registered office and other company details
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Completing the confirmation statement
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Paying the applicable filing fee
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Submitting the statement to Companies House as soon as possible
Do not assume that a company does not need to file because there have been no changes. Every company must file a confirmation statement at least once every year.
How Much Does a Confirmation Statement Cost?
The standard Companies House filing fee is currently £50 when filed online and £110 when filed on paper.
The filing fee is separate from any financial penalty that Companies House may impose for failing to comply with the filing requirement.
Can a Late Confirmation Statement Be Appealed?
Confirmation statement penalties are different from the automatic late filing penalties that apply to company accounts.
If Companies House has issued a financial penalty for a confirmation statement offence, the appropriate appeal process depends on the type of penalty and the legal basis on which it was issued.
The company should review the penalty notice carefully and respond within the applicable timeframe rather than simply ignoring it.
What Happens If You Keep Ignoring the Filing?
Failing to resolve an overdue confirmation statement can create increasingly serious compliance problems.
Companies House may issue further penalties, and the registrar can take steps towards striking the company off the register.
Persistent or serious non-compliance can also expose company directors to enforcement action.
Late Confirmation Statement for an Overseas Company
International businesses with UK corporate structures should also monitor their Companies House filing obligations carefully.
Where an overseas company has a UK establishment, relevant Companies House filings must be maintained. An overseas entity holding UK property may also have separate Register of Overseas Entities obligations.
Fraser Bond can help international investors and businesses coordinate UK corporate administration and compliance requirements.
Professional Help With Companies House Penalties
A late confirmation statement can involve more than simply submitting an overdue form. The company's records should be reviewed to ensure that the information being confirmed is accurate.
Fraser Bond can provide practical support with Companies House administration, confirmation statements, registered office arrangements, director and PSC administration and coordination with accountants or other professional advisers.
Resolve Your Late Confirmation Statement
If your confirmation statement is overdue, acting quickly is the most practical approach. Bringing the filing up to date can help prevent additional enforcement and keep the company's Companies House record compliant.
Fraser Bond supports UK companies, overseas businesses and international property investors with ongoing corporate administration and compliance coordination.
Why Choose Fraser Bond?
Fraser Bond combines UK corporate administration with property and international business expertise. This provides practical support for businesses that need to resolve overdue Companies House matters and maintain their corporate records going forward.
