Keeping your company records up to date is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. One of the critical obligations for UK companies is to inform Companies House of any changes to directors. The annual confirmation statement offers a structured way to verify and update these details. But how exactly does this process work? Let’s dive in.

Introduction

Notifying Companies House about changes to your company’s directors is more than just a formal obligation. It ensures transparency and protects stakeholders’ interests. The annual confirmation statement provides an efficient way to fulfill this duty while verifying other essential company details.

What Is the Confirmation Statement?

The confirmation statement, also known as CS01, is an annual return filed with Companies House. Its primary purpose is to confirm that the information held about your company is accurate and up to date. This document covers:

• Directors’ details.
• Registered office address.
• Shareholders and shareholding structure.

Why Notify Companies House About Changes?

Failing to notify Companies House of director changes can lead to legal penalties and reputational damage. Moreover, keeping these records updated ensures compliance with the Companies Act 2006, safeguarding your business operations.

Types of Director Changes That Need to Be Reported

1. Appointments: Adding new directors.
2. Resignations: When a director steps down.
3. Changes in Personal Details: Updates like address or name changes.

When Can Director Changes Be Notified?

You can notify Companies House:

• During the Confirmation Statement Filing: Ideal for minor updates.
• Using Separate Forms: For urgent updates outside the annual schedule, use forms like AP01 for appointments or TM01 for terminations.

Preparing to File the Confirmation Statement

Ensure you have the following ready:

• Director details (e.g., full name, date of birth, service address).
• Access to your Companies House account.
• The £13 online filing fee or £40 postal fee.

Steps to Notify Companies House Through the Confirmation Statement

1. Log In: Access your Companies House WebFiling account.
2. Select the Confirmation Statement: Navigate to your company profile.
3. Update Director Details: Edit the relevant sections.
4. Review and Submit: Double-check for accuracy before filing.

Filing the Confirmation Statement Online vs. By Post

• Online: Faster, cheaper, and eco-friendly.
• By Post: Suitable for those without digital access but slower.

Fees and Deadlines

The confirmation statement filing fee is £13 online or £40 by post. It must be filed annually within 14 days of the due date to avoid penalties.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Double-check the spelling of names and addresses.
• Always save changes before exiting the portal.

What Happens After You Submit the Confirmation Statement?

Once submitted, Companies House reviews and updates public records. You’ll receive a confirmation email when the process is complete.

Why Use the Annual Confirmation Statement?

Filing changes through the annual confirmation statement in the uk  can be convenient if you’re close to your filing deadline and need to report updates along with your regular annual review. However, if the changes are urgent or time-sensitive, it’s best to notify Companies House immediately using the appropriate forms. To submit your confirmation statement, you’ll need to log in to your Companies House WebFiling account. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one on the Companies House website.

Review Your Company’s Current Details

Before you begin, gather the necessary information about your company and its directors. This includes:

• The full names and addresses of directors
• Dates of appointment, resignation, or changes
• Any changes to directors’ personal details, such as address or nationality

Prepare the Confirmation Statement (CS01)

The confirmation statement is filed using the CS01 form. When completing the form:

• Review the existing information held by Companies House.
• If there have been changes to directors, include these updates in the relevant sections of the form.

Update Director Information

Within the confirmation statement, you’ll find sections dedicated to:

• Adding new directors
• Removing directors who have resigned
• Amending details of current directors (e.g., updated addresses)

Ensure all information is accurate and complete. Errors can lead to penalties or delays in processing.

Pay the Filing Fee

To submit your confirmation statement, you must pay a small filing fee. As of 2025, the fee is:

• £13 for online submissions
• £40 for paper submissions

Online filing is faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Once you’ve reviewed all details and paid the fee, submit your confirmation statement. You’ll receive a confirmation email from Companies House once the submission is processed.

What Happens After Filing?

After filing the confirmation statement, Companies House will update your company’s public record to reflect the changes in directors. You can check the updated information on the Companies House website to ensure everything is correct.

Key Points to Remember

• Timeliness: While you can notify Companies House of director changes through the confirmation statement, it’s better to report these changes immediately using the appropriate forms if they are urgent.
• Accuracy: Double-check all information before submitting your confirmation statement. Mistakes can lead to fines or compliance issues.
• Annual Obligation: Even if there are no changes to report, you must still file a confirmation statement each year to confirm your company’s details.

Conclusion

The confirmation statement is a critical tool for keeping your company’s records transparent and compliant. By following the steps outlined here, you can notify Companies House of director changes seamlessly while avoiding unnecessary complications.

FAQs

1. Can I update director details without a confirmation statement?
   Yes, you can use forms like AP01 or TM01.
2. What if I miss the deadline for filing the confirmation statement?
   Late filing can lead to penalties and potential legal action.
3. Is there a penalty for incorrect information?
   Incorrect details may result in fines or further inquiries.
4. Can I file the confirmation statement for free?
   No, a fee of £13 (online) or £40 (postal) applies.
5. How long does it take for updates to reflect on public records?
   Updates typically appear within 24-48 hours for online filings.