Changes that affect your confirmation statements
The Confirmation Statement – Replacing the Annual Return
Where UK limited companies and LLPs were required to file an annual return they will now be required to complete a new form, the confirmation statement, which is to be filed at Companies House.
This is one of the many changes that have been brought in by the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 – other important changes in this legislation include the requirement for companies to keep a Persons of Significant Control Register (PSC Register) and a ban on corporate directors.
Filling out the confirmation statement
The confirmation statement requires at least the following information: company number; company name; and confirmation date. Further information must be added to the confirmation statement if any changes need to be made to the company’s: standard industrial classification (SIC code); statement of capital; PSC Register; or shareholders information. This makes the confirmation statement a much wider ranging document than the old annual return. It is important that you take proper advice to ensure that all the required information is included in the confirmation statement.
If you are filing your first confirmation statement the company must provide details for the PSC Register – this can be quite a tricky area and should be treated with caution.
When to file the confirmation statement?
Confirmation statements can be filed at any time to update the records at Companies House. However, there is requirement that confirmation statements are filed at least once every 12 months.
The first confirmation statement for existing companies must be filed within 12 months of the last filed annual return.
For new companies, the first confirmation statement must be filed within 12 months from the date of incorporation.
Is there a filing fee?
The fee for the confirmation statement is £13 when filed online or £40 when filed on paper – this is the same as for annual returns.
The fee covers the whole 12 month filing period and allows you to file as many confirmation statements as required without having to pay the fee again.
Consequences of failure to file the confirmation statement in time
Failing to file your confirmation statement within 14 days of the end of the review period is a criminal offence and the company and its officers may be prosecuted.
If you would like any more information in relation to this article then please feel free to contact me via email: krishen.patel@bowlinglaw.co.uk
