Confirmation statement overdue – What you need to know

Team Nomi

Apr 08, 2026
7 minutes read

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Running a limited company comes with several filing duties, and one of the most important is submitting a confirmation statement to Companies House. This document confirms that the details of your company are correct and up to date.

If you miss the deadline, you may start worrying about a confirmation statement overdue or possible action from Companies House. While the situation can feel stressful, it is usually easy to fix if you act quickly.

This guide explains what happens when your confirmation statement is overdue, whether there is a penalty, and the steps you should take immediately to avoid further issues.

What is a confirmation statement?

A confirmation statement is a yearly filing that limited companies must submit to Companies House. It confirms that important company details, such as the registered office address, directors, shareholders, and people with significant control, are correct and up to date.

It must be filed at least once every 12 months, even if no company details have changed. If the deadline is missed, the company will have an overdue confirmation statement.

When does a confirmation statement become overdue?

A confirmation statement becomes overdue when it is not filed within the required timeframe set by Companies House.

Every company has a confirmation date, which is usually the anniversary of either:

• • The date the company was formed, or
  • The date the last confirmation statement was filed

You must file your confirmation statement within 14 days after this confirmation date.

For example:

If the statement is not submitted by the deadline, your company will show an overdue confirmation statement on the Companies House register. Although many directors expect a late filing penalty for a confirmation statement,, Companies House does not usually issue a financial penalty.

(According to guidance from the UK government – GOV.UK)

How to check if your confirmation statement is overdue

If you are unsure whether your company filing is late, checking the status is quick and simple.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Companies House website
   Search for your company using the public register.
2. Open your company profile
   You will see important filing information about your business.
3. Look for the confirmation statement section
   This area shows:

• • Your last confirmation statement date
  • The next confirmation date
  • Whether the filing is overdue

If the deadline has passed without a submission, the company record will show an overdue confirmation statement.

Checking regularly helps avoid worrying about a confirmation statement overdue or missing other Companies House deadlines.

Is there a confirmation statement late filing penalty?

One of the most common concerns directors have is whether there is a confirmation statement late-filing penalty.

Unlike annual accounts, Companies House does not normally charge a financial penalty for filing a confirmation statement late. This means there is usually no direct confirmation statement for an overdue fine.

However, this does not mean the filing can be ignored.

Companies House expects every company to keep its records accurate and up to date. If the confirmation statement is overdue and unresolved for a long period, the registrar may take action against the company.

This could include:

• • Warning notices sent to the registered office
  • Public records showing the company as non-compliant
  • Potential strike-off action if the company continues to ignore the requirement

Because of these risks, directors should treat a confirmation statement overdue situation seriously and file the statement as soon as possible.

How to file an overdue confirmation statement

If your company has an overdue confirmation statement, the solution is usually simple: file it as soon as possible.

You can do this in a few steps.

Step 1: Log in to Companies House

Visit the Companies House filing service and log in using your company authentication code.

Step 2: Review company information

Before submitting the confirmation statement, check that the following details are correct:

• • Registered office address
  • Company directors
  • Shareholders
  • People with significant control (PSC)
  • SIC codes (business activity)

Step 3: Update any changes

If any information has changed since the last filing, update these details before confirming the statement.

Step 4: Submit the confirmation statement

Once the information is correct, you can submit the filing online.

You will still need to pay the standard Companies House confirmation statement fee, even if the filing is late.

What happens if your confirmation statement is overdue?

Even though there may not be an immediate confirmation statement overdue fine, failing to file the statement can still create problems for your business.

Here are the possible consequences:

1. Companies House reminder notices

Companies House may send letters or emails reminding the company to submit the statement.

2. Public compliance issues

An overdue confirmation statement will appear on the public company record. This can affect credibility with lenders, investors, or suppliers who review your company information.

3. Risk of company strike-off

If the filing is ignored for a long period, Companies House may start the process of striking the company off the register. If this happens, the company legally ceases to exist.

4. Directors’ responsibility

Company directors have a legal duty to keep filings up to date. Repeated non-compliance may raise concerns about company governance.

How to avoid an overdue confirmation statement in future

Many companies miss the deadline simply because they forget the confirmation date. A few simple steps can prevent an overdue confirmation statement in the future.

1. Set filing reminders

Add the confirmation date to your calendar with alerts a few weeks before the deadline.

2. Monitor company records regularly

Review your company details during the year so the confirmation statement can be filed quickly.

3. Use accounting and compliance software

Many businesses now use digital tools to manage Companies House deadlines. Software such as Company Secretarial Software provides company secretarial tools, reminders, and integrated accounting features that help keep business filings organised.

Using software like this means directors are less likely to miss important deadlines or worry about a confirmation statement being overdue.

4. Work with an accountant

Accountants often track filing deadlines for their clients and submit confirmation statements on their behalf. This helps ensure the company remains compliant throughout the year.

Conclusion

Missing the deadline for a confirmation statement can cause concern for many directors. The good news is that Companies House usually does not charge a direct financial penalty for late filing.

However, leaving an overdue confirmation statement unresolved can lead to more serious problems, including public compliance issues or even a company strike-off.

Staying on top of your Companies House filings keeps your company records accurate, protects your reputation, and ensures your business continues operating without unnecessary risk.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is based on guidance from Companies House and UK government sources available as of March 2026. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For advice relating to your specific circumstances or legal matters, please consult a qualified professional.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can a company be struck off if accounts are overdue?
Ans. Yes, Companies House may start the strike-off process if a company repeatedly fails to file its accounts on time.

2. What’s the purpose of a confirmation statement?
Ans. A confirmation statement confirms that key company details, such as directors, shareholders, and registered office address, are correct and up to date at Companies House.

3. How much does HMRC charge for a confirmation statement?
Ans. HMRC does not charge for it; the filing fee is paid to Companies House, which is £50 online or £110 by post.

4. How often can you submit a confirmation statement?
Ans. A confirmation statement must be filed at least once every 12 months, but you can submit it more often if company details change.