- There is no automatic fine for an overdue confirmation statement, but failing to act can lead to strike-off and legal consequences.
- You must file the overdue confirmation statement as soon as possible, the process is the same as filing on time.
- Filing early can reset your review period and help you avoid missing future Companies House deadlines.
If your confirmation statement is overdue, acting quickly matters. You will not face an automatic fine, but continued inaction can put your company at risk of strike off and legal trouble. If you want this handled correctly without stress, accounting services can take care of the filing and keep your Companies House records compliant.
A confirmation statement becomes overdue when it is not filed within 14 days of the end of your review period. This guide explains exactly what an overdue confirmation statement means, what happens if you file late, and the steps you should take to fix it. You will also learn how to avoid missing the deadline again in the future.
What is a confirmation statement and why does it matter?
A confirmation statement is a mandatory annual filing that every UK limited company and LLP must submit to Companies House. It confirms that the information shown on the public register is accurate and up to date on a specific date.
You must file a confirmation statement even if your company is dormant or if no details have changed during the year. Filing confirms that Companies House records remain correct.
Failing to file on time results in a confirmation statement overdue status, which can trigger enforcement action.
What information does a confirmation statement include?
A confirmation statement confirms core company details, including:
- Directors and company secretaries
- Shareholders and share capital
- People with significant control
- Registered office address
- SIC codes
- Company registered email address
- Statement of lawful purpose
Some changes must be reported separately before being confirmed on the statement. You can see how this works in the Companies House confirmation statement filing process.
When does a confirmation statement become overdue?
A confirmation statement becomes overdue if it is not filed within 14 days after the end of the review period.
The review period lasts 12 months and starts from either:
- Your company incorporation date, or
- The statement date of your last confirmation statement
The statement date is the date you confirm that your company information is correct. You then have 14 days to submit the confirmation statement.
Can you file a confirmation statement early?
Yes. You can file a confirmation statement at any point during the review period.
Filing early resets your review period, meaning your next confirmation statement will be due 12 months later. Filing late does not reset the review period.
Early filing is useful if you want recent changes reflected on the public register immediately.
Companies House now sends many compliance reminders, including confirmation statement notices, to your registered email address rather than by post. If this email address is outdated or unmonitored, you may never see important warnings until enforcement action starts. Before filing your overdue confirmation statement, take a moment to confirm that your registered email address is correct and actively checked. This simple step can prevent missed reminders and reduce the risk of future strike-off action.
How to check if your confirmation statement is overdue
You can check your status directly on Companies House.
Step 1: Search your company record
Find your company using the public Companies House register.
Step 2: Check the confirmation statement section
This shows your statement date and filing deadline.
Step 3: Confirm whether the deadline has passed
If the filing deadline has passed and no confirmation statement appears as filed, your confirmation statement is overdue.
Is there a fine for an overdue confirmation statement?
There is no automatic late filing fine for an overdue confirmation statement.
However, failing to file is still a criminal offence under the Companies Act 2006. If reminders are ignored, Companies House can escalate enforcement action. You can learn how this progresses in HMRC and Companies House fines.
What happens if you do nothing?
Ignoring an overdue confirmation statement creates real risk.
Typical escalation process
- Reminder notices are issued
- A formal warning letter follows
- Strike-off action begins
Once strike-off action starts, your company can be dissolved and removed from the register. Filing the overdue confirmation statement usually stops the strike-off process if done quickly.
How to file an overdue confirmation statement
Filing an overdue confirmation statement follows the same process as filing on time.
Step 1: Review your company details
Check the information held at Companies House, including directors, shareholders, people with significant control and SIC codes.
Step 2: Update any changes
Some updates are filed separately and then confirmed on the statement.
Step 3: Submit the confirmation statement
File online through Companies House for the fastest and cheapest option.
If you want a detailed walkthrough, see Companies House confirmation statement filing process.
Do you still have to pay the confirmation statement fee?
Yes. You must pay the annual confirmation statement fee even if the statement is overdue.
- £34 if filed online
- £62 if filed by post
The fee covers a 12-month payment period. You only pay it once per payment period, even if you file multiple confirmation statements.
Review period vs payment period explained
These two periods are often confused.
Review period
Determines when your confirmation statement is due. Filing late does not reset this period.
Payment period
Determines when you must pay the Companies House fee. You pay once per year regardless of how many statements you file.
Filing early resets the review period. Filing late does not.
What if nothing has changed?
You must still file the confirmation statement. Confirming that no changes have occurred is still a legal requirement.
Does a dormant company still need to file?
Yes. Dormant companies must file confirmation statements in the same way as active companies.
Dormant status does not remove the obligation.
How to avoid an overdue confirmation statement in future
Avoiding repeat late filings is about control and planning.
Set reminders
Use Companies House email alerts and internal calendar reminders.
File early when changes occur
Early filing resets your review period and reduces deadline pressure.
Delegate responsibility
Many companies appoint a company secretary or accountant to manage filings. Learn more about appoint a company secretary.
How Sleek helps you stay compliant
Managing Companies House deadlines alongside tax and accounting obligations increases risk. With accounting services from Sleek, confirmation statements are prepared, reviewed and filed correctly and on time.
We monitor deadlines, maintain accurate records and prevent compliance issues before they escalate.
Fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soonest.
Disclaimer: The preceding information is not legal advice. This content is aimed to provide general guidance. For more formal or legal advice, contact Sleek directly.
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FAQs on confirmation statement overdue
Why do I need to file a confirmation statement?
You need to file a confirmation statement to confirm that the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate and up to date. This is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006 and applies to all UK limited companies and LLPs, including dormant companies.
Even if nothing has changed, filing the confirmation statement shows that your company is actively complying with its statutory obligations. Failing to file can lead to enforcement action, including strike-off. The confirmation statement works alongside other compliance filings, which are explained in the Companies House confirmation statement filing process.
What happens if my confirmation statement is overdue?
If your confirmation statement is overdue, Companies House will usually issue reminder notices asking you to file it as soon as possible. There is no automatic fine for being late, but continued non-compliance is a criminal offence.
If reminders are ignored, Companies House can begin strike-off action to remove your company from the register. Directors may also face prosecution. You can understand how enforcement escalates in HMRC and Companies House fines. Filing the overdue confirmation statement promptly usually stops further action.
Can an accountant file my confirmation statement?
Yes. An accountant or compliance provider can file your confirmation statement on your behalf. This is common for companies that want to reduce the risk of missed deadlines or errors.
Using professional support also helps ensure that related filings stay aligned, especially if your company has changes to shareholders, directors or registered addresses. Sleek provides ongoing compliance support through its accounting services, which include managing confirmation statements alongside your wider Companies House and tax obligations.
Cost of filing a confirmation statement with Companies House
Companies House charges an annual fee to file a confirmation statement:
- £34 if filed online
- £62 if filed by post
This fee covers a 12-month payment period. You only pay it once per year, even if you file multiple confirmation statements during that period.
If you use an accountant or compliance service, they may charge an additional fee for preparation and submission. These services often bundle confirmation statements with broader compliance support to reduce risk and admin time.
How long does it take for Companies House to process a confirmation statement?
Online confirmation statements are usually processed within 24 hours. In many cases, the public register updates the same day or the following working day.
Postal filings take longer and can take several days or weeks to appear on the register. Filing online is the fastest and most reliable option, especially if your confirmation statement is already overdue.
Companies that offer compliance filing packages
Many companies offer compliance filing packages that cover confirmation statements, company secretarial support and deadline monitoring. These packages are designed to prevent missed filings and reduce the risk of strike-off.
Sleek offers compliance support as part of its broader accounting and company administration services, helping businesses manage confirmation statements, statutory records and ongoing obligations in one place. This approach is especially useful for directors who want predictable compliance without last-minute deadlines.
Late filing penalty appeal form
There is no specific late filing penalty appeal form for confirmation statements because Companies House does not issue automatic fines for late filing.
If enforcement action has begun, the only effective solution is to file the overdue confirmation statement as soon as possible. In cases where penalties or strike-off action relate to other filings, Companies House or HMRC may provide appeal routes, which are outlined in HMRC and Companies House fines.
