How to File Your First Annual Return with Companies House

Starting a limited company in the UK is a big achievement. But once your company is incorporated, your responsibilities as a director don’t stop there. One of the most important compliance requirements is filing an annual return with Companies House.

If you’re preparing to file your first annual return with Companies House, this post will walk you through everything you need to know – from what the annual return is, to deadlines, filing methods, fees, and penalties. Whether you’re a brand-new business owner or simply tackling this for the first time, we’ll give you the clarity and confidence you need to get it right.

What Is an Annual Return (Now the Confirmation Statement)?

Until 30 June 2016, UK companies were required to file an annual return (Form AR01) with Companies House. This was then replaced by the confirmation statement (Form CS01) under the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

• Annual Return (pre-2016): A snapshot of key company information submitted once per year.
• Confirmation Statement (post-2016): A more flexible annual filing requirement that must be delivered at least once every 12 months, but can be filed more frequently if company details change.

Important note: While the legal term now is confirmation statement, many business owners (and even some accountants) still refer to it as the “annual return”. For clarity, this article will use both terms interchangeably.

For official guidance, see Companies House: Confirmation Statement (CS01).

Why Is the Annual Return / Confirmation Statement Important?

Filing your annual return (confirmation statement) is a legal requirement. It ensures that Companies House has accurate, up-to-date information about:

• Company directors and their service addresses
• Registered office address
• Shareholders and shareholdings
• People with significant control (PSCs)
• Company type and nature of business (SIC code)

This information is published on the public register – a vital tool for transparency, helping customers, suppliers, banks, and investors verify your company’s legitimacy.

Failing to file on time can lead to:

• Late filing penalties
• Personal liability for directors
• Possible prosecution
• Compulsory strike-off of your company

When Do You Need to File Your First Annual Return?

The due date for your first annual return (confirmation statement) is linked to your incorporation date:

• Your first filing is due 12 months after incorporation, plus an additional 14 days.
• For example, if your company was incorporated on 1 March 2025, your first confirmation statement will be due by 15 March 2026.

You can file earlier if you wish, particularly if key company details change (e.g., a new shareholder, change in SIC code, or updated registered office).

You must then continue to file at least once every 12 months.

What Information Do You Need to File Your Annual Return?

Before filing, gather the following details:

Company Details

• Company name and number
• Registered office address
• Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL), if applicable

Directors and Company Secretary

• Full names and service addresses
• Any changes since incorporation

Shareholders and Share Capital

• Current shareholders’ names
• Number and class of shares held
• Statement of capital (total shares in issue, aggregate nominal value, and currency)

People with Significant Control (PSC)

• Individuals or entities with more than 25% of shares or voting rights
• Those with the right to appoint/remove directors
• Details must be updated if PSCs change

SIC Code

• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code to describe your company’s nature of business.
• See official list here: Find SIC Codes.

How to File Your Annual Return (Step by Step)

You can file your annual return (confirmation statement) either online or by paper form.

Option 1: Filing Online (Recommended)

1. Log into Companies House WebFiling: https://ewf.companieshouse.gov.uk/
2. Enter your company number and authentication code (issued at incorporation).
3. Review your pre-populated details.
4. Update any changes (directors, shareholders, PSCs, SIC codes, etc.).
5. Pay the filing fee online.
6. Submit your confirmation statement.

Option 2: Filing by Paper Form (CS01)

1. Download the paper form CS01 from the GOV.UK website.
2. Complete all relevant sections.
3. Post to Companies House with the fee.
4. Allow for processing time.

Fees for Filing an Annual Return / Confirmation Statement

• Online filing: £34
• Paper filing: £62

The fee is per 12-month period, not per submission. This means you can update and re-file multiple times within the same year at no extra cost.