When a confirmation statement overdue, it simply means you missed the legal date to file it. Companies House publicly stamps your company’s profile with a red warning. This notice may harm your reputation among clients, lenders, and suppliers who check your status.
A late statement also indicates that the corporation is not fulfilling its statutory requirements. If the delay continues, Companies House may initiate enforcement action, including removing your firm from the registry.
What Happens If You Don’t File It?
Failure to file a confirmation statement on time carries substantial consequences. The first concern is compliance. You are legally compelled to file it under the Companies Act of 2006. If you ignore the message, you may suffer the following penalties.
Your firm may be struck out. Companies House has the jurisdiction to dissolve companies that appear inactive or noncompliant. You may face prosecution. Company directors are directly liable for filings. Late submissions might result in fines and potentially a criminal record. Your business’s credibility decreases. Your company will be listed as overdue in public records, which can have an impact on funding, partnerships, and client confidence.
Why Do Business Owners Miss the Deadline?
Many business owners miss deadlines because they are not aware of them. Others say it does not apply to defunct businesses. That is not true. All companies, whether trading or not, are required to file an annual confirmation statement.
One common reason is a change in the company’s email or registered office address. If Companies House cannot contact you, you may not receive reminders. Others simply forget, especially while managing multiple business chores without the assistance of a tax accountant near me. This is where professional accountants such as Xact+Accountants come in. They assist firms in meeting deadlines, filing the proper documentation, and being compliant year-round.
How to File a Confirmation Statement After It’s Overdue?
Filing a confirmation statement after it’s overdue is a straightforward but time-sensitive process. First, you must log in to your Companies House WebFiling account using your company’s authentication code. Navigate to the ‘File a confirmation statement’ section, then review and update your company details, including officers, registered address, and shareholding structure if necessary. Once the information is accurate, submit the confirmation statement (CS01) and pay the filing fee—£13 online or £40 by post. If your company has more than one overdue statement, you must file each one separately, starting with the oldest.
Failure to submit overdue confirmation statements can lead to severe consequences, including penalties and even company dissolution. When the statement is filed, Companies House will update your record, but the missed deadline will stay on public record. To avoid future issues, mark key filing dates in a compliance calendar or use automated reminders. If you’re unsure about what to include or need help with the filing process, consult a tax accountant near you, such as Xact+Accountants, who can help bring your filings up to date and keep your company compliant.
What Is the Role of a Confirmation Statement in Company Health?
The confirmation statement demonstrates to Companies House and the general public that your company is operational and in compliance with the law.
- This document validates your company’s ongoing operations and asset holdings.
- Your director and shareholder information is correct.
- Your company can lawfully continue to operate.
Missing this filing indicates neglect or desertion, which is why it is taken so seriously. Even simple errors can cost your company its legal existence. If you rely on bank financing, public assistance, or large supplier ties, keeping your paperwork up to date is even more important. Delays can destroy trust and impede commercial transactions.
Can an accountant help fix the situation?
Yes, and often they’re the safest choice. When you work with a firm like Xact+Accountants, they’ll handle your company filings, reminders, and updates for you. If your confirmation statement is overdue, they can:
- Check what’s missing from your filings.
- Help correct any company data before submission.
- File the overdue statement on your behalf.
- Set up alerts so you never miss another deadline.
They also help avoid similar issues with other company filings like annual accounts, corporation tax returns, and VAT returns. Having expert support keeps your business protected.
How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overdue Statement?
If you respond quickly, you can get the problem resolved in less than an hour. Online filing is easy, and Companies House normally updates the status within 24-48 hours. However, if you submit by mail or have problems with your form, it may take longer.
If you haven’t filed in several years, things become more problematic. You may need to file several confirmation statements and update other overdue documents, such as yearly accounts. It’s preferable not to wait. The longer your confirmation statement is late, the higher the possibility of enforcement by Companies House.
Will Companies House Automatically Dissolve My Company?
Yes, they can. If your confirmation statement and annual accounts are both late, Companies House may conclude that your company is no longer in business. They will issue a strike-off notice. You will receive two warning letters, providing you with the opportunity to object and correct your filings. If you do not act, your corporation may be dissolved and its assets transferred to the Crown. Once dissolved, your company’s name becomes available again. If you want to continue business, you must go through the expensive and time-consuming procedure of company restoration.
What Should I Do After Filing a Late Statement?
Once you’ve submitted your overdue statement and it’s accepted, you should:
- Check your company profile on Companies House for any issues.
- Update your registered email and address if needed.
- Set a reminder for next year’s confirmation statement due date.
- Speak to a local accountant to help you manage your compliance going forward.
Many business owners wait until the last moment. Partnering with a tax accountant near me removes the guesswork. With Xact+Accountants, you stay informed, compliant, and focused on growth, not paperwork.
Conclusion
A late confirmation statement is not the end of your business, but ignoring it could be. Companies House views it as a major issue. The sooner you file, the smaller your chances of facing fines, dissolution, or broken trust.
Stay on top of your compliance by submitting on time and collaborating with reputable specialists like Xact+Accountants. Their advice keeps your business running efficiently, eliminates late fees, and helps you retain a good public reputation.If your confirmation statement is delayed, act now to protect your company from future consequences.
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