My Confirmation Statement is Overdue

So, you just got that horrible, sinking feeling in your stomach. Your company’s confirmation statement is overdue. Yeah, I’ve totally been in that boat, and let me tell you, it’s not a fun place to be. It’s one of those admin things that just… happens, even when you think you’re on top of all your business bits and bobs. The hard truth I learned pretty quick is that an overdue statement isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it means your company could actually be facing penalties, or even worse, get struck off the Companies House register. Seriously.

I know, I know. It’s so easy for that deadline to just zip past when you’re trying to, you know, actually run your business. So, let’s talk about what this overdue thing really means, and I’ll share what I did to sort it out fast and hopefully save you some of the panic I went through.

What in the World Is an Overdue Confirmation Statement, Anyway?

Basically, if you’re a UK company and you miss the date Companies House gives you to file your annual info, that’s an overdue confirmation statement. And it’s not just like being late with a library book; it’s a proper legal thing. Messing this up can cause real headaches for your company and for you as a director.

Why Bother With These Statements? My Take.

I used to think, "Another bit of paper to fill out!" But a confirmation statement is basically a yearly check-in with Companies House. You’re telling them, "Hey, here’s the latest on who’s running the show (directors), who owns bits of it (shareholders), where we’re officially based, what kind of business we do (those SIC codes), and how our shares are set up." You either confirm it’s all the same as last year, or you update them with any changes.

Doing this keeps the public record straight. And trust me, people do look at this stuff – potential customers, banks, even other businesses you might want to work with. Companies House uses it to make sure everyone’s playing fair and that there’s some trust in the system. I’ve also found that if your details aren’t right, it can slow things down if you’re trying to get credit, update bank stuff, or just generally look like you’ve got your act together.

The Legal Mumbo-Jumbo (But It’s Important!)

Here’s the kicker: every single UK company has to file one. That’s in the Companies Act 2006. Doesn’t matter if your company’s just sitting there doing nothing (dormant) or not trading – you still gotta do it.

If you blow past the deadline, Companies House will flag your statement as overdue. And get this – that’s technically a criminal offence for the company and for us directors. Being late can mean facing prosecution and fines. And if you keep messing up or you’re super late, Companies House can actually start the process to shut your company down. Imagine that! Your company could be closed, even if it’s making money, and you could lose any assets it owns. That thought alone usually gets me moving.

How They Cook Up Those Deadlines

Right, so the deadline isn't random. It's always linked to the anniversary of when your company was first set up (its incorporation date) or the date you filed your last confirmation statement. From that anniversary, you get 14 days to get the new one in.

A little thing I learned the hard way: if you file early one year, or change your statement date, the next deadline is calculated from the end date of the review period for that statement, not just the day you sent it in. Confusing, right? So, you gotta keep an eye on that. And those reminder emails or letters from Companies House? They’re helpful, but you can’t use "it went to spam" as an excuse. The deadlines are set in stone, and "due" can turn into "overdue" real quick.

The Not-So-Fun Part: What Happens If You Miss It

Okay, so missing the deadline isn’t just a bit of extra paperwork. It can have some pretty yucky consequences, from getting hit with extra costs to, well, your company potentially disappearing.

Companies House Slapping Your Wrist (Or Worse)

My first panic when I was late was about massive, instant fines. From what I’ve gathered, they’ll definitely send you reminders and warnings. Being a bit late with the statement itself doesn’t always mean an automatic cash penalty straight off the bat. But, and this is a big but, if you just ignore them and don't sort it out, that’s when they can start getting much tougher, maybe even taking you to court.

If it gets to the point where they have to take serious action because you haven’t filed, then yeah, you could be looking at big fines – for you as a director and for the company. I’ve heard these can even go up every day until you get the paperwork in. So, my motto now is: deal with it ASAP. It saves a ton of grief and money.

How It Makes Your Company Look

Beyond the official stuff, being late just doesn't look good. If you don’t file, your company's info on the public record is old news. That can make you look a bit shaky to banks, suppliers, or anyone checking you out.

It can also cause practical problems. I’ve heard stories of people finding it harder to open new business bank accounts or get contracts signed because their company looks like it’s not on top of its basic duties. Sometimes, Companies House might even stop you from making other changes to your company details until you’ve sorted out your overdue statement. Talk about a roadblock!

The Big One: Getting Struck Off

This is the one that really freaks me out. If you keep failing to file your confirmation statement, Companies House can actually start the process to remove your company from the register. They don't just do it overnight; they send formal notices first, so you have a chance to fix things. But if you ignore those, your company could be dissolved in a few months. And if that happens, any money or property the company owns could go to the Crown. You can’t trade legally anymore, and trying to get a struck-off company back is a massive, expensive headache. Plus, it really damages your reputation as a director.

Right, It’s Overdue. Here’s What I Do To File It.

So, you're in the overdue club. First things first: don’t panic too much. It’s usually fixable. But you do need to get on it. Let me tell you how I usually tackle submitting it online, what info I make sure I have ready, and the deal with fees.

My Usual Route: Filing Online

For me, filing online through the Companies House website is the way to go. It’s just quicker and easier. The very first thing I do is dig out my company authentication code. If I can’t find it, I know getting a new one sent in the post takes a few days, so I always try to check I have it before I plan to sit down and do the filing.

The online form (it’s called a CS01) is pretty user-friendly. It just takes you through all your company’s current info – registered office, who the directors are, shareholder stuff, etc. If anything’s changed since the last time, you can update it right there.

Once I’ve gone through everything (I always give it a once-over to check for typos!), I hit submit. The great thing is, you get an instant "yep, we got it" message from Companies House. I also like to download a copy for my own files, just to be safe.

What Stuff Do I Need?

Usually, for an overdue confirmation statement, I don’t need a massive stack of extra papers unless I’m also making some big changes. Like, if I’m changing directors or the registered office, I might need to show some ID or proof of address for those specific things.

Before I even log in, I mentally run through a quick list:

- Company authentication code – can’t do it without this!

- Current details for all directors (and a company secretary, if you have one).

- Up-to-date shareholder info.

- Details of any "People with Significant Control" (PSCs), if that’s relevant for my business.

If I’m not changing anything and just saying "all good," then usually just the company number and authentication code are enough. But if Companies House asks for more proof for a change I'm making, I’d have to send that in separately.

Paying the Piper: Fees and That Sort of Thing

Now, about the cost. There’s a standard fee to file the confirmation statement – last time I did it online, it was £13. If you’re late, the good news is there isn’t usually an extra automatic late filing penalty slapped on top of that standard fee just because you missed the deadline by a bit. But, like I said before, if you keep ignoring it and Companies House has to take more serious steps, then other penalties could come into play.

I just pay the normal filing fee with a debit or credit card right there on the website when I submit the form. If, heaven forbid, Companies House did send me a separate late penalty notice (which I always try my best to avoid!), that would have its own instructions for how and when to pay. Not paying any fees they ask for can lead to even more trouble, so I always make sure that’s sorted out pronto. It’s another reason I’m now a bit of a stickler for getting things in on time!

How I Try to Stop This Happening Again (And Again)

Honestly, missing a confirmation statement deadline is just a pain I don’t need. The worry, the potential hassle – no thanks. So, I’ve got a few little systems and habits now to try and make sure it doesn’t sneak up on me.

My Reminder System – Can’t Have Too Many!

My biggest tip? Don’t just rely on one thing. I use a mix. My online calendar (Google Calendar is my friend) gets an entry with a couple of alerts that ping me on my phone and email. I also definitely make sure I’m signed up for the official Companies House email reminders. They send you a nudge before it’s due, which is a great backup.

For good measure, I also have a very simple spreadsheet where I track key Companies House dates. Some people I know even have a physical checklist they stick up in their office and look at every month. By having reminders in a few different places, I feel way less likely to just completely forget.

If Someone Else is Doing It: Make it Super Clear

If I’m not the one actually clicking ‘submit’, I make absolutely, positively sure that the job is clearly given to someone specific – a team member, or my accountant. I literally note down who’s doing it and how to reach them next to the deadline in my own records. That way, there’s one person responsible, no "I thought you were doing it!" moments.

I also try to have a quick chat or send an email to them as the deadline gets closer, just to make sure it’s on their radar. And if that person is away or leaves, I have a mental note to reassign it straight away and update my records. Sometimes, for really important stuff, I even think about having a main person and a backup, just in case.

Dumb Mistakes I Now Watch Out For

Over the years, I’ve seen (and nearly made) a few common blunders that lead to late or wrong filings:

- Just ignoring reminders: Sounds daft, but it happens! Those pings are there to help.

- Using old info: I always try to double-check that my director details, address, etc., are totally current before I start. Putting in wrong stuff can get it rejected or just mean more faffing about.

- The "Oops, I didn't actually submit it" moment: You know, when you fill it all out but forget that final click. I always make sure I’ve gone all the way through.

- Forgetting to pay the fee: The statement won’t be properly filed until that’s paid.

- Leaving it to the absolute last second: If there’s a website glitch or I suddenly realise I’m missing something, doing it on deadline day is just asking for trouble.

I also try to give it a quick read-through for any silly typos in names or addresses. A few minutes checking can save a lot of headaches. And I don’t delay paying the fee – that can just hold things up.

When You Just Need Someone to Help You With This Mess

Trying to fix an overdue confirmation statement can be pretty stressful, especially if you’re worried about what might happen. But the good thing is, there are people and places you can turn to for help, which can make it all feel a bit less daunting.

When I’d Say, "Yep, Call a Pro"

There are definitely times when I’d throw my hands up and say it’s time to get an expert involved, like an accountant or a solicitor. For example, if I’d missed the deadline and Companies House had already started sending scary letters about penalties or other action, that’s an immediate "call a professional" situation for me. I’d also probably get help if I was really confused about what information to put, or if there were some really complicated changes to report, like a big reshuffle of shares or lots of director changes.

These pros can often deal with Companies House for you, which can be a massive time and stress saver. They’ll also help make sure everything’s spot on to avoid future problems. And if I ever got one of those really serious letters about potentially being struck off, I wouldn’t wait – I’d be on the phone to someone who knows their stuff straight away, because you might not have much time.

Other Places I’ve Found Useful Info

Even before you pay someone, Companies House itself has a load of pretty good guides and FAQs on their website. That’s usually my first stop if I have a basic question. I’ve also used their online chat and even called their helpline before when I’ve been stuck on how to file something.

Don’t forget about local business support places either. Sometimes things like your local Growth Hub or even Citizens Advice can offer free guidance or workshops that might point you in the right direction. And when you’re actually using the Companies House online filing system, there’s usually a ‘Help’ section right there with tips. Some business groups or trade associations also have checklists or templates that can be handy. If I was looking for a pro, I’d probably start by looking at the websites for groups like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Law Society to find someone reputable near me.

Your Questions, My Answers (From Someone Who’s Been There!)

Look, if I miss my confirmation statement deadline, I now know it’s not the end of the world, but it can lead to things like worrying about fees (though not usually an extra one just for being a bit late with the statement itself) and the much scarier thought of being kicked off the Companies House register. The main thing I’ve learned is that even if you are late, you can usually fix it – but you need to get on it quickly.

So, what really happens if I don't file my confirmation statement on time?

Well, if I don’t get it in by the deadline, Companies House will start nudging me with reminders. My company then looks a bit dodgy, officially "non-compliant," which isn’t great for its legal standing or how others see it.

How much is the fine if I’m late with the confirmation statement?

This is a big worry for many! From what I know, there isn't an automatic extra fine just for the confirmation statement itself being a bit late. But, if my company got struck off because I kept ignoring it, then trying to get it put back on the register could cost a fair bit and take ages. That’s where the real ouch can be.

Can they actually boot my business off Companies House for not sending it in?

Short answer: yes, they can. If I just buried my head in the sand and ignored all the reminders to send in my confirmation statement, Companies House definitely has the power to start the process to strike my company off the public record. If that happens, my company could be dissolved, and anything it owns could end up belonging to the Crown. It’s serious stuff.

How do I submit a confirmation statement if it’s already past the deadline?

This is the good bit – I can still file it online (my preferred way) or send it by post, even if it's overdue. As soon as Companies House gets it and processes it, they’ll update their records. Phew!

What’s the absolute latest I can file it before I’m in proper trouble?

Okay, so I get 14 days after my company's "confirmation date" (that’s usually the anniversary of when it was set up, or the date of my last statement) to get it filed without any immediate drama. If I miss that 14-day window, that’s when my company starts to be at risk of Companies House taking action.

Is there a standard fix if my confirmation statement is overdue?

Pretty much, yeah. I just need to file the overdue statement the same way I normally would – either online or by sending in the paper form. If I’ve already missed the deadline, my best advice is just to do it as fast as you possibly can to stop things getting any more complicated.