Compliance & ECCTA
The Companies House annual return was replaced by the confirmation statement in June 2016. What changed and what companies file now.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 21 October 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
The annual return was the yearly Companies House filing confirming a company's officers, shareholders and registered office. It was replaced by the confirmation statement (CS01) on 30 June 2016, which you must file at least once every 12 months, currently for a £50 fee.
Annual return vs confirmation statement
Deadline and penalties
The annual return was the yearly Companies House filing confirming a company's officers, shareholders and registered office. It was replaced by the confirmation statement (CS01) on 30 June 2016, which you must file at least once every 12 months, currently for a £50 fee.
The confirmation statement confirms the information on the register is correct, rather than restating it, and added people with significant control, SIC codes and, since 2024, a registered email address and lawful purpose statement.
Do not confuse it with annual accounts, which are a separate filing. People sometimes also say "annual return" meaning their Self Assessment or corporation tax return to HMRC.
It is due within 14 days after your review date. There is no automatic late-filing fine, but not filing is a criminal offence and can lead to the company being struck off.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.
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We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
The CS01 confirmation statement.
£50 when filed online. We file it for £50 + VAT plus the fee.
Yes, every company on the register must file one each year.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.
Included approach
Check the current rules
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.
Two ways to work with us
Everything is fixed price and agreed before we start. Prices are the same whether you are in London, Morden, Croydon or anywhere else in the UK.
All-inclusive packages
One fee covering your company’s filing calendar, with the price based on your turnover band.
One-off online filing
No monthly commitment. Add what you need to one basket and pay by card, with government fees shown separately at cost.
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
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