What is the Confirmation Statement?
- Adil Akhtar
- Jan 17, 2022
- 20 min read
Updated: Sep 29
Unravelling Your Income Tax: Getting Started with the Basics
Picture this: You're staring at your payslip, wondering why that chunk taken out for tax feels a bit off. As a tax accountant who's spent over 18 years helping folks just like you in bustling offices across London and quiet home setups in the Midlands, I've seen it all – from simple mix-ups to hefty overpayments that could have bought a nice holiday. Let's cut through the fog right away. In the UK for the 2025/26 tax year, if you're in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you get a personal allowance of £12,570 tax-free.
Beyond that, you pay 20% on income up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140, and 45% on anything over. Scotland has its own twists, starting with a 19% starter rate. And here's a kicker from HMRC data: millions overpay each year, with average refunds hovering around £1,500 based on recent claims. No wonder you're here – let's get you sorted with practical steps to check and verify your tax, drawing from real client stories where a quick review turned confusion into cash back.
Why Bother Checking Your Tax Anyway?
None of us loves tax surprises, but here's the thing – HMRC isn't infallible. I've had clients discover they've been overtaxed by thousands simply because life changes like a new job or pension weren't updated promptly. Checking your income tax isn't just about spotting errors; it's about ensuring you're not leaving money on the table with reliefs or allowances you deserve. For employees under PAYE, this means verifying what your employer deducts matches what you actually owe. Think of it as a yearly MOT for your finances – skip it, and you might end up paying more than your fair share.
Start by gathering your basics: your latest payslip, P60 from the end of the tax year, and any P45 if you've switched jobs. These documents are gold dust. Your P60 shows total pay and tax deducted for the year, while the payslip breaks it down monthly. If you're new to this, log into your personal tax account on GOV.UK – it's free, secure, and pulls everything together. One client, Sarah from Bristol, ignored hers for years until a routine check revealed an outdated tax code from a part-time gig, leading to a £2,300 refund. Don't let that be you.
Decoding Your Tax Code – Is It Spot On?
Be careful here, because I've seen clients trip up when their tax code doesn't reflect reality. Your tax code is like a postcode for your income – it tells your employer how much tax-free allowance to apply. For 2025/26, the standard is 1257L, meaning £12,570 tax-free. But letters like BR (basic rate, no allowance) or NT (no tax) can change everything.
To check, peek at your payslip or use the HMRC app. If it's wrong – say, after marriage or starting benefits – it could mean overpaying. Take emergency tax codes, those pesky ones ending in W1, M1, or X. They're slapped on when HMRC lacks full details, like after a job change, and can sting with higher deductions temporarily. I remember advising Tom, a Manchester engineer, who started a new role mid-year and got hit with emergency tax, overpaying £800 in two months. We fixed it by submitting his P45 details online, and he got it back via his next payslip.
If yours looks off, contact HMRC through your personal tax account or call 0300 200 3300. Provide your National Insurance number and explain the issue. They'll issue a new code, usually within 35 days. And here's a pro tip: Sign up for paperless notifications in your account to get alerts on changes.
Step-by-Step: Using HMRC's Tools to Verify Your Tax
So, the big question on your mind might be – how do I actually see what I've paid? Easy. Head to GOV.UK and sign into your personal tax account. You'll need a Government Gateway ID – if you don't have one, set it up with your email and phone for verification. Once in, you can view your tax code, estimated tax for the year, and even previous years' details.
Step 1: Log in and select 'Check your Income Tax'.
Step 2: Review your pay from jobs or pensions – it pulls data from employers.
Step 3: Spot any discrepancies, like unreported bonuses.
Step 4: If something's amiss, use the 'Contact HMRC' option to query.
This beats wading through paperwork. For a quick estimate without logging in, try HMRC's Income Tax calculator. Input your gross pay, and it spits out what you should owe, including National Insurance. Speaking of which, for employees in 2025/26, you pay 8% NI on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, dropping to 2% above. Employers chip in too, but that's their headache.
One real-world snag: If you have multiple jobs, HMRC might allocate your allowance to the main one, taxing the second at basic rate. I helped a client, Raj from Leeds with two part-time roles, reclaim £1,200 by adjusting via Self Assessment.
Breaking Down the 2025/26 Tax Bands – What They Mean for You
Let's think about your situation – if you're an employee earning around the average £35,000, you're likely in the basic rate band. But frozen thresholds mean more folks are creeping into higher rates due to wage rises. Here's a clear breakdown:
Income Band (England, Wales, NI) | Tax Rate | What It Covers After Personal Allowance |
£0 - £12,570 | 0% | Your tax-free personal allowance |
£12,571 - £50,270 | 20% | Basic rate – most middle earners here |
£50,271 - £125,140 | 40% | Higher rate – watch for this if bonuses push you over |
Over £125,140 | 45% | Additional rate – top earners only |
Why do these numbers matter? Because pitfalls abound. If your income tops £100,000, your personal allowance tapers away – £1 lost for every £2 over, vanishing at £125,140. I've seen executives blindsided by this, paying effective rates over 60% in that zone. Pair the table with your payslip: Multiply your taxable pay by the rate and compare to deductions. If it doesn't match, dig deeper.
For Scots, bands differ – a 19% starter rate eases in gently, but higher rates kick in sooner at 42% from £43,663. Welsh rates mirror England's, no deviations for 2025/26. Always confirm your residency with HMRC if unsure.
Spotting Overpayments Early – A Real Client Wake-Up Call
Tax overpayments aren't rare; HMRC repays millions annually. Common culprits? Wrong tax codes, unclaimed reliefs, or emergency tax stints. If you've overpaid, you'll get a P800 letter between June and March, but don't wait – check proactively.
In my practice, I once guided Lisa, a nurse from Cardiff, through this. After maternity leave, her code didn't update, leading to £900 overpaid. We claimed via her personal tax account, and she got it back in weeks. If you suspect overpayment, use GOV.UK's claim a tax refund tool. Provide details like your P60, and HMRC processes it, often direct to your bank.
Remember, National Insurance overpayments can happen too – thresholds match the personal allowance at £12,570. If you've paid on earnings below, flag it.
This wraps the foundations – armed with these steps, you're already ahead of most. But if you're self-employed or juggling incomes, there's more to unpack.
UK Companies' Confirmation Statements Statistics
Navigating Self-Employment and Multiple Incomes: Tax Verification for the Self-Starter
So, you’re self-employed, juggling a side hustle, or maybe running a small business in the UK – welcome to the tax tightrope! After 18 years advising everyone from freelancers in Shoreditch to landlords in Glasgow, I’ve seen how the tax system can feel like a maze for those outside the PAYE bubble. The good news? You can master it with practical checks and a bit of know-how. For the 2025/26 tax year, self-employed folks and those with multiple income streams face unique challenges, like spotting unreported income or claiming every deduction you’re entitled to. Let’s dive into real-world scenarios, from side gigs gone wrong to business owners maximising reliefs, all grounded in the latest rules as of August 2025.
Self-Assessment: Your Annual Tax Reality Check
Picture this: You’re a freelancer, and your inbox pings with a Self Assessment reminder from HMRC. It’s not just a form – it’s your chance to ensure you’re paying exactly what you owe, no more, no less. Unlike PAYE, where tax is deducted automatically, self-employed taxpayers must report all income and expenses annually via Self Assessment. Miss it, and penalties start at £100, as my client Priya, a graphic designer from Birmingham, learned the hard way when she filed late in 2023.
Your first step is registering with HMRC by 5 October after the tax year you start trading – do it via GOV.UK. Once registered, you’ll file by 31 January (online) for the previous tax year. For 2025/26, that’s income from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. Gather your records: invoices, bank statements, receipts. Tools like QuickBooks or FreeAgent can help, but a simple spreadsheet works too. I’ve seen clients like Priya save hours by digitising receipts early – HMRC’s Making Tax Digital push means digital records are now a must for most.
Calculate your taxable profit: total income minus allowable expenses (think office supplies, travel, or a portion of home costs). For 2025/26, you’ll pay 20% tax on profits between £12,571 and £50,270, plus Class 2 National Insurance (£3.45 weekly if profits exceed £6,725) and Class 4 (9% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, 2% above). A quick example: if your profit is £30,000, you’d owe £3,486 in income tax and £1,963 in NI, assuming no other reliefs. Check your sums with HMRC’s tax calculator.
Side Hustles and Unreported Income – Don’t Get Caught Out
Be careful here, because I’ve seen clients trip up when HMRC spots unreported side income. With platforms like Etsy or Uber, side gigs are booming, but HMRC’s data-sharing agreements mean they’re watching. If you earn over £1,000 from a side hustle (the trading allowance), you must declare it. Same goes for rental income over £7,500 (or £3,750 if shared ownership) after the rent-a-room relief.
Take Jamal, a London teacher who started selling handmade furniture online in 2024. His £5,000 side income wasn’t reported, thinking it was “small fry.” HMRC’s automated checks flagged it via PayPal data, leading to a £600 tax bill plus interest. To avoid this, log all side income separately. If it’s below £1,000, you’re tax-free, but still report it if you file Self Assessment for other reasons. Use your personal tax account to declare it early and avoid surprises.
Multiple Income Sources – A Tax Code Tangle
Now, let’s think about your situation – if you’re juggling a main job, a side gig, or pensions, your tax code can get messy. HMRC splits your personal allowance across income sources, but it’s often skewed to your highest earner. For example, if you’re an employee earning £40,000 and freelance for £10,000, your employer might apply 1257L, taxing the freelance income at 20% flat. This can lead to under- or overpayment if not adjusted.
I helped Sophie, a nurse from Edinburgh with a weekend tutoring gig, fix this in 2024. Her tutoring income was taxed at 20% despite her total income staying in Scotland’s starter rate (19%). We submitted a Self Assessment, reclaiming £150. To check yours, compare your payslips against your total income across sources. If your allowance isn’t split right, contact HMRC to reallocate via your personal tax account. Pro tip: File early to catch errors before the January rush.
Scottish and Welsh Variations – Know Your Rates
If you’re in Scotland, the tax bands differ significantly. For 2025/26, here’s how it looks:
Income Band (Scotland) | Tax Rate | Notes |
£0 - £12,570 | 0% | Personal allowance, same as UK-wide |
£12,571 - £14,876 | 19% | Starter rate – saves a bit for low earners |
£14,877 - £26,280 | 20% | Basic rate, slightly narrower band |
£26,281 - £43,662 | 21% | Intermediate rate, unique to Scotland |
£43,663 - £75,000 | 42% | Higher rate kicks in earlier than England |
£75,001 - £125,140 | 45% | Advanced rate |
Over £125,140 | 48% | Top rate, highest in UK |
Wales follows England’s rates, with no deviations for 2025/26. If you live in Scotland but work elsewhere, your residence determines the rate. I’ve had clients like Angus, a Glasgow-based consultant working in London, confused by this. His PAYE applied English rates, but Self Assessment corrected to Scottish rates, saving £200. Use HMRC’s residence checker if you’re unsure.
Claiming Tax Reliefs – Don’t Miss Out
None of us loves leaving money on the table, right? Tax reliefs can slash your bill, but they’re often overlooked. Common ones for 2025/26 include:
● Work-from-home allowance: £6 weekly if you’re forced to work remotely, no receipts needed.
● Professional subscriptions: Fully deductible if required for your job.
● Mileage: 45p per mile for business travel in your car (25p over 10,000 miles).
● Marriage allowance: Transfer £1,260 of your allowance to a spouse if you earn under £12,570, saving up to £252.
I once helped a client, Emma from Cardiff, claim £1,800 in unclaimed mileage for three years as a visiting carer. Check your eligibility on GOV.UK. For self-employed, dive deeper: capital allowances for equipment or simplified expenses for home offices can save thousands. Keep receipts and log expenses monthly to avoid year-end panic.
High-Income Child Benefit Charge – A Hidden Sting
If you or your partner earn over £60,000, the High-Income Child Benefit Charge can bite. For 2025/26, you repay 1% of Child Benefit for every £2,000 over £60,000, fully phasing out at £80,000. A client, Mark from Newcastle, earning £70,000 in 2024, didn’t realise this applied to his wife’s benefit claim, costing £1,200 until we adjusted via Self Assessment. Check your adjusted net income (gross minus pension contributions or gift aid) and opt out or repay via GOV.UK.
Worksheet: Self-Employed Tax Checklist
To keep you on track, here’s a quick checklist I share with clients:
Log all income: Include invoices, side gigs, and bank deposits.
Track expenses: Save receipts for travel, supplies, and home office costs.
Check allowances: Confirm trading or property allowances apply.
Estimate tax: Use HMRC’s calculator to budget for January payments.
File early: Beat the 31 January deadline to avoid penalties.
Review reliefs: Claim work-from-home or mileage deductions.
This groundwork sets you up to tackle complex scenarios, like business deductions or CIS pitfalls, with confidence. Let’s move to those next, where the stakes get higher for business owners and contractors.
Mastering Business Tax and Complex Scenarios: Advanced Checks for UK Entrepreneurs
So, the big question on your mind might be – how do you keep your tax affairs watertight when you’re running a business or juggling complex income streams? After 18 years advising business owners from corner shops in Cornwall to tech startups in London, I’ve seen how the UK tax system can throw curveballs, especially for those with construction contracts, rental properties, or high incomes. This part dives into advanced verification processes, tailored for business owners and those facing quirks like Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions or the High-Income Child Benefit Charge. With frozen thresholds and new rules for 2025/26, we’ll use real client stories and practical tools to ensure you’re not overpaying – or underpaying – HMRC.
Business Owners: Deductions That Save Thousands
Running a business is thrilling, but tax can feel like a weight around your neck. Whether you’re a sole trader or limited company, claiming allowable expenses is your secret weapon. For 2025/26, you can deduct costs “wholly and exclusively” for business – think office rent, software, or even a percentage of your broadband if you work from home. But here’s where it gets tricky: HMRC’s strict on what counts. I once helped a client, Chloe from Brighton, who ran a catering business. She tried deducting her entire home utility bill, assuming it was fair since she worked from her kitchen. HMRC disallowed 70% of it, costing her £1,200 until we recalculated using simplified expenses for home offices.
To get it right, categorise expenses clearly:
● Travel: 45p per mile for business car trips, 24p for motorbikes.
● Equipment: Claim capital allowances for laptops or machinery (100% first-year allowance for certain eco-friendly assets in 2025/26).
● Staff costs: Salaries and pensions, but not your own drawings as a sole trader.
● Marketing: Website costs or ads, fully deductible if business-focused.
Use software like Xero to track these monthly. For limited companies, add corporation tax at 19% on profits up to £50,000, 25% above (or a marginal rate between). Chloe’s business saved £3,000 by claiming overlooked training costs and partial van use. Check your eligibility on GOV.UK.
CIS Deductions: A Contractor’s Tax Trap
Be careful here, because I’ve seen clients trip up when navigating the Construction Industry Scheme. If you’re a contractor or subcontractor in construction, CIS deductions can mess with your cashflow. Contractors deduct 20% (or 30% if unregistered) from subcontractor payments, sending it to HMRC. For 2025/26, you reclaim this via Self Assessment, but errors are common. I worked with Liam, a plumber from Liverpool, who didn’t realise his contractor hadn’t registered his payments with HMRC. Result? A £2,500 tax bill he thought was already covered.
To verify CIS deductions:
Check your payslips or CIS statements from contractors.
Cross-reference with HMRC’s CIS online service.
Ensure your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is on all documents.
File Self Assessment to reclaim over-deductions or offset against tax.
If you’re a contractor, verify you’re deducting correctly to avoid penalties. Liam’s fix involved resubmitting CIS records, recovering £1,800. Always keep monthly records and reconcile with HMRC’s portal.
Landlords and Property Income: Sidestepping Pitfalls
Picture this: You’re a landlord, and HMRC’s sniffing around your rental income. With property prices soaring, HMRC’s cracking down on undeclared rental income in 2025/26. If you earn over £7,500 annually (£3,750 for shared ownership) after rent-a-room relief, you must declare it via Self Assessment. Allowable expenses include repairs, agent fees, and mortgage interest (though relief is now a 20% tax credit, not full deduction).
I advised Priya, a landlord in Manchester, who missed declaring £10,000 from a second property in 2023. HMRC’s data-sharing with platforms like Airbnb caught it, leading to a £2,100 bill plus interest. To avoid this, log all rental income and expenses monthly. Use HMRC’s property income guidance to confirm what’s deductible. If you’re letting a room, the £7,500 relief is a lifesaver – no tax if you’re under.
Emergency Tax and Rare Scenarios: Don’t Get Blindsided
None of us loves tax surprises, but emergency tax codes can hit hard. If you start a new job or pension without a P45, you might get codes like 0T or BR, taxing every penny or at a flat 20%. In 2024, I helped Aisha, a Leeds retail worker, who faced emergency tax after a job switch, overpaying £600 in three months. We submitted her P45 details via her personal tax account, fixing it in weeks.
Rarer scenarios include overseas income or trust income. If you earn abroad, you may owe UK tax unless covered by a double taxation agreement – check GOV.UK. Trusts are trickier; beneficiaries pay tax on distributions, often at 45%. Always consult HMRC’s trust guidance if this applies.
Worksheet: Business Tax Verification Checklist
To keep your business taxes on track, use this checklist:
Record expenses: Log all business costs with receipts.
Check CIS: Verify contractor deductions match HMRC records.
Review allowances: Claim capital allowances or simplified expenses.
File on time: Submit Self Assessment by 31 January.
Reconcile income: Ensure all sources (rentals, side gigs) are declared.
Monitor reliefs: Claim work-from-home or professional subscriptions.
Summary of Key Points
Always check your tax code on payslips or via your personal tax account to avoid overpaying. Wrong codes cost millions annually, with refunds averaging £1,500.
Use HMRC’s online tools to view tax paid and estimate liabilities for 2025/26. They’re free and pull real-time data from employers.
The self-employed must file Self Assessment by 31 January, declaring all income over £1,000. Penalties start at £100 for late filings.
Scottish taxpayers face different rates, like 19% from £12,571, impacting your tax bill. Confirm residency to apply correct bands.
Claim reliefs like work-from-home (£6/week) or mileage (45p/mile) to reduce your tax. Unclaimed reliefs can save thousands.
Multiple income sources need careful tracking to split your personal allowance correctly. Misallocations can lead to over- or underpayment.
Business owners should log allowable expenses monthly to maximise deductions. Software like Xero prevents year-end chaos.
CIS deductions require monthly reconciliation to avoid surprises. Subcontractors can reclaim via Self Assessment.
Landlords must declare rental income over £7,500, using allowable expenses to lower tax. HMRC’s data-sharing catches undeclared income.
Emergency tax codes (e.g., 0T, BR) can overtax new jobs or pensions. Submit P45 details promptly to fix overpayments.
How Can a Tax Accountant Help You With Your Confirmation Statement?
A tax accountant plays a vital role in assisting businesses with their confirmation statements in the UK. While a confirmation statement primarily deals with a company's operational details rather than financial data, the expertise of a tax accountant can be invaluable in ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
Role of a Tax Accountant in Managing the Confirmation Statement
Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance
Detail Verification: Tax accountants can help verify that all details in the confirmation statement are accurate and align with the company's current operational status.
Compliance Check: They ensure that the statement complies with the latest regulatory requirements, thus avoiding potential legal issues.
Handling Changes in Company Information
Updating Records: Accountants assist in updating company records, especially in the case of changes in directors, shareholders, or company structure.
Notification of Changes: They ensure that any significant changes, such as changes in People with Significant Control (PSC), are appropriately reflected in the confirmation statement.
Streamlining the Process
Organising Information: Tax accountants help organise and maintain relevant company records, making the confirmation statement process more efficient.
Filing Assistance: They can handle the filing process on behalf of the company, ensuring that deadlines are met.
Providing Expert Guidance
Navigating Complex Regulations
Understanding Legal Obligations: Tax accountants are well-versed in the legal obligations surrounding confirmation statements and can provide expert guidance.
Advising on Regulatory Changes: They stay updated on regulatory changes and can advise businesses accordingly.
Tailored Advice for Business Needs
Customised Assistance: Tax accountants offer advice tailored to the specific needs and structure of the business.
Risk Management: They can identify potential risks related to non-compliance or inaccurate reporting.
Enhancing Business Efficiency
Time and Resource Management
Saving Time: By handling the confirmation statement, tax accountants free up valuable time for business owners, allowing them to focus on core business activities.
Resource Allocation: They help allocate resources more efficiently by taking over complex compliance tasks.
Strategic Decision-Making
Informed Decisions: Accountants can provide insights that help in making strategic business decisions.
Future Planning: Their expertise can be instrumental in planning for future changes in company structure or operations.
Offering Additional Services
Broad Scope of Expertise
Financial Insights: While working on the confirmation statement, tax accountants can provide valuable financial insights.
Holistic Approach: They often take a holistic approach, looking at the company’s overall financial health and compliance status.
Integrating Compliance and Financial Strategy
Alignment with Financial Goals: Accountants ensure that compliance tasks, including the confirmation statement, align with the company's broader financial goals.
Long-Term Planning: They assist in long-term planning, including tax planning and financial forecasting.
Building Confidence and Trust
Ensuring Peace of Mind
Reliability: Business owners can rely on the expertise of tax accountants to handle compliance issues effectively.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that an expert is handling such crucial aspects of the business provides peace of mind.
Establishing Credibility
Professional Representation: Having a tax accountant handle the confirmation statement adds a level of professionalism and credibility.
Stakeholder Confidence: It can boost confidence among stakeholders, including investors and financial institutions.
In conclusion, a tax accountant is an invaluable asset for businesses in the UK when it comes to handling the confirmation statement. Their expertise not only ensures compliance and accuracy but also provides broader business benefits. From streamlining processes to offering strategic financial advice, tax accountants play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall efficiency and compliance posture of a company. By entrusting this task to a qualified professional, businesses can focus on growth and operational excellence, knowing that their compliance requirements are
If you're worried about missing the deadline for filing your confirmation statement, it's worth registering online with Companies House and signing up for their email reminder service. It's free to use, and up to four people in your business can also be reminded.
If you need advice on any aspect of your business cs, we're here to help! Contact us to learn more about our wide range of online accounting services. You can also call 02085718826, or get an instant quote online.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly does a confirmation statement confirm for a UK company?
A1: Well, it's worth noting that the confirmation statement is essentially a snapshot verifying your company's key details held by Companies House, like the registered office address, director information, and persons with significant control. In my experience with clients, the key is ensuring everything matches reality to avoid public register inaccuracies that could deter investors—think of it as an annual health check for your business profile.
Q2: Who is required to file a confirmation statement in the UK?
A2: Every UK-registered company, from bustling startups to dormant shells, must file one, and that includes LLPs too. I've seen sole directors of small consultancies forget this, assuming inactivity exempts them, but nope—it's a statutory must to keep the register tidy.
Q3: When is the deadline for filing a confirmation statement?
A3: You have to submit it at least once every 12 months, within 14 days after your review period ends, which starts from incorporation or the last filing date. Consider a retailer I advised in Manchester who filed early after a director change; it reset their clock smoothly, avoiding last-minute rushes.
Q4: Can a company file its confirmation statement early?
A4: Absolutely, and it might suit if you've had recent changes, as it kicks off a new 12-month cycle. In my practice, I've recommended this to e-commerce firms during growth spurts to align with other filings—saves headaches down the line.
Q5: What happens if a confirmation statement is filed late?
A5: Late filings can lead to penalties or even your company being struck off the register, which is a nightmare for ongoing operations. I recall helping a freelance graphic design agency reinstate after a missed deadline; the process involved fees and proving no harm, but it disrupted their contracts big time.
Q6: Does a dormant company need to file a confirmation statement?
A6: Yes, even if your company's not trading, you still confirm details annually—it's non-negotiable. One client, a property holding firm on hiatus, skipped it thinking dormancy meant exemption, only to face strike-off threats; we sorted it, but it highlighted how easy pitfalls are.
Q7: How much does it cost to file a confirmation statement?
A7: It's £34 if done online via Companies House, or £62 by post—always go digital for speed and savings. For budget-conscious startups I've advised, bundling this with accounting services keeps costs down without skimping on compliance.
Q8: What information about persons with significant control must be included?
A8: You need to detail anyone with over 25% shares, voting rights, or board influence, including their full names and addresses. A family-run bakery I worked with overlooked updating a PSC after inheritance; it caused scrutiny during a loan application—always double-check these.
Q9: Can changes to company details be made directly in the confirmation statement?
A9: Some yes, like SIC codes or shareholder info, but major ones like director appointments need separate forms first. It's a common mix-up, but here's the fix: file changes promptly, then confirm in the statement to keep everything synced.
Q10: What is the statement of lawful purposes in a confirmation statement?
A10: Introduced recently, it confirms your company's future activities are legal—simple but crucial for transparency. In advising tech firms, I've seen this prompt useful reviews of operations, ensuring no grey areas creep in.
Q11: Do LLPs have different requirements for confirmation statements?
A11: Mostly similar to companies, but LLPs focus on members rather than shareholders. An LLP partnership I guided through restructuring found aligning member details key to avoiding disputes—treat it as a governance tool.
Q12: How does identity verification work for directors in 2025?
A12: From November 2025, new directors and PSCs must verify digitally via Companies House or providers upon appointment or next statement. I've prepped clients for this by stressing early setup; one delayed and hit filing snags during a busy period.
Q13: What if a company has no changes since the last confirmation statement?
A13: You still file to confirm everything's static—it's quick online. A quiet investment company I handle files these routinely; it builds a solid compliance history, handy for audits or sales.
Q14: Are confirmation statements public records?
A14: Yes, they're accessible on the Companies House register, promoting transparency. Business owners I've counselled use this to their advantage, ensuring details project professionalism to potential partners.
Q15: How to handle multiple shareholders in a confirmation statement?
A15: List them all with full names and shareholdings; from 2025, full lists are mandatory annually unless exempt. For a growing retail chain with diverse owners, we streamlined this by maintaining updated internal registers—prevents errors.
Q16: What about Scottish companies and confirmation statements?
A16: No major differences, as it's UK-wide under Companies House rules. However, Scottish firms I advise often tie this to local regs like land ownership disclosures—integrate it into your annual routine.
Q17: Can a confirmation statement be filed by post, and when might that be necessary?
A17: Yes, using form CS01, but it's pricier and slower—opt for it only if online access is an issue. An older manufacturing client preferred paper initially; we transitioned them digital, saving time and money.
Q18: What pitfalls arise with overseas directors in confirmation statements?
A18: Ensure their details are accurate, including service addresses, as international verification can complicate things. I've navigated this for a export business with foreign board members; early PSC checks avoided delays in filings.
Q19: How does the registered email address requirement affect filings?
A19: Since March 2024, provide one for Companies House communications—it's private. In my experience, using a dedicated compliance email helps; one client missed updates via personal mail, leading to overlooked changes.
Q20: What if a company is being struck off—does it still need a confirmation statement?
A20: Not compulsory if dissolution's underway, but filing up to date is good practice to close cleanly. Helped a winding-down consultancy with this; it smoothed the process, preventing any loose ends with creditors.
About the Author:
Adil Akhtar, ACMA, CGMA, serves as CEO and Chief Accountant at Pro Tax Accountant, bringing over 18 years of expertise in tackling intricate tax issues. As a respected tax blog writer, Adil has spent more than three years delivering clear, practical advice to UK taxpayers. He also leads Advantax Accountants, combining technical expertise with a passion for simplifying complex financial concepts, establishing himself as a trusted voice in tax education.
Email: adilacma@icloud.com
Disclaimer:
The content provided in our articles is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Pro Tax Accountant strives to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information but makes no guarantees, express or implied, regarding its completeness, reliability, suitability, or availability. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk. Note that some data presented in charts or graphs may not be 100% accurate.
We encourage all readers to consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided. The tax and accounting rules in the UK are subject to change and can vary depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, PTA cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies published. The firm is not responsible for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the display or use of this information.
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