How do I verify the identity of a new Person with Significant Control (PSC) for a 2026 CS01 filing?

In 2026, identity verification is a prerequisite for all PSCs before a Confirmation Statement can be submitted. Verification is completed either via the Companies House digital ID platform using biometric passport data or through an Authorized Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Once verified, the PSC receives a unique identity code. This code must be linked to the company record prior to the CS01 deadline. Failure to verify PSC identity can result in the 2026 filing being rejected and potential criminal proceedings under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

When must my 2026 Confirmation Statement be filed if my review period ended on June 15?

For a review period ending June 15, 2026, your filing deadline is June 29, 2026. The statutory window for submission is exactly 14 days from the end of your annual review period. Under the rules active in 2026, there are no extensions for this 14 day window. Even if your company is dormant or has had no changes in share capital or directorships, the return must be submitted to avoid the company being struck off the register.

Which specific companies are exempt from the 2026 Companies House software filing mandate?

As of 2026, the mandate for digital filing through compatible software applies to almost all private limited companies. The only entities exempt are those granted a specific discretionary waiver by the Registrar for reasons of national security or severe physical disability that prevents digital access. Traditional paper forms like the physical CS01 are no longer accepted for standard business entities. Companies must use either the Companies House online portal for simple filings or third-party cloud accounting software for complex capital structures.

What happens if I submit a 2026 Confirmation Statement without including mandatory SIC code updates?

If your business activities changed during the year and you fail to update your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes on the 2026 CS01, your filing is considered inaccurate. This can lead to a 'Notice of Inconsistency' from Companies House. If not rectified within 14 days of the notice, the company and its directors may face fines ranging from 440 GBP to several thousand pounds depending on the duration of the non-compliance. Accurate SIC codes are essential in 2026 for data transparency and anti-money laundering monitoring.

Can I change the company's registered office address within the 2026 CS01 filing process?

No, the Confirmation Statement is designed to confirm existing data rather than notify of changes. In 2026, you must file Form AD01 separately to change a registered office address. While the CS01 verifies that the current address on record is correct, any discrepancies discovered during the review should be resolved by filing the appropriate notification form (such as AD01 for addresses or AP01 for new directors) before or alongside the Confirmation Statement submission.

2026 UK Confirmation Statement: Annual Compliance and Filin…

TL;DR: In 2026, all UK companies must file a CS01 Confirmation Statement annually within 14 days of their review period. This year mandates digital-only filing and strictly requires all directors and PSCs to have completed identity verification under updated transparency laws.

Navigating the 2026 UK Confirmation Statement Requirements

Maintaining a UK Limited company in 2026 requires strict adherence to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) framework. The primary mechanism for ensuring the public register remains accurate is the Confirmation Statement (Form CS01). Unlike tax returns that report financial performance, the CS01 confirms the legal and administrative structure of the company.

Starting in 2026, Companies House has fully transitioned to a software-first model. This means that nearly all filings, including the annual Confirmation Statement, must be submitted via approved digital channels. This shift is designed to reduce clerical errors and ensure that data regarding company control is updated in real-time. Failure to comply with these digital standards can result in the immediate rejection of your filing, leading to potential late fees.

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Key Components of the 2026 CS01 Filing

Every 12 months, your company enters a review period. At the end of this period, you must confirm that the information held by Companies House is current. The 2026 requirements focus heavily on four specific areas of data integrity.

1. Identity Verification Records

In 2026, you cannot successfully submit a Confirmation Statement if the directors or Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) have not completed the mandatory identity verification process. This involves providing biometric data or verified government ID through the official Companies House portal. The CS01 acts as a final check to ensure every individual in a position of influence has a verified status code attached to their profile.

2. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes

Your SIC code describes what your business actually does. In 2026, there is an increased emphasis on ensuring these codes accurately reflect current operations. If your UK Ltd was formed as a consultancy but moved into software sales, your 2026 CS01 must reflect this shift. Accurate SIC coding is now a primary filter used by financial institutions and HMRC for risk assessment.

3. Share Capital and Shareholder Changes

If there were any transfers of shares or changes in the aggregate nominal value of your company's issued share capital, these must be summarized in the statement of capital. For small businesses, this is often the most complex portion of the filing, as it requires a precise breakdown of voting rights and distribution entitlements.

2026 UK Compliance Deadlines and Penalties

Timing is critical for UK compliance. The 14 day window following your anniversary of incorporation is a hard deadline. In 2026, the administrative ease of digital filing has led to a lower tolerance for late submissions.

Filing Requirement	Deadline	2026 Consequences
CS01 Confirmation Statement	14 days post-review period	Prosecution of directors / Strike-off
Annual Accounts (Private Ltd)	9 months after year-end	150 GBP to 1,500 GBP graduated fines
PSC Register Updates	Within 14 days of change	Criminal liability for non-disclosure
Identity Verification	Prior to appointment/filing	Disqualification from holding office

Failure to file the Confirmation Statement is a criminal offense. If the statement is not filed within the 14 day period, Companies House may assume the company is no longer in operation and begin the process to strike the company off the register. Once a strike-off notice is published in the Gazette, the company's assets legally belong to the Crown (Bona Vacantia).

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Mandatory Software Filing in 2026

The most significant change for 2026 is the complete sunsetting of paper-based filing for standard CS01 forms. Business owners must now utilize one of two paths:

Companies House WebFiling: Best for simple companies with no changes to share capital or complex PSC structures.
Third-Party API Software: Essential for companies with multiple shareholders, non-resident directors, or those providing managed secretary services. This software links directly with the Companies House gateway to ensure the data transmitted matches the internal corporate records.

This digital mandate also extends to the payment of the annual filing fee. As of 2026, the fee has been adjusted to account for the increased costs of maintaining the identity verification infrastructure. All payments must be made electronically at the point of submission.

Checklist: Preparing Your 2026 Filing

To ensure a seamless submission, gather the following information before your review period ends:

Review Period Dates: Verify the start and end dates through the Companies House Service (CHS).
PSC Status: Ensure every PSC has their unique verification code ready.
Address Audit: Confirm the registered office and the Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL) address.
Share Register: Reconcile any share transfers made during the previous 12 months.
Officer Details: Check that all director residential addresses and service addresses are current.

If you discover that your registered office address is no longer valid, or a director has resigned, you must file the specific notification forms (AD01 or TM01) before you attempt to finalize the Confirmation Statement. The CS01 is a 'snapshot' that confirms the register is correct after those individual changes have been processed.

How Gullia Filing Helps

Gullia Filing provides comprehensive support for UK entrepreneurs, ensuring your 2026 Confirmation Statement is filed accurately and on time. We manage the identity verification process for non-resident directors and PSCs, handle the transition to mandatory software filing, and audit your SIC codes to reflect your current business activities. Our team ensures your UK Ltd remains in good standing, protecting your company's legal status and preventing unnecessary penalties.

2026 UK Confirmation Statement: Annual Compliance and Filing Guide