The email from Companies House arrives.

You thought you’d finished everything for the year.

Your annual accounts have been filed, your organisation is busy serving the community, and you’re already thinking about your next funding application.

Then you read the subject line.

“Your confirmation statement is due.”

Suddenly, you have more questions than answers.

• Isn’t this the same as my annual accounts?
• What is a confirmation statement?
• Do Community Interest Companies have to file one?
• What happens if I miss the deadline?
• Can my CIC really be struck off?

If you’re asking these questions, you’re far from alone.

Every year, thousands of Community Interest Company (CIC) directors across the UK receive a Companies House reminder and assume it’s either a mistake or simply another name for their annual accounts.

Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest compliance mistakes first-time directors make.

The good news is that understanding confirmation statements is much simpler than it first appears.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a CIC confirmation statement is, what information it confirms, how to file form CS01 online, the deadlines you need to know, and the common mistakes that can easily be avoided.

What Is a CIC Confirmation Statement?

A confirmation statement is an annual legal filing sent to Companies House using form CS01.

Unlike your annual accounts, it does not report your income, expenditure or financial performance.

Instead, it confirms that the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate.

Think of it as an annual health check for your company’s public record.

Even if nothing has changed during the year, you are still required to file one.

For most CIC directors, this is the first surprise.

Many assume:

“Nothing has changed, so there’s nothing to submit.”

Unfortunately, that’s not how the process works.

Why Every Community Interest Company Must File One Every Year

Although CICs exist to benefit the community, they are still registered companies under UK company law.

That means they must meet the same Companies House filing obligations as other companies.

Every year your CIC is expected to confirm that important company information remains accurate.

This helps Companies House maintain a reliable public register that banks, funders, suppliers and members of the public can trust.

Whether your CIC has traded extensively or hardly at all, the confirmation statement remains a legal requirement.

What Information Does a Confirmation Statement Confirm?

Before submitting your confirmation statement, you’ll review several important pieces of company information.

Registered Office Address

This is your official company address used by Companies House.

Director Details

Your directors’ names and appointments should be accurate and up to date.

Persons with Significant Control (PSC)

Companies House requires details of individuals who exercise significant control over the company.

SIC Codes

These codes describe your company’s activities.

Choosing appropriate SIC codes helps ensure your company is correctly categorised.

Shareholder Information

If your CIC is limited by shares, shareholder information should also be reviewed.

Registered Email Address

Companies House increasingly communicates electronically, making an up-to-date email address essential.

A neat compliance checklist beside official company paperwork and a laptop displaying Companies House.

Confirmation Statement vs Annual Accounts — What’s the Difference?

This is the area that causes the most confusion.

Annual Accounts

Annual accounts explain how your CIC has performed financially during the year.

Confirmation Statement (CS01)

A confirmation statement simply confirms your company information remains correct.

CIC34 Community Interest Report

The CIC34 explains how your organisation has delivered community benefit.

These are three completely separate filing obligations.

Submitting one does not automatically complete the others.

This misunderstanding causes countless overdue confirmation statements every year.

with a simple explanation beneath each.

The Mistakes That Catch First-Time Directors Out

Most confirmation statement problems aren’t caused by negligence.

They’re caused by misunderstanding.

“I Thought Filing My Accounts Was Enough”

Annual accounts and confirmation statements serve different purposes.

“Nothing Changed”

Even if absolutely nothing has changed, a confirmation statement still needs to be filed.

“My Accountant Handles Everything”

Many accountants only file documents they have specifically been instructed to complete.

Always confirm who is responsible for each filing.

Missing the Deadline

A missed deadline may seem minor initially, but can eventually result in Companies House warning notices and compulsory strike-off proceedings.

Why Companies House Takes Confirmation Statements Seriously

Companies House isn’t asking for confirmation statements simply to create more paperwork.

Its role is to maintain an accurate register of UK companies.

The register helps:

• funders
• banks
• suppliers
• regulators
• members of the public

understand who owns and controls UK companies.

Accurate information builds confidence and transparency—something especially important for Community Interest Companies working with local communities and grant providers.

CIC Confirmation Statement Deadlines Explained

Each company has a review period lasting approximately twelve months.

After that review period ends, you normally have 14 days to submit your confirmation statement.

Many directors mistakenly believe the review period itself is the filing deadline.

It’s not.

Leaving everything until the last minute increases the likelihood of mistakes.

Checking your filing history regularly helps avoid unnecessary stress.

How to File a CIC Confirmation Statement Online

The filing process is usually straightforward.

Step 1

Sign in to the Companies House online filing service.

Step 2

Select your company.

Step 3

Review your company information carefully.

Step 4

Update anything that has changed.

Step 5

Submit form CS01.

Step 6

Pay the Companies House filing fee.

Before clicking submit, double-check every detail.

Taking an extra few minutes now can save considerable time later.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing a confirmation statement deadline doesn’t usually result in an immediate fine.

However, continuing not to file can have serious consequences.

These may include:

• reminder notices
• Companies House enforcement action
• compulsory strike-off proceedings
• difficulties opening or maintaining bank accounts
• concerns from funders and grant providers
• reputational damage

For organisations relying on public confidence, staying compliant is essential.

How to Check Whether Your Confirmation Statement Has Been Filed

You can check your filing history by searching your CIC on the Companies House register.

Within your company’s filing history, you’ll be able to see:

• confirmation statements
• annual accounts
• incorporation documents
• other statutory filings

Checking periodically provides reassurance that your company remains compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a confirmation statement if nothing has changed?

Yes. Every CIC must file one annually, even if all company information remains exactly the same.

Is a confirmation statement the same as annual accounts?

No.

Annual accounts report financial information.

Confirmation statements confirm company information.

Can I file a confirmation statement myself?

Yes.

Most directors can complete the filing online using the Companies House service.

What is form CS01?

CS01 is the official Companies House form used to submit a confirmation statement.

Can my CIC be struck off for not filing?

If confirmation statements continue to be ignored, Companies House can begin compulsory strike-off proceedings.

File Your CIC Confirmation Statement With Confidence

Filing your first CIC confirmation statement can feel confusing, especially when Companies House deadlines, CS01 forms and compliance requirements are completely new to you.

One missed filing or small mistake can quickly become unnecessary stress.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to.

At KG Accountants, we specialise in supporting Community Interest Companies across the UK.

Our experienced team can help you with:

• Confirmation statement (CS01) filings
• Companies House compliance
• Annual filing reminders
• CIC accounts
• CIC34 reports
• Ongoing specialist CIC advice

Ready to streamline your compliance and ensure your confirmation statement is filed correctly and on time?

Call KG Accountants today on 0207 078 7477 or complete our enquiry form to book your FREE initial CIC consultation.

We’ll help you stay compliant, avoid unnecessary stress, and keep your focus where it belongs—making a positive difference in your community.

Categories: Community Interest Companies, Confirmation Statement, Confirmation statement (CS01), Uncategorized

Tags: Confirmation Statement, Confirmation statement (CS01), CS01 confirmation date