Companies House Filing Requirements: A Complete UK Guide for 2026
14 August 2026
Everything you need to know about Companies House filing requirements in 2026: deadlines, fees, new rules, and how to stay compliant.
What Are Companies House Filing Requirements?
Every limited company, LLP, or other registered entity in the UK must send certain documents and information to Companies House on a regular basis. These are the statutory filings required under the Companies Act 2006, and they exist to keep the public register accurate and transparent. The core obligations include filing a confirmation statement at least once a year, presenting annual accounts (even if your company is dormant), updating details like directors, shareholders, and registered office addresses, and reporting changes to people with significant control (PSCs). In 2026, there are also enhanced identity verification duties. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, late penalties, and even prosecution, so it's vital to understand exactly what your company must file and when.
Key Annual Deadlines and Fees
Your filing deadline is tied to your company's accounting reference date (ARD) and confirmation statement date. Accounts must be filed within 9 months of the ARD for private companies, and 6 months for public limited companies. Confirmation statements are due within 14 days of the end of the confirmation period, normally annually, and cost £34 to file online (or £62 by post, with no online discount). Failure to file on time triggers automatic late filing penalties starting at £150 for private companies, doubling if you are more than a month late. For confirmation statements, you face a £500 civil penalty if they are more than two months overdue. Mark your calendar: these deadlines never move, and Companies House is not lenient about extensions.
The Confirmation Statement: Annual Snapshot
The confirmation statement (form CS01) is your annual snapshot of company information. It confirms that the details Companies House holds are correct and up to date, including registered office address, directors, secretary, shareholders and share capital, and PSC register. You must file one at least every 12 months, even if nothing has changed. If changes have occurred during the year, report them separately using the appropriate forms, or update them at the same time as the confirmation statement. In 2026, the 'lawful purpose' declaration is also mandatory—you must confirm the company’s intended activities are lawful. You can file online via the Companies House service or use software accepted by the regulator.
Annual Accounts: What to Submit
All UK companies must file annual accounts with Companies House, and the rules depend on your company size. Micro-entities can file the simplest abridged accounts; small companies can file a reduced set; medium and large entities face fuller disclosure requirements. Charities may have different rules. Dormant companies can file 'dormant company accounts' using form AA02 if they have no significant transactions. Since 2024, there is no longer an option to file paper accounts to Companies House for most companies; filing must be done digitally, with accounts tagged using the appropriate XBRL taxonomy. For 2026, all accounts must also be prepared using the new digital software requirements—so check that your accountant uses HMRC-recognised software. Late accounts penalties are automatically imposed.
New Changes in 2026: Identity Verification and More
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has brought significant reforms, most of which are now fully in force in 2026. Every director, PSC, and person filing documents at Companies House must verify their identity. This can be done through GOV.UK One Login or via an authorised agent. Additionally, all companies must provide a registered email address—which will not be publicly displayed, but is used for official communications. New rules also require companies to declare a lawful purpose and confirm they are not subject to an insolvency procedure. When you file, ensure all new requirements are met, otherwise your submission will be rejected. The changes aim to enhance transparency and tackle economic crime, but they do add compliance responsibilities for every UK company.
FAQ
You must file your confirmation statement within 14 days of the end of your confirmation period. If you miss this, Companies House will send a reminder, and you will incur a £500 civil penalty if the statement is more than two months late. Additionally, your company could be struck off the register for persistent non-compliance, which means losing any assets held in the company.