CS01 Filings Explained: A Complete Guide to Your Company Confirmation Statement

CS01 filings are one of those compliance tasks that quietly sit in the background of running a limited company. They rarely cause excitement, don’t involve forecasting profits or planning growth, and yet failing to deal with them properly can bring your business to a grinding halt.

If you’ve ever wondered what your confirmation statement actually confirms, why Companies House keeps asking for it, or whether it really matters if nothing has changed, this guide is for you.

At Brickbooks & Payroll, we work with businesses across the UK, particularly in trades and construction, helping them stay compliant without drowning in paperwork. In this article, we break down CS01 filings clearly, professionally, and without unnecessary jargon (accountancy already has enough of that).

What Are CS01 Filings?

CS01 filings are the formal submissions made to Companies House to file your Confirmation Statement. This statement confirms that the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate and up to date.

CS01 filings replaced the old annual return, but the obligation remains very much alive. Every UK limited company and LLP must submit a CS01 filing at least once every 12 months, regardless of whether the business is trading, dormant, profitable, or still finding its feet.

Rather than reporting financial performance, CS01 filings confirm company structure and legal details, ensuring transparency and accuracy on the public register.

What Information Is Confirmed in CS01 Filings?

When completing your CS01 filings, you are confirming or updating the following information:

• Registered office address
• Directors’ details
• Company secretary details (if applicable)
• Shareholders and share capital
• People with Significant Control (PSC)
• SIC codes (business activity classifications)

If any of this information has changed since your last filing, it must be updated before or during your CS01 filing. If nothing has changed, you still need to submit the filing to confirm this.

Doing nothing is not an option. Companies House has little sympathy for good intentions.

Why CS01 Filings Matter More Than You Might Think

It’s easy to assume CS01 filings are just a box-ticking exercise. However, they play a critical role in the UK’s corporate framework.

Accurate CS01 filings help:

• Maintain trust and transparency in the business register
• Allow lenders, suppliers, and clients to verify your company
• Ensure HMRC records align with Companies House data
• Protect directors from penalties and legal action

Incorrect or missing CS01 filings can raise red flags, particularly when they don’t align with payroll, VAT returns, CIS submissions, or year-end accounts.

When Are CS01 Filings Due?

CS01 filings must be submitted every 12 months, based on either:

• The anniversary of your company’s incorporation, or
• The date of your last Confirmation Statement

You can file early if your company details change, but you cannot exceed 12 months between submissions.

Companies House does send reminders, but relying on them alone is a risky strategy, especially if emails land in spam folders or directors assume someone else is handling it.

What Happens If You Miss Your CS01 Filing?

Missing CS01 filings can quickly escalate from a minor oversight into a serious issue.

Consequences may include:

• Financial penalties
• Prosecution of company directors
• Companies House is striking the company off the register
• Loss of credibility with banks, suppliers, and clients

Once a strike-off process begins, reversing it can be time-consuming and expensive. Prevention is far more efficient than damage control.

CS01 Filings vs Company Accounts: What’s the Difference?

A common source of confusion is the difference between CS01 filings and company accounts.

CS01 filings confirm who your company is and how it is structured.

Company accounts report how your company is performing financially.

Both are statutory obligations, both have strict deadlines, and both are essential for compliance. Filing one does not replace the other.

CS01 Filings for Trades and Construction Businesses

Trades and construction businesses often face additional complexity when it comes to CS01 filings. Changes in ownership, multiple directors, subcontractor arrangements, and PSC rules can make filings less straightforward than expected.

At Brickbooks & Payroll, we specialise in supporting contractors, subcontractors, and construction business owners across the UK. We ensure CS01 filings are consistent with CIS records, payroll submissions, VAT returns, and year-end accounts because consistency matters as much as accuracy.

Common CS01 Filing Mistakes We See

After more than 15 years working with businesses, there are a few recurring CS01 filing issues we regularly correct:

• Assuming dormant companies don’t need to file
• Forgetting to update the PSC information
• Using outdated or incorrect SIC codes
• Missing deadlines due to poor record management
• Filing incorrect shareholding information

None of these mistakes is unusual, but they are entirely avoidable with the proper support.

How CS01 Filings Fit into Digital Accounting

As a fully digital practice, Brickbooks & Payroll integrate CS01 filings into a wider digital accounting framework. Using software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and other specialist tools, we help businesses stay compliant without paperwork piling up on desks (or in glove compartments).

Digital accounting allows:

• Better deadline tracking
• Fewer compliance errors
• Improved visibility across all filings
• More time spent working on your business rather than in it

Why Work with Brickbooks & Payroll?

Based in Bedfordshire and working nationally, Brickbooks & Payroll Ltd provide professional, down-to-earth accountancy services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.

We focus on building long-term relationships, not ticking boxes and disappearing. If we don’t believe we’re the right fit for your business, we’ll help you find an accountant who is, because good advice should always come first.

Our services include:

• CS01 filings and Confirmation Statements
• Payroll and CIS
• Bookkeeping and VAT returns
• Tax planning and advisory services
• Year-end accounts and business support

With over 15 years of experience, you can be confident that your compliance is handled calmly and correctly.

FAQs About CS01 Filings

What exactly are CS01 filings?

CS01 filings are submissions made to Companies House to file your Confirmation Statement, confirming that your company’s registered information is accurate and up to date.

Do I need to submit CS01 filings if nothing has changed?

Yes. Even if no details have changed, you must still submit CS01 filings to confirm this.

Are CS01 filings required for dormant companies?

Yes. Dormant companies are still legally required to submit CS01 filings every 12 months.

Can CS01 filings be updated before the deadline?

Yes. If company details change, you can update them and submit a CS01 filing early rather than waiting until the deadline.

Can an accountant manage CS01 filings on my behalf?

Absolutely. Many businesses choose to have their accountant handle CS01 filings to avoid errors, missed deadlines, and compliance issues.

What happens if my CS01 filing information is incorrect?

Incorrect CS01 filings can lead to penalties, legal issues, and inconsistencies with HMRC records. Errors should be corrected as soon as possible.

Get Help with Your CS01 Filings

If CS01 filings feel like another task competing for your attention, Brickbooks & Payroll are here to help. We manage CS01 filings as part of a wider compliance approach, ensuring your company details align seamlessly with payroll, VAT, CIS, and year-end accounts.

You can speak directly to our friendly team by calling 01234 413751 during our opening hours of 9 am to 5 pm, or by emailing info@brickbooksandpayroll.com. If you prefer a more in-depth conversation, you can also book your free consultation to discuss your business needs and find out how we can support you moving forward.