How to File a Confirmation Statement for Micro Entity Accounts: A Complete Guide

 For small UK companies, compliance doesn’t stop at filing annual accounts. Even if your business qualifies for Micro Entity Accounts, you are still legally required to submit a Confirmation Statement every year. Many micro-entity directors confuse this filing with annual accounts or overlook it altogether — often leading to penalties or company strike-off warnings.

This article explains what a Confirmation Statement is, why it matters for micro entities, what information it includes, and how to file it correctly and on time.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation Statement is an annual filing submitted to Companies House that confirms your company’s key information is accurate and up to date.

It replaced the old Annual Return and applies to all UK limited companies, including micro entities.

The Confirmation Statement does not report financial performance. Instead, it confirms company structure, ownership, and statutory details.

Do Micro Entities Need to File a Confirmation Statement?

Yes — all limited companies, regardless of size, must file a Confirmation Statement every year.

Even if:

• You have no employees

• You are the only director

• Your business had little or no trading activity

• You file simplified Micro Entity Accounts

The Confirmation Statement is still mandatory.

Difference Between Micro Entity Accounts and a Confirmation Statement

Many small business owners confuse these two filings, but they serve very different purposes:

Micro Entity Accounts

• Report financial position

• Include balance sheet and internal profit figures

• Filed annually

• Used for financial compliance

Confirmation Statement

• Confirms company details

• No financial figures included

• Filed at least once every 12 months

• Used for legal and structural compliance

Both filings are required to keep your company compliant.

What Information Is Confirmed in the Confirmation Statement?

When filing a Confirmation Statement, you confirm that the following details are correct (or update them if they’ve changed):

1. Registered Office Address

The official address where Companies House sends correspondence.

2. Company Directors

Names, service addresses, and appointment status.

3. Company Secretary (if applicable)

4. Shareholders (People with Significant Control)

Details of individuals or entities who own or control more than 25% of the company.

5. Share Capital

Number of shares issued and their value.

6. SIC Codes

Standard Industrial Classification codes describing your business activity.

7. Company Status

Confirmation that the company is active and trading (or dormant).

Even if nothing has changed, you must still submit the statement to confirm this.

When Must a Micro Entity File a Confirmation Statement?

The Confirmation Statement must be filed at least once every 12 months.

Key points:

• The deadline is based on your company’s incorporation date or last confirmation statement date

• You can file earlier than the deadline if needed

• Filing late can result in penalties and legal action

The filing date is independent of your accounts or corporation tax deadlines.

What Happens If You Don’t File a Confirmation Statement?

Failing to file on time can have serious consequences, even for very small companies:

• Late filing penalties

• Warning notices from Companies House

• Company marked as non-compliant

• Risk of compulsory strike-off

• Frozen business activities

• Difficulty opening bank accounts or applying for finance

Many micro entities receive strike-off notices simply because they missed their Confirmation Statement deadline.

How Filing the Confirmation Statement Supports Micro Entity Accounts

While the Confirmation Statement doesn’t include financial data, it plays an important role in overall compliance:

1. Keeps Company Records Accurate

Correct director and shareholder information ensures your accounts align with legal ownership.

2. Supports Corporate Transparency

Accurate PSC information is required by law.

3. Prevents Filing Conflicts

Incorrect company details can cause problems when filing Micro Entity Accounts.

4. Demonstrates Compliance

Up-to-date records reduce the risk of HMRC or Companies House queries.

Common Mistakes Micro Entities Make When Filing

Small companies often make avoidable mistakes, such as:

• Missing the filing deadline

• Forgetting to update shareholder changes

• Incorrect share capital figures

• Outdated SIC codes

• Failing to confirm PSC details

• Assuming no changes means no filing required

Even simple errors can trigger compliance issues.

Who Is Responsible for Filing the Confirmation Statement?

The responsibility lies with the company directors.

Even if:

• An accountant prepares your accounts

• A bookkeeper manages records

• Payroll is outsourced

The director remains legally responsible for ensuring the Confirmation Statement is filed correctly and on time.

Can Micro Entities File the Confirmation Statement Themselves?

Yes, directors can file the Confirmation Statement themselves. However, many micro-entity directors choose professional support because:

• The process must be accurate

• Errors can affect company records

• It’s easy to miss updates

• Non-compliance carries serious consequences

Professional assistance ensures everything is filed correctly and reduces risk.

How the Filing Process Typically Works

Although the Confirmation Statement is simpler than accounts, it still requires care:

1. Review company details

2. Check director and shareholder information

3. Confirm or update share capital

4. Verify PSC records

5. Confirm SIC codes

6. Submit the statement before the deadline

Any changes must be reported before confirmation.

How Micro Entity Accounts Services Help With Confirmation Statements

Micro-entity specialist services often support Confirmation Statement filing alongside annual accounts.

This ensures:

• All company records remain aligned

• Deadlines are tracked properly

• Directors avoid penalties

• Compliance is handled in one place

For busy small business owners, this saves time and reduces stress.

Why Filing on Time Matters for Small Businesses

Micro entities often operate with limited resources. A missed filing can quickly escalate into bigger problems:

• Loss of credibility

• Interrupted operations

• Legal complications

• Financial penalties

Staying compliant protects your business and keeps it running smoothly.

Final Thoughts: Confirmation Statements Are Essential for Micro Entities

Even though Micro Entity Accounts simplify financial reporting, the Confirmation Statement remains a critical legal requirement.

It confirms your company’s structure, ownership, and statutory details and must be filed every year, even if nothing has changed.

Understanding this obligation and handling it correctly ensures:

• Continued compliance

• Accurate public records

• Reduced risk of penalties

• Peace of mind for directors

For micro entities, staying compliant doesn’t need to be complicated — but it does need to be taken seriously.