Last updated Aug 24, 2026 and written by Daniel Tuckey

What's the Difference Between a Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts?

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A Confirmation Statement is a snapshot of your company's structure: directors, PSCs, registered address, and share capital. Annual Accounts cover your company's financial position instead: profit, loss, and balance sheet detail. Both are separate legal requirements, and filing one doesn't cover the other.

Key Takeaways

  • A Confirmation Statement confirms your company's core details are accurate. Annual Accounts report your company's actual finances.
  • Both must be filed every year, even if your company isn't trading, in which case Dormant Company Accounts apply instead.
  • Missing a Confirmation Statement can lead to your company being struck off. Missing Annual Accounts brings penalties and, in serious cases, dissolution.
  • You can file both directly with Companies House, or through an accountant or formation agent.

What's Actually in Each Document?

A Confirmation Statement captures your company's current structure: director and PSC details, registered office, SIC code, and share capital. Annual Accounts are a financial report instead, covering profit and loss, a balance sheet, and, depending on your company's size, a director's report.

Do I Need to File Both Every Year?

Yes, even if your company isn't trading. A dormant company still files Dormant Company Accounts, a simplified version confirming there's been no financial activity, alongside its Confirmation Statement.

What Happens if I Miss Either Deadline?

The consequences differ. Missing a Confirmation Statement can lead to your company being struck off the register. Missing Annual Accounts brings automatic financial penalties and, in serious or repeated cases, can also lead to dissolution. Our guide to annual account late filing penalties covers the actual penalty amounts in full.

For the fuller comparison between these two filings and the older Annual Return terminology some guidance still references, our main guide to Confirmation Statements and Annual Accounts covers it all.

FAQs

Is a Confirmation Statement the same as Annual Accounts?

No. A Confirmation Statement confirms your company's structure and details. Annual Accounts report its financial performance. Both are required separately.

Do I need to file Annual Accounts if my company isn't trading?

Yes, as Dormant Company Accounts, a simplified version confirming there's been no financial activity.

What happens if I don't file my Confirmation Statement?

Companies House can strike your company off the register.

What happens if I file Annual Accounts late?

Automatic financial penalties apply, and repeated or serious delays can lead to dissolution.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House requirements can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before relying on the details above.