Can Someone Else File Your Confirmation Statement for You?
Yes. Someone else can file a confirmation statement on behalf of your UK limited company, provided they use an appropriate filing method and have the necessary authority and information. A company director does not necessarily have to complete the filing personally. An accountant, company formation agent, solicitor or other authorised service provider can help prepare and submit the confirmation statement to Companies House.
This can be particularly useful if you are a busy founder, manage several companies, live outside the UK or simply want help keeping your company records up to date. However, delegating the filing does not remove the need to ensure that the information submitted is accurate or that the company meets its legal obligations. The important questions are who can file the statement, what access or authorisation they need, how much assistance costs, and what responsibilities remain with the company and its directors.
What Is a Confirmation Statement?
A confirmation statement is a Companies House filing that confirms the information held about a registered company is accurate as at a specified date. It is normally filed using Form CS01 or the relevant online filing service. Every UK limited company must submit a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, even if it has not traded or none of its registered details have changed. Depending on the company, the information reviewed may include:
- Registered office address.
- Directors and company secretary, where applicable.
- Shareholders and share capital.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs).
- Registered email address.
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.
- Relevant information about shareholdings and shareholder rights.
A confirmation statement is different from annual accounts and tax returns. It updates or confirms information on the public company register rather than reporting the company's financial performance. If another person files it for you, they should check the company's records carefully and identify any changes that need to be reported separately.
Who Can File a Confirmation Statement on Your Behalf?
Several types of people and service providers can help submit a confirmation statement. The best option depends on your company's needs, the complexity of its ownership structure and how much assistance you want.
1. An accountant
An accountant can prepare and submit your confirmation statement as part of a wider company compliance service. This may be convenient if the accountant already maintains your bookkeeping, prepares annual accounts or handles Corporation Tax matters. They may be familiar with your company records and can coordinate filing dates.
However, filing a confirmation statement is separate from preparing annual accounts or tax returns. Check whether the service is included in your accountant's existing fee or charged separately.
2. A company formation or company management agent
A company formation agent may offer ongoing Companies House filing support after incorporating your business. Depending on the service, the agent may help review company information, submit the confirmation statement, monitor filing deadlines and notify you when action is required.
For founders who manage a UK company from abroad, this can reduce the administrative burden of keeping track of recurring filing obligations. A company formation service does not automatically take responsibility for every aspect of compliance, so check the precise scope of the agreement.
3. A solicitor
A solicitor can help with a confirmation statement, particularly where the company has a complex ownership structure, changes in shareholdings or other corporate matters requiring legal support. For a straightforward company with no changes to report, using a solicitor solely for the filing may be more assistance than necessary. For a company undergoing a restructuring or ownership change, professional advice may be worthwhile.
4. A company secretary or another authorised person
Where a company has a company secretary, that person may be involved in preparing and managing company filings. Another authorised person may also assist through an appropriate Companies House filing route.
The important distinction is between helping with the administrative process and having the authority and access needed to submit the filing. A person should not assume they can file simply because they work for the company or know one of its directors.
5. A director or another company officer
A director can arrange for someone else to handle the practical work, even if the director remains involved in checking and approving the information. For example, a director might ask an employee to gather the company's current details, then have an accountant submit the confirmation statement through the accountant's authorised filing arrangements. The filing route and any applicable identity verification requirements must still be followed.
What Access and Authorisation Does the Person Need?
The person filing your confirmation statement needs an appropriate way to submit it. Simply knowing your company name or being your accountant does not automatically give them access to your Companies House filing account. The exact requirements depend on the filing method.
Companies House online filing
The standard online filing service requires the relevant Companies House account credentials and company authentication code. Before filing, the company must also meet any applicable identity verification requirements.
If you appoint an accountant or service provider, agree how they will access the filing service and who will retain control of the company's credentials. Avoid sending passwords through insecure channels or giving access to people you have not properly vetted.
Using an accountant or filing agent
An accountant or agent may be able to submit filings through their existing software or other permitted filing arrangements. Ask which method they use and what information they need from you. Companies House is also introducing changes to how authorised agents work. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a person or business registered with Companies House to carry out specified authorised services, including identity verification.
As of October 2026, Companies House guidance says that filing on behalf of clients through the ACSP authorised-agent service is expected to become available no earlier than November 2026. That is distinct from the filing methods that accountants and other providers may already use. If you are choosing a provider, ask whether they are using an existing filing method or relying on a new authorised-agent service that is not yet available.
How Do Companies House Identity Verification Rules Affect the Filing?
Identity verification is an important part of the current filing process. Companies House has introduced a legal requirement for directors and people with significant control to verify their identities and connect that verification to their company roles. A verified person receives an individual Companies House personal code.
For a director, the personal code is required as part of the confirmation statement filing process under the new rules. If the company has multiple directors, each director's code may be needed. The company should check that all relevant directors have completed verification before the statement is submitted.
This does not mean that an accountant or agent can simply use their own personal code in place of the directors' codes. The codes are personal to the individuals whose identities have been verified. If someone files on your behalf, they may need you to provide your personal code securely. Companies House guidance allows people to share their codes with trusted individuals who file on their behalf, but the code should be protected like other sensitive account information.
Before appointing a provider, confirm:
- Whether your directors have completed identity verification.
- Whether each relevant director has a personal code.
- How the provider will receive and protect the codes.
- Whether any details in the company's Companies House record need correcting first.
If you have not yet verified your identity, start with the official Companies House identity verification guidance.
Does Someone Else Filing the Statement Remove Your Responsibility?
No. Delegating the administrative work does not mean you can ignore the company's compliance obligations. A director should make sure the company information is accurate, the filing is submitted on time and any necessary changes have been reported through the correct process.
For example, imagine you appoint an accountant to file your confirmation statement. You have recently transferred shares to another shareholder but have not told the accountant. If the filing is prepared using outdated information, the company may submit an inaccurate statement.
The practical lesson is that you should provide complete information, review any questions raised by your adviser and keep a record of the final submission. Your service agreement should also make clear who is responsible for monitoring deadlines, contacting you when information is needed and notifying you when a filing has been completed. A professional can help you comply, but you should not assume that appointing one transfers every legal responsibility away from the company or its directors.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Someone File Your Confirmation Statement?
The total cost depends on whether you file the statement yourself or pay a professional to handle it. As of October 2026, the Companies House fees are:
Filing method | Companies House fee |
|---|---|
Online or software filing | £50 |
Paper filing | £110 |
These are statutory filing fees. An accountant, solicitor or company management provider may charge an additional service fee for preparing and submitting the statement. For example, an accountant might include the filing in an annual compliance package, while another provider may charge separately for each submission. Ask whether the quoted price includes the Companies House fee or whether it will be added to the invoice.
For a straightforward company with no changes, filing personally may be the most economical option. Professional support can be worthwhile if you have several companies, complicated shareholdings, overseas directors or limited time to manage administrative deadlines.
How to Choose the Right Person to File for You
Before handing over your company information, consider the following factors.
Check their experience
Choose someone familiar with Companies House filings and the confirmation statement process. If your company has multiple shareholders, corporate shareholders or recent ownership changes, ask whether they have experience with similar structures.
Clarify what the service includes
Find out whether the provider will simply submit the statement or also review your company information, identify discrepancies and remind you of future deadlines. Do not assume that a confirmation statement service includes annual accounts, Corporation Tax returns or other compliance work.
Check their status where relevant
If the provider says they are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, check their registration using the official Companies House ACSP list. An ACSP registration is relevant to authorised services, including identity verification. It should not be confused with a blanket guarantee that the provider offers every type of company filing or professional advice.
Protect your company information
Ask how the provider stores authentication details, personal codes and company documents. Use secure communication methods and make sure you know who can access your records.
Keep your own records
Request confirmation once the filing has been submitted. Keep the receipt or submission reference and check the company's public filing history to confirm that the statement has been accepted. This final check is useful even when you use a trusted professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can my accountant file my confirmation statement for me?
Yes. An accountant can prepare and submit your confirmation statement using an appropriate filing method. Confirm whether the service is included in your existing accounting package or charged separately.
2. Can a friend or family member file it on my behalf?
They may be able to help with the preparation and, where the filing method permits, submission. They will need the appropriate access and information, and applicable identity verification requirements must still be met. For ongoing support, a professional filing provider may be more suitable.
3. Does my accountant need to be an ACSP?
Not necessarily for every filing method an accountant may already use. ACSP registration is required for specified authorised services, including identity verification, and Companies House is introducing additional authorised-agent filing arrangements. Ask your accountant which service they provide and whether ACSP registration is relevant to it.
4. Do all directors need to verify their identities?
Under the Companies House identity verification requirements, each director must complete the applicable verification process and connect their verified identity to their company role. Personal codes are required as part of confirmation statement filing under the new rules. Check that every relevant director has completed the necessary steps before submitting the statement.
5. Can someone file my confirmation statement without my permission?
A person should not access your company filing arrangements or submit information on your behalf without appropriate authority. Choose a trusted provider, agree the scope of the service and protect your login details and personal codes.
6. Will I still be responsible if my accountant makes a mistake?
Delegating the filing does not remove the company's compliance obligations or a director's responsibilities. If an error occurs, investigate it promptly, establish what needs correcting and use the appropriate Companies House process.
7. Can a company formation agent file confirmation statements after incorporation?
Many company formation and management providers offer ongoing compliance support, but the service varies. Check whether confirmation statement preparation, submission and deadline reminders are included in your package.
8. How do I know whether the confirmation statement has been filed?
Ask your provider for the submission confirmation and check the company's filing history on the Companies House register. If the statement does not appear or the filing has been rejected, contact the provider promptly.
Conclusion
Yes, someone else can file your UK company's confirmation statement for you. An accountant, solicitor or suitable company management provider can handle the process using an appropriate filing method, provided the relevant access, authority and identity verification requirements are met. Before delegating, clarify the service fee, confirm who will monitor deadlines, protect your company information and make sure the final submission is recorded correctly.
For founders managing a company from overseas or balancing several business responsibilities, professional filing support can make compliance easier to organise. Platforms such as IncorpUK can also help founders manage company administration, depending on the services included in their chosen package. Ultimately, delegation can save time, but the best approach is to remain informed, supply accurate company details and verify that the confirmation statement has been filed on time.