On 30 June 2016 the confirmation statement replaced the annual return. It requires every business to confirm that the information that Companies House holds on it is correct by delivering a confirmation statement to Companies House at least once every 12 months.

The filing deadline is usually either 14 days after:

• The anniversary of company registration; or
• The anniversary of the last annual return ‘made-up’ date.

Businesses are also required to keep a register people with significant control. These are identified as an individual who meets one or more of the following conditions in relation to your company:

• Directly or indirectly holding more than 25% of the shares;
• Directly or indirectly holding more than 25% of the voting rights; or
• Directly or indirectly holding the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors.

Otherwise having the right to exercise, or actually exercising, significant influence or control Having the right to exercise, or actually exercising, significant influence or control over the activities of a trust or firm which is not a legal entity, but would itself satisfy any of the first four conditions if it were an individual. If this information is out of date, then it is the responsibility of the business to file the correct information with Companies House either before, or at the same time that it delivers the confirmation statement. This is an important legal requirement of running a business and failing to get it right can result in directors being fined personally in the criminal courts

AMA Accountants provide an efficient and timely secretarial service to comply with the confirmation statement filing requirements.