Confirmation statement vs annual accounts — what's the actual difference?

The confirmation statement and annual accounts are two completely different filings to Companies House — here's the distinction.

The confirmation statement confirms that the information Companies House holds about your company is still correct: registered office, directors, statement of capital and shareholder information, SIC code, and people with significant control. It's filed at least every 12 months, costs £50 online (£110 by post), and contains no financial figures — it's a snapshot of who owns and runs the company.

The annual accounts (statutory accounts) show how the company performed financially: balance sheet, profit and loss, notes, and a director's report. They're prepared from your financial records at year end and must be filed with Companies House within 9 months of your accounting reference date. Miss that deadline and penalties start at £150, rising to £1,500 for over six months late, doubled if you're late two years in a row.

On top of both: your Company Tax Return goes to HMRC, separately from Companies House, with the full accounts attached.

Think of it this way: the confirmation statement tells the world who runs and owns the company; the accounts tell the world how much money it made and lost. Both are mandatory every year.