From 30 June the annual return is to be replaced with an annual confirmation statement; the statement should be less burdensome for charitable companies to complete as it simply requires confirmation that all changes in circumstances, such as the appointment and retirement of directors/trustees and the change in registered office or directors'/trustees' details, have been notified to Companies House within the previous 12 month period.
Confirmation statements will be due at the same time as a company's annual return would have been, although it may be filed earlier than the due date.
One important addition to the filing requirements is that from 30 June, unlike in the annual return, companies must provide details of their register of people with significant control ('PSC register') within the confirmation statement. Details of the PSC register must also be provided on incorporation of a new company from 30 June.
Also from 30 June it is possible, although not necessary, for companies to maintain their statutory books at Companies House rather than maintain them locally. If maintained at Companies House, the statutory books will be available on the searchable register. We do not expect charitable companies to choose this option for the time being as it would place an additional and unnecessary compliance burden on them to have to update Companies House repeatedly throughout the year.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
