What Is Companies House WebFiling?
Companies House WebFiling is the primary digital service used by over 4.8 million UK companies to submit their legally required documents to the UK government’s registrar of companies. If you’re running a plastering business, construction firm, or any limited company in the UK, you’re legally obligated to file specific documents at Companies House — and WebFiling is how most businesses do it.
The system handles several critical filings:
- Confirmation Statements (CS01) — annual updates confirming your company details are correct
- Annual accounts — financial statements showing your company’s performance
- Change of registered office address — notifications when you move premises
- Appointment or resignation of directors — updates to your management team
- Change of company name — rebranding notifications
- Share allotments and transfers — ownership changes
For construction professionals, understanding this system is essential. Whether you’re running a sole plastering operation that’s incorporated as a limited company or managing a larger building firm, compliance with Companies House requirements protects your business from penalties and maintains your professional standing.
Why Companies House Filing Matters for Construction Businesses
Many plasterers and builders we work with at Kent Plasterers operate as limited companies for tax efficiency and liability protection. However, this structure comes with legal obligations that sole traders don’t face.
Missing deadlines has serious consequences:
| Filing Type | Deadline | Late Filing Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation Statement | Within 14 days of anniversary | Criminal offence, potential £5,000 fine |
| Private Company Accounts | 9 months after year-end | £150 (1 month late) up to £1,500+ (6+ months) |
| Public Company Accounts | 6 months after year-end | £750 (1 month late) up to £7,500+ (6+ months) |
| Change of Registered Office | Within 14 days of change | Criminal offence, potential fine |
Beyond penalties, late filing damages your company’s credit rating and can affect your ability to secure construction finance or merchant credit accounts at suppliers like Travis Perkins or Jewson. When bidding for larger plastering contracts or house renovation projects, clients often check Companies House records to verify a business is legitimate and well-managed.
How to Access Companies House WebFiling in 2026
Getting started with WebFiling requires authentication to prove you have authority to file documents for your company. Here’s the step-by-step process:
First-Time Registration
Step 1: Obtain Your Authentication Code
You’ll need an authentication code posted to your company’s registered office address. Request this through the Companies House service by entering your company number. The code typically arrives within 5 working days.
Step 2: Create Your WebFiling Account
- Visit the Companies House WebFiling portal
- Click “Register” and enter your company number
- Input the authentication code from your letter
- Create a secure password (minimum 8 characters with upper/lower case and numbers)
- Verify your email address
Step 3: Add Company Officers
If you have multiple directors or a company secretary, they can each have their own WebFiling login. This is particularly useful for construction partnerships where different directors handle various aspects of the business — one might manage site work while another handles administration.
Filing Your Confirmation Statement (CS01)
The confirmation statement replaced the annual return in 2016 and must be filed at least once every 12 months. Even if nothing has changed with your company, you must still confirm this.
What Information You’ll Need
- Company details: Registered office address, trading addresses
- Director information: Full names, dates of birth, service addresses
- Share capital: Details of shares and shareholders (if applicable)
- People with significant control (PSC): Anyone owning more than 25% or having significant influence
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code: For plastering, typically 43310 (Plastering)
Filing Process
Log into WebFiling and select “File a confirmation statement”. The system will pre-populate information from your previous filing. Review each section carefully — even if you’re busy on a ceiling skimming project, take 15 minutes to get this right.
The filing fee in 2026 is £34 if filed online (£62 by post, so always use WebFiling). Payment can be made by debit or credit card directly through the portal.
Filing Annual Accounts Through WebFiling
This is where many construction business owners struggle. Annual accounts are more complex than confirmation statements and typically require an accountant, though micro-companies can file simplified accounts.
Account Types and Deadlines
| Company Type | Accounts Required | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-entity (turnover under £632,000) | Simplified balance sheet | 9 months after year-end |
| Small company (turnover under £10.2m) | Abridged accounts | 9 months after year-end |
| Medium/large company | Full statutory accounts | 9 months after year-end |
| Dormant company | Dormant accounts | 9 months after year-end |
Most plastering businesses fall into the micro-entity or small company categories. Your accountant will prepare accounts compliant with UK Financial Reporting Standards (FRS 102).
Uploading Accounts to WebFiling
Accounts must be submitted in iXBRL (inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format. Your accountant will provide these files — they’re not something you create manually. The file typically has a .html or .xhtml extension and contains your financial data in a machine-readable format.
Upload process:
- Log into WebFiling and select “File accounts”
- Choose your company’s accounting reference date
- Upload the iXBRL file provided by your accountant
- Review the validation report for any errors
- Submit and pay the filing fee (£10 if accounts include a balance sheet; free for dormant accounts)
Common Filing Scenarios for Construction Businesses
Changing Your Registered Office Address
Many plasterers start their business from home, then later rent commercial premises or use a virtual office service. When your registered address changes, you must notify Companies House within 14 days using form AD01.
Through WebFiling:
- Select “Change of registered office address”
- Enter the new full postal address including postcode
- Specify the effective date of change
- Submit (no fee for this filing)
Remember: Your registered office is where Companies House sends legal notices and your authentication code letters. If you move without updating this, you won’t receive important correspondence.
Appointing or Removing Directors
Construction businesses evolve. You might bring on a business partner who’s been working as a senior plasterer, or a director might leave to start their own venture. These changes must be filed within 14 days.
Form AP01 (Appointment of director): Requires personal details including full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, service address, and residential address.
Form TM01 (Termination of director): Simply requires the director’s name and termination date.
Both can be filed through WebFiling at no cost. The director being appointed must provide consent, usually through a signed form kept in your company records.
Changing Company Name
Rebranding from “John Smith Plastering Ltd” to something more memorable? You’ll need to pass a special resolution (requires 75% shareholder approval) and file form NM01 through WebFiling.
The filing fee is £8 for online submission. Allow 24 hours for approval if the name is available. Once approved, update your business stationery, website, vehicle livery, and inform clients. Your company number stays the same, which is why many construction firms reference it on quotes and invoices alongside the trading name.
Alternative Filing Methods: Companies House Online Filing vs Software Filing
While WebFiling is the standard method, there are alternatives in 2026:
Companies House Online Filing Service
This is the newer, more user-friendly interface being rolled out to replace WebFiling. It offers the same functionality but with improved navigation and mobile responsiveness. Many construction business owners find it easier to use when filing from a tablet on site.
Third-Party Software Integration
Accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and Sage can file accounts directly to Companies House through API integration. Your accountant handles this, and it’s seamless — accounts are prepared, reviewed, and filed without you needing to log into WebFiling separately.
For busy plasterers juggling multiple projects, this automation is worth considering. Many accountants include this service in their annual fee (typically £500-£1,200 for a small construction company).
Paper Filing (Avoid If Possible)
Paper filing still exists but is more expensive (£62 for confirmation statements vs £34 online) and slower. There’s no advantage unless you have absolutely no internet access, which is unrealistic for a modern construction business that needs to quote jobs, order materials from suppliers like Screwfix, and communicate with clients.
Penalties and Enforcement in 2026
Companies House enforcement has intensified in recent years. Here’s what happens when you don’t file on time:
Late Accounts Penalties (Automatic)
| Period Overdue | Private Company Fine | Public Company Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | £150 | £750 |
| Over 1 month, up to 3 months | £375 | £1,500 |
| Over 3 months, up to 6 months | £750 | £3,000 |
| Over 6 months | £1,500 | £7,500 |
These penalties are per company. If you operate multiple entities (e.g., separate companies for plastering and kitchen remodelling), each late filing incurs its own penalty.
Strike-Off and Dissolution
Persistently failing to file can result in your company being struck off the register. Companies House will send warning letters, but if you’ve moved without updating your address, you won’t receive them. Strike-off means:
- Your company ceases to exist legally
- All assets transfer to the Crown
- You lose limited liability protection for past actions
- You cannot trade under that company name
- Restoration costs £80-£1,000 depending on the method
We’ve seen this affect construction businesses that ceased trading but didn’t formally close the company. Even if you’re not operating, you must file dormant accounts and confirmation statements until you dissolve the company properly.
Special Considerations for Construction Companies
VAT Registration and Companies House
While VAT registration is separate (handled through HMRC), your Companies House records should reflect accurate trading information. If you’re VAT registered, ensure your turnover figures in your accounts align with your VAT returns. Discrepancies can trigger investigations.
Most plastering businesses reach the £90,000 VAT threshold within 2-3 years of trading. When budgeting for rendering projects or large contracts, remember to factor VAT into your pricing if registered.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Details
While CIS verification and payment tracking happens through HMRC’s system, Companies House filings demonstrate your business legitimacy. Main contractors checking your credentials will review your Companies House information to verify you’re a legitimate, compliant business.
Trading Addresses vs Registered Office
Many plasterers work from home but use a virtual office for their registered address. This is legal and common. However, your confirmation statement must list all trading addresses where your business operates. If you primarily work in Kent but store materials at a depot in Essex, both should be listed.
WebFiling Security and Access Management
Protecting your WebFiling account is crucial. With access, someone could change your registered address, remove directors, or file fraudulent accounts.
Security Best Practices
- Use a strong password: Minimum 12 characters with upper/lower case, numbers, and symbols
- Don’t share your authentication code: Treat it like a PIN for your bank
- Enable email notifications: You’ll receive alerts when filings are submitted
- Review your company record regularly: Check the public register quarterly for any unauthorized changes
- Update your email address: If you change business email, update it in WebFiling so you receive deadline reminders
Recovering a Lost Authentication Code
If you’ve lost your authentication code, request a replacement through the Companies House website. It will be posted to your registered office address within 5 working days. There’s no fee, but you cannot file during this waiting period, so don’t leave it until the last minute before a deadline.
Cost Summary: What You’ll Pay for Companies House Filings in 2026
Understanding the total annual cost helps with business budgeting:
| Filing Type | Online Cost | Frequency | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation Statement | £34 | Once per year | £34 |
| Annual Accounts (with balance sheet) | £10 | Once per year | £10 |
| Dormant Accounts | Free | Once per year | £0 |
| Change of Address (AD01) | Free | As needed | £0 |
| Appointment/Termination of Director | Free | As needed | £0 |
| Change of Name (NM01) | £8 | As needed | £0-£8 |
Minimum annual cost for an active company: £44
Add to this your accountancy fees (£500-£1,200 typically) and you’re looking at £550-£1,250 total for complete compliance. Compare this to late filing penalties and the cost is minimal — less than the profit on a single small plastering job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, we’ve seen construction business owners make these filing errors:
- Mixing up “made up date” with filing deadline: Your confirmation statement is “made up to” your anniversary date but must be filed within 14 days after
- Using old postal addresses: If you’ve moved, update immediately — missing Companies House letters causes cascading problems
- Forgetting to file when dormant: Not trading doesn’t exempt you from filing; dormant accounts must still be submitted
- Assuming accountants file everything automatically: Clarify whether your accountant will file both accounts AND your confirmation statement, or just accounts
- Leaving it to the last day: WebFiling sometimes has technical issues; file at least 5 days before deadlines
- Not updating people with significant control (PSC): This register is legally required and must be accurate
Getting Professional Help
Many plasterers and builders prefer to outsource Companies House compliance entirely. This makes sense when you’re billing £200-300 per day on site — your time is better spent plastering than navigating bureaucracy.
Who Can Help
- Accountants: Most construction accountants include Companies House filing in their annual service
- Company formation agents: Services like Companies Made Simple or Quality Company Formations offer ongoing compliance packages from £100-200 per year
- Virtual office providers: Many now offer compliance management alongside registered office services
- Business advisors: Organizations like the Federation of Master Builders provide guidance to members
For a small additional cost (often £100-150 annually), a professional service will monitor your deadlines, remind you when documents are needed, and handle the actual filing. This is particularly valuable if you’re managing multiple entities or expanding into additional areas like property renovation for profit.
How Companies House Webfiling Connects to Your Business Operations
Understanding Companies House isn’t just about compliance — it affects your business reputation. When tendering for commercial plastering work or securing contracts with property developers, clients will check:
- That your company exists and is active
- Your financial health through filed accounts
- Who the directors are
- How long you’ve been trading
- Whether you’re up to date with filings
A company with late accounts or an overdue confirmation statement raises red flags. It suggests poor financial management or possible financial distress — not traits clients want in their plastering contractor.
Conversely, a company with a clean filing history, growing turnover (visible in accounts), and stable directorship demonstrates professionalism. This matters when competing against other firms for house extension projects where the client is making a significant investment.
Looking Ahead: Changes on the Horizon
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduces several changes being phased in through 2026:
- Enhanced verification: Companies House will actively verify information rather than passively accepting it
- Stronger powers to reject filings: Obviously incorrect or fraudulent documents will be rejected
- Increased penalties for persistent defaulters: Companies repeatedly filing late face escalating sanctions
- Mandatory email addresses: All companies must provide contact emails for communications
- Director identification verification: Directors may need to verify their identity through a one-time process
These changes aim to combat fraud and increase transparency. For legitimate construction businesses, the impact is minimal — you’re already providing accurate information. However, expect slightly more rigorous checks when filing, particularly for first-time filings or significant changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to File at Companies House If I’m a Sole Trader?
No. Companies House filings are only required for limited companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and certain other corporate structures. Sole traders register with HMRC for self-assessment tax but have no Companies House obligations. However, many plasterers incorporate (become limited companies) once their annual turnover exceeds £50,000-70,000 for tax efficiency. If you’re considering this, our article on Companies House filing deadline extensions provides additional context.
What Happens If I Miss My Filing Deadline by Just One Day?
For accounts, the late filing penalty applies immediately — even one day late triggers the £150 fine for private companies. For confirmation statements, you’ve technically committed a criminal offence, though prosecution is rare for short delays. However, your company record shows “overdue” status, which clients can see if they check the public register. Always aim to file at least a week early to account for technical issues or bank payment processing times.
Can I File Accounts Early?
Yes. You can file accounts any time after your financial year ends, up to the deadline. Many construction accountants work on a “first come, first served” basis during busy periods, so getting your paperwork to them 6-8 weeks after year-end means earlier filing and one less thing to worry about during peak plastering season.
How Do I Check My Next Filing Deadlines?
Log into WebFiling and view your company overview, or search for your company on the public Companies House register. Both display your next confirmation statement date and accounts filing deadline. You’ll also receive email reminders if you’ve registered an email address with Companies House (highly recommended).
What’s the Difference Between a Confirmation Statement and Annual Return?
They’re essentially the same thing — the annual return was replaced by the confirmation statement in June 2016. The confirmation statement is simpler and asks only for confirmed information rather than requiring you to provide data that hasn’t changed. If someone mentions “annual return,” they’re referring to the old system; it’s now called a confirmation statement (form CS01).
Can I Backdate a Filing If I Missed the Deadline?
No. Filings are timestamped when submitted. If you missed your deadline, file immediately to minimize penalties, but the late filing will be recorded. For accounts, the automatic penalty still applies. For confirmation statements, file as soon as you realize the error. Companies House may prosecute for persistent non-filing, but single late filings are typically just noted on your record. The key is to file as soon as possible rather than delaying further because “it’s already late.”
Final Thoughts: Making WebFiling Part of Your Business Routine
Companies House WebFiling doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful. Treat it like your insurance renewals or equipment servicing — a routine part of running a professional construction business.
Set up your account properly, keep your authentication code safe, maintain accurate records throughout the year, and file well before deadlines. If you prefer to focus on plastering and leave compliance to professionals, that’s fine too — just ensure someone is definitely responsible for it.
Remember: Your company record is public. Clients, suppliers, and competitors can view it. A well-maintained Companies House presence demonstrates the same attention to detail and professionalism you bring to every plastering job, whether it’s a simple ceiling skim or a complex house rendering project.
The £44 annual cost and few hours of admin time are minimal investments that protect your business, maintain your reputation, and keep you legally compliant — allowing you to focus on what you do best: delivering quality plastering work across Kent and beyond.