If you file your annual accounts or confirmation statements through Companies House, there’s an important update coming your way.
From 1 February 2026, Companies House will introduce a series of fee changes that will affect every business registered in the UK, including limited companies, LLPs, charitable companies, and overseas entities.
These increases form part of the Government’s wider reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, designed to improve the quality, accuracy, and security of the Companies House register.
At Accounting People Ltd, we’re here to help you understand what’s changing, how it affects your business, and what steps you can take to stay ahead.
What’s Changing from February 2026?
The cost of filing and registering with Companies House will rise for the first time in several years.
Here’s a summary of the new fees compared with the current ones:
| Filing Type | Current Fee | New Fee (from Feb 2026) |
| Digital filing of annual confirmation statement | £34 | £50 |
| Paper filing of annual confirmation statement | £62 | £110 |
| Digital incorporation (new company registration) | £50 | £100 |
| Paper incorporation | £71 | £124 |
| Voluntary strike-off (digital) | £33 | £13 (reduced) |
| Voluntary strike-off (paper) | £10 | £18 (reduced) |
As you can see, while most fees are increasing, there are a few minor reductions for certain filings, such as voluntary strike-offs.
Why Are Fees Increasing?
Companies House has confirmed that the new fees will help fund its modernisation programme, part of a wider effort to make the UK’s business register more transparent, accurate, and resilient.
The additional revenue will allow Companies House to:
- Upgrade its digital systems to handle identity verification and enhanced data checks.
- Support enforcement and investigation work carried out by the Insolvency Service.
- Combat fraudulent activities such as company hijacking, director impersonation, and false filings.
These changes are being introduced alongside the new digital ID verification requirements, which will take effect from 18 November 2025.
Together, they form part of a major shift in how the UK regulates and maintains company information.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
For most UK companies, these fee changes mean you’ll need to adjust your budgets and filing plans from early 2026.
- Plan ahead for annual filings: Make sure your accounts and confirmation statements are submitted on time to avoid late filing penalties.
- Budget for higher costs: Increase your annual compliance budget slightly to account for the new filing fees.
- Go digital where possible: While both digital and paper fees are increasing, digital filing remains much more cost-effective and faster.
If your business currently submits documents by post, this may be the right time to transition to digital submissions. Not only will it reduce costs, but it will also streamline your compliance process.
What About New Companies and Start-ups?
If you’re planning to register a new business after February 2026, the incorporation fee will double, rising from £50 to £100 for digital submissions.
This increase applies to all new:
- Private limited companies
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Charitable companies
- Overseas entities registering in the UK
While this is a noticeable jump, it reflects the expanded role Companies House is taking on, verifying directors’ identities, improving data quality, and supporting transparency initiatives.
Connecting the Dots, How This Fits Into the Bigger Picture
The Companies House fee increases aren’t happening in isolation.
They’re part of a much larger transformation under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which also includes:
- Mandatory digital ID verification for all directors and persons with significant control (PSCs)
- Stricter checks on company information before it’s published
- New powers for Companies House to challenge and reject inaccurate filings
These reforms are designed to strengthen trust in the UK business environment, making it harder for bad actors to misuse company structures for fraud or money laundering.
How Accounting People Ltd Can Help
At Accounting People Ltd, we understand that these changes can feel like yet another layer of admin. But with the right support, staying compliant doesn’t have to be stressful.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Filing support: We’ll manage your company accounts, confirmation statements, and other statutory filings on your behalf.
- Compliance advice: Our team will ensure you’re fully aware of the latest Companies House requirements and deadlines.
- Planning and budgeting: We can help you forecast filing costs and integrate them into your financial plans.
- Digital transition: We’ll help you make the switch to secure, efficient digital filing if you’re still submitting documents by post.
Our goal is simple, to keep your business compliant, organised, and informed, while you focus on growth.
In Summary
From 1 February 2026, Companies House will increase its filing fees across digital and paper submissions. These changes support ongoing investments in security, technology, and transparency under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
While the increases are modest, they highlight the importance of staying proactive, both in compliance and financial planning.
At Accounting People Ltd, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for every stage of the Companies House transformation, from identity verification to updated filing fees.
If you’d like personalised advice on how these changes affect your company, get in touch with our team today, we’re here to help.
