Companies House Fees Are Changing From 1 February 2026 – What This Means for Your Bookkeeping
Companies House carries out an annual review of its fees to ensure they accurately reflect the cost of delivering its services. As a result of the latest review, several key fees will change from 1 February 2026.
Here’s what you need to know:
The incorporation digital filing fee will change to £100
The confirmation statement digital filing fee will change to £50
The voluntary strike-off digital filing fee will change to £13
A full list of all fee changes has been published for businesses to review.
Companies House says these fees remain low when compared internationally, and they support essential services that benefit every business registered with Companies House—such as limited liability protection, improved access to finance, and greater credibility in the marketplace.
Fees also fund the publication of publicly accessible company information, which is valued at billions to the UK economy. Additionally, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act has given Companies House stronger powers to challenge, query, and remove false or misleading data from the register—helping maintain the integrity of UK corporate records.
Companies House states that these changes are part of its wider ambition to create a more trustworthy environment for consumers and compliant businesses, while reducing the impact of those who fail to meet their obligations.
Fee income is also used to support The Insolvency Service’s investigation and enforcement work.
This includes the ability to wind up companies, disqualify directors, and prosecute individuals suspected of fraud, financial wrongdoing, or other company offences.
Looking ahead, Companies House say it aims to strengthen the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading places to start and grow a business.
Investment is being made into modernising services, increasing staffing, and deploying advanced tools to quickly identify and tackle fraudulent activity.
A key part of these reforms was the introduction of compulsory identity verification from 18 November 2025, ensuring that anyone setting up or running a company is who they claim to be.
Overall, the organisation says the work being carried out—funded directly by Companies House fees—is helping to promote transparency, strengthen economic confidence, and limit opportunities for economic crime by safeguarding the UK’s corporate structures.
The key ways these Companies House fee increases could impact businesses, especially from a bookkeeping and financial management perspective are:
1. Slight Increase in Annual Compliance Costs
While the new fees (e.g., £50 for the confirmation statement) are still relatively low, they do increase the overall cost of maintaining a company.
For small businesses, micro-entities, and start-ups, even modest increases can matter when margins are tight.
2. Higher Start-Up Costs for New Companies
The incorporation digital filing fee rising to £100 means new entrepreneurs will face a higher initial outlay.
This may encourage some business owners to think more carefully about:
whether they start a limited company now or later
whether a sole trader structure is more appropriate initially
Bookkeepers may find more clients asking for advice about which business structure is most cost-effective.
You can read more about these developments in Companies House strategy for 2025 to 2030.
For personalised advice on how these changes may impact your business records, filing deadlines, or overall bookkeeping processes, contact The Hollies Bookkeeping Services on 01743 790086, email info@holliesbookkeeping.co.uk, or visit www.holliesbookkeeping.co.uk.
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay