From 1 February 2026, Companies House will introduce new fees for many of its services. This change will apply to all registered companies across the UK. While some fees will go up, a few will actually fall. Companies House says the fee increase will help upgrade how it looks after company records and reduce the chances of the register being used wrongly. If you’re running a business, you should take note of these changes. Below, we’ll explain what’s different, why it’s important, and how you can plan ahead.
A quick look at the new fees
From February 2026, Companies House will apply updated fees for several common filings:
- Registering a new company online will cost £100, up from £50.
- Submitting the annual confirmation statement will cost £50, instead of £34.
- Applying to close a company through voluntary strike-off will cost £13, down from £33.
- Paper forms will cost much more than online submissions.
These adjustments will affect all types of companies — private limited companies, LLPs, and overseas entities. At first glance, these might look like small changes. But for businesses with multiple companies or frequent filings, the extra costs can add up over time.
Why are fees increasing?
Companies House has explained that the increase is not simply about raising money. The organisation is undergoing major reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These reforms will give it stronger powers and greater responsibility for maintaining accurate company records.
Currently, Companies House mainly acts as a database. It collects company information but does not verify much of it. That is changing.
With the new system, Companies House will:
- Check and verify the identity of directors and people with significant control.
- Query and remove inaccurate or false information from the register.
- Introduce new digital systems that make filings more secure and efficient.
- Work closely with other authorities to detect fraud and misuse of company structures.
The new fees will help pay for these upgrades and the additional work needed to deliver them.
Impact on businesses
Every business that files documents with Companies House will feel some effect. How much depends on your size, structure, and how you file.
1. Annual filing costs will rise
You’ll pay £50 instead of £34 to submit your yearly confirmation statement. For a single company, that’s manageable. But if you own several, you’ll notice the difference in your annual budget.
2. Setting up a company will cost more
If you plan to start a new company, the registration fee will double. Entrepreneurs and group structures with multiple companies will need to factor this into their costs.
3. Paper submissions will be expensive
Paper filings will be priced far higher than online submissions. Companies House wants to encourage everyone to use its digital services, which are faster, cheaper, and easier to manage.
4. It will be cheaper to close dormant companies
If you have a company that no longer trades, the cost to close it will fall to £13. This is a good opportunity to review your business structure and remove any inactive entities.
5. Expect more checks on company details
Companies House will start checking company data more carefully. This means you’ll need to ensure that all your information, from director details to registered addresses, is accurate and up to date. Incorrect or incomplete details may delay your filings.
What you should do before the changes take effect
You’ve still got some time before the new rates start, so take a moment to get ahead of it. It’s always easier to plan now than scramble later.
- Plan ahead – Add the new fees into your 2026 numbers early, and you won’t get caught out when the change arrives.
- Review your company list – If you own multiple businesses, decide which are essential and which could be closed before the changes apply.
- Move to online filing – Digital filings will continue to be cheaper and quicker than paper forms.
- Check company information – Review your company’s records and make sure every detail is right. Confirm the directors’ names, shareholder details, and contact information. This will prepare you for the new verification checks.
- Seek professional guidance – If you don’t fully understand how the new rules could affect your company, speak with your accountant or advisor for proper guidance.
Doing this now will make it easier to adapt when the new system begins.
A closer look at what’s behind the changes
Companies House is changing from being just a place that stores company details to one that actively checks the information it receives. In the past, anyone could submit company details with little checking, which sometimes led to false or misleading records.
The new system is designed to stop that. By confirming people’s identities and making sure company information is accurate, Companies House hopes to create more trust in the UK business world. This is good for honest businesses, as it helps reduce fraud and gives customers, banks, and investors more confidence.
These reforms are part of a broader government move to reduce financial crime. False records have been used for tax evasion, fraud, and money laundering. The new checks are meant to clean up the register and make it much harder for people to misuse company structures.
So while businesses will pay a little more, the long-term benefit is a more secure and reliable company database — one that better protects legitimate enterprises.
How can we help
As accountants and advisors, we’re already helping businesses prepare for the upcoming changes. We can:
- File your company documents accurately and on time.
- Move your filings to digital systems to save costs.
- Help review your company structure and close dormant entities.
- Guide you on the best time to set up new companies before the new fees begin.
- Keep you informed about other upcoming rules from Companies House and HMRC.
Our goal is to help you stay compliant and well-prepared so these changes don’t disrupt your business operations. Contact us if you have any questions regarding this change.
