Costs for registered companies in the UK are about to increase. This includes the cost of establishing and operating a registered company. Companies House will implement mandatory fee increases from 1 February 2026, affecting most standard filings. These changes support the government’s strategy to fund new powers under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act, which aims to enhance transparency and prevent fraud.
This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of the new Companies House fees and outlines the steps Worthwhile Accountancy recommends to help you minimise costs and maintain compliance.
A Digital Filing Breakdown of the upcoming Companies House fee increase
To minimise the financial impact of these changes, use the digital filing system. The largest increases affect company formation and the annual confirmation process.
|
Company Incorporation
|
£50 |
£100
|
Doubling the cost to start a business. |
|
Confirmation Statement (CS01)
|
£34 |
£50
|
Mandatory annual cost increase for all active companies. |
|
Voluntary Strike Off (DS01)
|
£33 |
£13
|
Significant decrease. |
|
Registration of a Charge
|
£15 |
£14
|
Minor decrease. |
Important note. The new digital filing fees for incorporation and the Confirmation Statement create a permanent budget increase for all Limited Company and LLP directors. View the full list of the Companies House Fees.
Detailed Cost Analysis Of Changing Companies House Fees
A. New Company Formation: The Doubling of the Cost
The increase in the incorporation digital filing fee to £100 will directly affect sole traders and entrepreneurs planning to establish a new Limited Company or LLP.
- Strategic Action for Sole Traders: If you are considering incorporation for limited liability or tax efficiency, act before 1 February 2026 to avoid the £50 fee increase. Worthwhile Accountancy can manage the efficient setup of your new company.
- Paper Filing: Filing by paper will cost £124, further supporting the use of digital processes.
B. Ongoing Annual Compliance: The Confirmation Statement
The Confirmation Statement (CS01) is a mandatory annual filing for your company, required at least once every 12 months. The digital filing fee will increase to £50.
This increased fee applies to all active UK companies and should be part of your budget, even if your company is currently dormant. Late filing incurs a steep, automatic penalty starting at £150, making the £50 fee a small price to pay for compliance assurance.
How does the change in Companies House fees affect directors and partners?
The fee increases are part of a significant regulatory shift that changes how directors and partners interact with Companies House.
- Mandatory Digital Filing. Companies House is moving towards requiring all filings, including annual accounts, to be submitted digitally. Companies must transition from paper or manual systems to digital processes.
- ID Verification. The new fees support the mandatory identity verification process for all new and existing directors, PSCs (Persons with Significant Control), and authorised filers. This process is expected to begin for existing directors in November 2025.
- Tougher Enforcement. The ECCT Act gives Companies House new powers to query and reject filings and impose civil financial penalties for most non-compliance offences. Accurate, timely filing is now essential.
Strategic Fee Management: How Worthwhile Accountancy Helps
Paying the new Companies House fees alone is not sufficient; businesses need systems to ensure full compliance with the new regulations. We offer expertise and support to minimise risk and administrative burden.
- Timely Digital Filing. We ensure all mandatory documents, including Confirmation Statements and Annual Accounts, are filed accurately and digitally. This eliminates the risk of late filing penalties (starting at £150) and higher paper fees (such as £110 for a paper Confirmation Statement).
- Company Formation. We manage the accurate and efficient submission of your limited company registration fee and formation documents, ensuring your company is set up correctly from the start.
- Compliance & Verification. We guide directors and PSCs through the mandatory identity verification process and manage ongoing legal requirements, so you do not miss any new deadlines or rules.
- Accounting Integration. Our services ensure your company records and annual accounts are MTD-compliant and prepared for digital submission to HMRC and Companies House.
What should I do if I am considering becoming a sole trader or limited company?Tom2025-11-13T14:19:38+00:00
If you are a sole trader considering incorporation, finalise your registration before 1 February 2026 to avoid the £50 increase in the limited company registration fee. We recommend consulting with us first to ensure the incorporation aligns with your tax strategy.
Why is Companies House increasing the fees so much?Tom2025-11-13T14:18:30+00:00
The fee increases are designed to fund the significant expansion of Companies House’s role under the ECCT Act. This includes implementing new anti-fraud measures, conducting mandatory identity verification for directors, and gaining new enforcement powers to ensure the accuracy of the public register.
Does the digital filing fee increase apply to LLPs as well?Tom2025-11-13T14:17:57+00:00
Yes, the fee increases generally mirror the charges for Limited Companies. The LLP incorporation digital filing fee will also rise to £100, and the annual Confirmation Statement fee will rise to £50.
Is the Confirmation Statement fee the only annual cost increasing?Tom2025-11-13T14:17:22+00:00
The Confirmation Statement digital filing fee is the main mandatory annual fee increasing (to £50). Other annual costs, like the fee for filing annual accounts, are also subject to increases, which your accountant will manage.
When exactly do the new Companies House fees take effect?Tom2025-11-13T14:16:38+00:00
The majority of the new Companies House fees take effect on 1 February 2026.
Get Ahead of The Price Rises
The future of corporate governance is digital and requires proactive management. Do not let the new Companies House fees increase your administrative burden.
Partner with Worthwhile Accountancy for a seamless transition and ongoing compliance.
