Companies House Fee Changes & Key Updates for 2026: What UK Businesses Need to Know
Companies House has introduced a number of important updates this month, with one of the most impactful being its changes to statutory filing fees. These changes, set to take effect from 1 February 2026, will affect companies of all sizes and should be on every business owner’s radar
Why are fees Changing?
Companies House reviews its fees annually to ensure they reflect the cost of delivering services and support the wider UK business environment. The latest adjustments come as part of broader reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT Act), aimed at improving data accuracy, strengthening enforcement against fraud, and modernising the company register. The income from these fees helps fund enhanced verification processes and support enforcement activities, including investigations conducted by The Insolvency Service. (GOV.UK)
What’s Changing: New Fee Structure (from 1 February 2026)
Below is a summary of key fee changes for the most commonly used services. These reflect the updated figures published by Companies House:
| Transaction | New Fee (from 1 Feb 2026) |
| Company incorporation – Digital | £100 |
| Company incorporation (same day) – Digital | £156 |
| Company incorporation – Paper | £124 |
| Confirmation statement – Digital | £50 |
| Confirmation statement – Paper | £110 |
| Change of name (same day) – Digital | £85 |
| Registration of a charge – Digital | £14 |
| Voluntary strike off – Digital | £13 |
| Voluntary strike off – Paper | £18 |
This is just the core list. The full fee schedule also includes changes for LLPs, overseas entities, limited partnerships, certified documents, and more – all detailed in the official fee notice. (Changes to UK company law)
What These Changes Mean for Businesses
1. Significant Increases for Core Filings
Some of the most fundamental fees used by companies have increased markedly:
- Digital incorporation fees have doubled from previous levels.
- Confirmation statement fees are rising substantially, increasing the annual compliance cost for all companies
These adjustments reflect both the cost of modernising the register and enhanced checks that Companies House will carry out as part of its enforcement strategy.
2. Reductions for Some Services
Not all changes are upwards. For example:
- The digital voluntary strike-off fee is set to decrease significantly, incentivising more cost efficient closures where appropriate.
Important Related Changes: Identity Verification & Enforcement
In addition to fee changes, Companies House has implemented mandatory identity verification requirements for directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) from 18 November 2025. This measure aims to combat fraud and ensure the accuracy of the public register. Directors must complete this verification before being appointed, while existing directors are required to verify within a defined transition period. Failure to comply could result in penalties or restrictions on company filings.
Planning Ahead: What Should Businesses Do Now?
With these fee adjustments coming into force soon, here are some practical tips for directors, accountants, and company administrators:
- Plan your filings before 1 February 2026 if possible, to take advantage of current fees.
- Review your company’s filing schedule (confirmation statements, annual returns, etc.) to avoid surprises in budgeting.
- Ensure all directors and PSCs have completed identity verification ahead of deadlines to avoid delays.
- Budget for higher compliance costs, particularly if you incorporate new companies or make frequent filings.
How JP Blackmoor can help
The forthcoming Companies House fee changes mark a significant shift in statutory filing costs for UK businesses. While part of a broader effort to modernise the company register and tackle economic crime, these increases will have real financial implications for many organisations. Staying informed now will help you plan strategically and minimise unexpected costs.
If you’d like help navigating these changes or analysing how they affect your business, feel free to get in touch with the JP Blackmoor team.
