
Bookkeeping Reality Check Business Owners Need to Know
January 16, 2026From 1 February 2026, Companies House will introduce a range of updated statutory filing fees that will affect most UK companies, LLPs, and other registered entities. The changes are part of wider reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen compliance, and enhance the accuracy of information held on the UK company register.
If you run a limited company, are planning to incorporate one, or manage multiple entities, these increases are worth factoring into your forward planning.
Why Are Companies House Fees Increasing?
Companies House has been granted wider responsibilities and enforcement powers under recent corporate transparency legislation. The updated fees are intended to help fund improved digital systems, identity verification checks, and stronger action against misuse of company structures.
In short, the aim is a more reliable and robust register, but this comes with higher costs for businesses.
Key Fee Changes from 1 February 2026
Some of the most common filings will see noticeable increases, particularly for online submissions.
Digital company or LLP incorporation will increase to £100, with paper incorporations rising further. The cost of filing a confirmation statement online will increase to £50, while paper submissions will be more than double that amount. Same-day incorporations and Community Interest Company registrations will also become more expensive.
One notable exception is voluntary strike-off. The online fee will reduce to £13, making it cheaper to close companies that are no longer required.
What This Means for Business Owners
For new businesses, the cost of incorporation will be significantly higher from February 2026. For existing companies, the ongoing cost of compliance will also increase due to higher annual confirmation statement fees.
Businesses operating multiple companies or group structures should expect a cumulative rise in administrative costs. However, there is also an opportunity to reduce costs by closing dormant or unnecessary companies before or after the changes take effect.
Companies House continues to encourage digital filing, which remains considerably cheaper than paper submissions and reduces the risk of delays or errors.
Who Will Be Affected?
The fee increases apply to a wide range of entities, including private limited companies, LLPs, overseas companies with UK establishments, Community Interest Companies, and authorised corporate service providers. Any organisation required to file statutory documents with Companies House will be impacted in some way.
How to Prepare
If you are planning to incorporate a company, it may be worth doing so before February 2026 to take advantage of the current lower fees. Existing businesses should review their company structures and budgets to allow for increased annual filing costs.
This is also a good time to assess whether all registered companies are still required and to ensure filings are completed digitally wherever possible.
Final Thoughts
The Companies House fee increases from 1 February 2026 mark a significant change in the cost of running and maintaining a UK company. While the increases are substantial in some areas, they are part of a wider push to improve transparency and reduce abuse of the UK company system.
Planning ahead now can help minimise the financial impact and avoid unnecessary costs later.




