Since May 2024, Companies House has raised its fees twice. The first round came into effect on 1 May 2024. The second, and more significant, round of Companies House fee increases took effect from 1 February 2026, pushing Companies House filing fees considerably higher again. Companies House sets its fees on a ‘cost recovery basis,’ meaning it charges just enough to cover the costs of the services provided, without making a profit. The reason for these fee increases is the rising costs associated with processing the data they handle.
Fee Changes
Fee changes will affect various processes such as company and LLP formation, registration of overseas entities, and the submission of confirmation statements. You can see the complete list of new fees on the Companies House website.
The first round of Companies House charges took effect on 1 May 2024. Online company registration cost moved from £10 to £50, same-day online incorporation jumped from £30 to £78, name changes rose from £8 to £20, and confirmation statement filing moved from £13 to £34.
The second round of Companies House filing fees came into force on 1 February 2026, raising the bar again:
- Companies house incorporation fee (digital): £100
- Confirmation statement (digital): £50
- Voluntary strike-off (digital): £13
If your compliance budget was built on the 2024 figures, it needs updating.
Who Is Affected by the Companies House Fees Changes
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduces new responsibilities for:
- all new and existing company directors.
- people with significant control over a company (PSCs).
- anyone who submits filings for a company.
Now, let’s look at the below to learn who is affected by the recent change of Companies House fees.
Types of Company and Other Corporate Entities
The new law is relevant to all types of organizations registered with Companies House, such as:
- Private Limited Companies.
- Public Limited Companies (PLCs).
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
- Limited Partnerships (LPs).
- Community Interest Companies (CICs).
- Overseas Companies.
This legislation covers companies and other entities across England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Authorized Agents
The new rules will also affect those who file documents for clients, like accountants and company formation agents. Authorized agents are also called Authorized Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
New Companies
If you’re thinking about starting a new company or another type of entity, you should be aware of the new rules and responsibilities brought in by the act. It’s quite important to understand how these changes will impact you.
Consequences of Fee Changes
The Companies House fee increases have significantly impacted authorized company formation agents, including Business Globalizer. As costs for incorporation, registration, and compliance activities have risen, our pricing plans have been adjusted accordingly. We have updated our pricing plans to reflect the new fee structure. Here’s what this means for our clients:
- Increased Service Costs: The hike in fees has led to higher charges for our company formation services. This change has also affected our pricing for compliance, filing, taxation, bookkeeping, and accounting services.
- Revised Pricing Plans: Business Globalizer has updated its pricing plans to reflect the new fee structure imposed by Companies House from February 1st, 2026.
- Impact on Budgeting: Clients planning to set up or maintain a company in the UK should account for these higher costs in their business budgeting and planning.
These changes underline the importance of planning ahead and budgeting for increased operational costs in the UK corporate environment.
Final Words
As Companies House implements these new fees, understanding and preparing for the changes is essential. Stay informed, plan strategically, and consider how these adjustments might influence your business operations and financial planning. For further guidance and support, feel free to reach out to experts who can help navigate these changes effectively. Or, book an appointment for our premium business consulting. Together, we can tackle these new challenges and continue to thrive in the evolving business landscape.
