Companies House has announced substantial changes to its filing fees, which will come into effect from 1st February 2026. These increases will affect virtually all UK business entities, from private limited companies to LLPs, and represent the most significant fee revision since May 2024.
Key Changes at a Glance
The fee increases affect both digital and paper submissions, with average increases ranging from 47% to 100% across different services:
Company Incorporation Fees:
- Digital filing: increasing from £50 to £100 (100% increase)
- Paper filing: increasing from £71 to £124 (75% increase)
Confirmation Statement Fees:
- Digital filing: increasing from £34 to £50 (47% increase)
- Paper filing: increasing from £62 to £110 (77% increase)
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Fees:
- LLP registration (digital): increasing from £50 to £100 (100% increase)
- LLP confirmation statement (digital): increasing from £34 to £50 (47% increase)
- LLP registration (paper): increasing from £71 to £124 (75% increase)
Positive Changes
Not all changes result in higher costs. The voluntary strike-off fee for companies no longer trading will decrease:
- Digital voluntary strike-off: decreasing from £33 to £13 (61% reduction)
- Paper voluntary strike-off: decreasing from £47 to £18 (62% reduction)
Wider Impact Across Business Structures
The fee changes extend beyond standard limited companies:
Overseas Entities:
- Registration fees increasing to £250 (digital) and £528 (paper)
- Update fees rising to £134 (digital) and £268 (paper)
Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) Registration:
- New fee of £63 for ACSP registration
Specialist Services:
- Same-day incorporation fees doubling to £156 (digital)
- Administrative restoration fees increasing to £341
Why the Increases
Companies House has justified these increases as necessary to fund enhanced powers under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The additional revenue will support:
- Improved technology and digital services
- Enhanced verification and identity checking systems
- Increased enforcement capabilities
- Funding for The Insolvency Service's investigation activities
- Measures to combat economic crime and fraudulent company registrations
Louise Smyth, Chief Executive of Companies House, emphasised that these changes form part of a broader strategy to create “a transparent marketplace that boosts economic confidence and disrupts economic crime.”
Strategic Timing Considerations
Businesses planning new company formations or pending annual filings should consider timing strategically. Companies planning to:
- Incorporate new entities
- Submit confirmation statements
- Register LLPs
- Complete voluntary strike-offs
May benefit from completing these actions before 1st February 2026 to take advantage of current lower rates.
Digital vs Paper Filing
The fee structure continues to incentivise digital submissions, with paper filing fees now substantially higher than digital alternatives. This aligns with Companies House’s strategy to become a fully digital organisation and reflects the true cost of processing paper submissions.
For businesses still relying on paper submissions, the increased cost differential makes a compelling case for transitioning to digital filing methods, which offer:
- Immediate confirmation of receipt
- Faster processing times
- Lower fees
- Better integration with business systems
Preparing for Change
As your trusted advisors, Livingstones Accountants recommends businesses take the following steps:
- Review filing schedules – Consider bringing forward confirmation statements due after February 2026
2. Budget adjustments – Factor in increased compliance costs for financial planning
3. Digital transition – Evaluate moving to digital filing if not already implemented
4. Company structure review – Consider whether dormant or inactive companies should be struck off at the reduced rate
International Context
Despite these increases, UK company formation and filing fees remain competitive internationally. The new £100 incorporation fee still positions the UK favourably compared to many other jurisdictions, maintaining its attractiveness for international business formation.
How Livingstones Can Help
Our experienced team remains committed to managing these changes on behalf of our clients. We offer:
- Advance planning for optimal filing timing
- Digital filing services to minimise costs
- Strategic advice on company structures
- Budgeting support for increased costs
For specific guidance on how these changes affect your business or to discuss filing strategy, please contact our team.
About Livingstones Accountants
Livingstones Accountants provides comprehensive accounting and business advisory services to companies across the UK. Our experienced team stays ahead of regulatory changes to ensure our clients remain compliant and strategically positioned for success.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. For specific guidance related to your circumstances, please consult with our team.
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