From 1 February 2026, Companies House will once again increase many of its fees — less than two years after the last rise in May 2024.
Introduction
From 1 February 2026, Companies House will once again increase many of its fees — less than two years after the last rise in May 2024.
While these changes might feel like yet another cost for small businesses to absorb, they’re part of a broader shift towards tighter regulation and greater transparency in the UK business landscape.
At AJN Accountants, we believe it’s important to understand why these increases are happening, what they cover, and how your business can plan ahead to stay compliant and in control.
What’s Changing?
Companies House is revising the fees it charges for common company filings. Key changes for small business owners include:
- The fee for forming a new company will rise from around £50 to £100.
- The confirmation statement (the annual update every limited company must file) will increase from £34 to £50.
- The voluntary strike-off fee (for closing a company) will reduce slightly to £13.
These new rates apply from 1 February 2026 and will affect all UK companies that are formed, maintained, or dissolved after that date.
Why Are Fees Increasing Again?
The 2026 increase comes as Companies House continues to fund its expanding responsibilities under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
The extra funding will help to:
- Strengthen identity verification for directors and company officers.
- Improve the accuracy and integrity of the Companies House register.
- Enhance fraud detection and enforcement against false or misleading filings.
- Support the delivery of more robust digital systems and security.
In short, these increases are designed to make the UK’s company register more trustworthy — though they do add to the compliance costs faced by genuine businesses.
What It Means for Your Business
For most SMEs, these changes won’t drastically affect cash flow, but they do reflect a clear pattern: compliance costs are steadily rising across the board.
You should be aware that:
- The annual cost of maintaining your company will increase slightly.
- Entrepreneurs planning to set up a new company will pay a higher incorporation fee.
- The cost of closing unused or dormant companies will be marginally cheaper.
The key takeaway is that compliance is becoming more rigorous and more expensive — which makes accuracy, timeliness, and professional oversight increasingly valuable.
What You Should Do Now
1. Stay ahead of the deadline
If you’re planning to incorporate a new company, you may wish to complete it before 1 February 2026 to benefit from the current lower fee.
2. Budget for small but growing compliance costs
Even modest increases can add up if you manage multiple entities or group structures. Factor these into your 2026 forecasts.
3. Keep filings timely and accurate
With greater scrutiny on company data, any errors or delays could attract more attention or penalties.
4. Review your company portfolio
If you have several inactive companies, consider whether it’s worth maintaining them under the new fee regime.
5. Maintain good records
Ensure director details, addresses, and shareholder information are always correct. The identity verification measures being rolled out will make this essential.
How AJN Can Help
At AJN Accountants, our role is to make compliance effortless — so you can focus on running your business.
We can help you:
- Manage all Companies House filings, including confirmation statements.
- Review your company structure to ensure it remains efficient and cost-effective.
- Stay informed about evolving requirements such as director ID verification.
- Build these changes into your wider tax and business strategy.
Our goals-based approach means we connect compliance to the bigger picture — helping you make decisions that align with your financial and business objectives.
In Summary
Companies House will increase its fees again from 1 February 2026, following the earlier rise in May 2024.
While the changes are modest, they underline a wider shift: running a limited company is becoming more regulated, more digital, and more closely monitored.
By staying organised — and working with an accountant who keeps you one step ahead — you can stay compliant, avoid surprises, and maintain full confidence in your company’s filings. At AJN Accountants, we’ll handle every submission, keep you informed of regulatory updates, and help you stay focused on what really matters — growing your business.
