If you are planning to start a new business or manage an existing company in the UK, there is important news you need to know. Companies House is implementing significant fee increases from February 2026 that will affect incorporation costs, confirmation statements, and various other filing services.
Understanding these changes now can help you budget appropriately and make informed decisions about your company formation and ongoing compliance. In this guide, we will break down exactly what is changing, how much more you will pay, and how you can stay on top of these costs with the right tools.
Why Are Companies House Fees Increasing?
Companies House operates as an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade, and like many government services, it periodically reviews its fee structure to ensure it can maintain high-quality services and invest in digital infrastructure.
The February 2026 fee increases reflect the cost of implementing new systems, enhanced security measures, and the additional verification processes introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. While nobody welcomes price increases, these changes are designed to support a more transparent and secure business environment in the UK.
New Incorporation Fees from February 2026
Company incorporation is the first major cost entrepreneurs face when starting their business journey. Here is what you can expect from February 2026:
Standard Online Incorporation The current fee for online company formation is £12. From February 2026, this is expected to increase to approximately £18 to £20. While this remains significantly cheaper than paper incorporation, it represents a substantial percentage increase that will affect thousands of new businesses.
Same-Day Incorporation Service For those who need their company registered urgently, the same-day incorporation service currently costs £100. The new fee structure may see this rise to between £120 and £150, reflecting the premium nature of expedited processing.
Paper Incorporation Paper-based incorporation, which currently costs £71, will likely increase to approximately £85 to £90. This reinforces Companies House’s push toward digital services, as the price gap between online and paper filing continues to widen.
Confirmation Statement Fee Changes
Every company must file an annual confirmation statement to confirm that the information Companies House holds is correct and up to date. This is a legal requirement that cannot be avoided.
Current Confirmation Statement Fee Right now, filing a confirmation statement costs £34 for most companies, regardless of whether you file online or by post.
New February 2026 Fees From February 2026, the confirmation statement fee is expected to increase to around £40 to £45. For businesses that maintain multiple companies or subsidiaries, these costs will add up quickly across your portfolio.
Other Filing Fees Affected by the Increase
The fee increases are not limited to incorporation and confirmation statements. Several other common filings will see price adjustments:
Change of Registered Office Address Currently free for online filings, this may remain free or incur a nominal fee of £5 to £10 under the new structure.
Appointment and Resignation of Directors These filings are currently free online but may see the introduction of small administrative fees of around £5 per filing.
Allotment of Shares The statement of capital fee, currently £10 online, may increase to £15 to £20.
Annual Accounts Filing While filing accounts remains free, late filing penalties are being reviewed and may become more stringent, making timely submission more critical than ever.
How Much Will These Increases Cost Your Business Annually?
Let us put this into perspective with a practical example. Consider a typical limited company that needs to:
- File one confirmation statement per year: £45 (up from £34)
- Appoint or remove one director: £5 (previously free)
- Update registered office address: £10 (previously free)
- File statement of capital: £20 (up from £10)
Your annual Companies House costs could easily increase from around £44 to £80 or more, depending on your company’s activity level. For accountants and company formation agents managing hundreds of clients, these increases represent significant additional overheads.
Planning Ahead: What You Can Do Now
Complete Urgent Filings Before February 2026 If you are planning to incorporate a new company or know you need to make significant changes to your existing company structure, consider completing these before the February 2026 deadline to save on the increased fees.
Budget for Higher Ongoing Costs Update your business budget and cash flow projections to account for the higher annual compliance costs. These are unavoidable expenses, so planning ahead prevents unwelcome surprises.
Stay Informed About Exact Fee Amounts Companies House will publish the exact fee schedule closer to February 2026. Keeping track of official announcements ensures you have accurate information for your planning.
Never Miss a Filing Deadline with the UK Companies House On The Go App
With fees increasing and the cost of late filings becoming more expensive, staying on top of your Companies House obligations has never been more important. The UK Companies House On The Go mobile app is your essential tool for managing company filings efficiently and cost-effectively.
Smart Deadline Reminders Receive push notifications for all your upcoming filing deadlines, including confirmation statements, annual accounts, and identity verification requirements. Never pay late filing penalties again.
Instant Company Information Access Search any UK company instantly and access detailed filing histories, registered addresses, and director information. Perfect for due diligence, competitor research, or checking your own company status on the go.
Track Multiple Companies Effortlessly If you manage multiple businesses or work as an accountant or company secretary, the app lets you monitor all your companies in one place, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Cost-Effective Compliance By helping you file on time, every time, the app saves you from costly penalties that far exceed the increased filing fees. It is an investment that pays for itself.
Download the UK Companies House On The Go App Today
Stay ahead of the February 2026 fee increases and ensure your business remains compliant without the stress.
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/uk-companies-house-on-the-go/id6743302358
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.companiesonthe.go
Final Thoughts
The Companies House fee increases coming in February 2026 are a reality that all UK business owners must face. While higher costs are never welcome, being prepared and having the right systems in place makes compliance manageable and stress-free.
Download the UK Companies House On The Go app today and take control of your company filing obligations. With smart reminders, instant access to information, and seamless tracking, you will navigate these changes confidently while keeping your costs under control.
