Companies House Fees Are Rising in February 2026: What Business Owners Need to Know
From 1 February 2026, Companies House will introduce a significant increase in filing fees across several key transactions.
If you are planning to start a new company, file confirmation statements or close a company in the next year, it is important to understand these changes and how they might affect your business costs.
At Excel Accountants Liverpool, we work with many start-ups and established businesses across the North West, so we have broken down what this means for you.
Key Changes to Companies House Fees
| Filing Transaction | Format | Fee from 1 Feb 2026 | Current Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporation | Digital | £100 | £50 |
| Incorporation | Paper | £124 | £71 |
| Incorporation (same day) | Digital | £156 | £78 |
| Confirmation statement | Digital | £50 | £34 |
| Confirmation statement | Paper | £110 | £62 |
| Voluntary strike-off | Digital | £13 | £33 |
| Voluntary strike-off | Paper | £18 | £44 |
| ACSP registration fee | Digital | £63 | £55 |
| Registration of UK establishment of overseas company | Paper | £124 | £71 |
Why the Increase?
Companies House has explained that these new fees reflect the cost of improving its digital systems and strengthening company law oversight as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
The updates will help fund more accurate data reporting, better identity verification and new powers to remove fraudulent company information from the register.
In simple terms, these higher fees are designed to make the register more secure and reliable for businesses across the UK.
What This Means for Business Owners
If you are planning to register a company or file updates in 2025 or early 2026, it may be worth acting sooner.
Here is how the increase could affect you:
New incorporations will cost double.
The digital company formation fee will rise from £50 to £100. Paper applications will increase to £124.
Confirmation statements will rise.
Every company must file one each year, so expect your annual compliance costs to rise slightly.
Strike-offs will be cheaper.
Interestingly, the voluntary strike-off fee will decrease from £33 to £13 when filed digitally, making it less costly to close dormant or unused companies.
Overseas company registration fees will rise.
If you operate an international business structure, factor in higher costs for any new UK establishments.
How to Prepare Before February 2026
Review your compliance calendar – Check when your next confirmation statement is due.
Plan new incorporations early – If you are planning to start a company in 2026, registering before February could save you money.
Speak with your accountant – At Excel Accountants Liverpool, we can guide you through the right timing for your filings and ensure you meet all new requirements.
Support for Businesses Across Liverpool and the North West
These fee changes are part of a wider shift toward more transparent company reporting in the UK. Having an experienced accountant ensures your filings are correct, timely and cost-efficient.
At Excel Accountants, we support businesses across Liverpool, Wirral, Cheshire and the North West with company formations, annual accounts and compliance management.
Whether you are setting up your first business or managing a growing portfolio, our team can help you navigate these changes smoothly.
Get Expert Help Before the Changes Take Effect
If you want to make sure your company filings are up to date before the February 2026 deadline, get in touch today.
We will help you plan ahead, avoid unnecessary costs and stay compliant as the new Companies House rules come in.
Excel Accountants Liverpool
Helping North West businesses save time, stay compliant and grow with confidence.
Visit https://excelaccountancy.com/experts-in-growth-accounting/ or message our team for a free chat.
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