It seems like everyone is putting up their prices, and Companies House is no different. This starts from the 1st of February 2026. The cost of key filings goes up, but I think the added value and protections are worth it ...
Companies House fees, Future proofing trust and, Real due diligence
We all want predictability, so clarity on Companies House fees matters. From the 1st of February 2026, the pricing of core filings will change, with the shift designed to reflect the actual cost of delivering digital services while reinforcing the integrity of the company register.
It's a recalibration rather than a surprise!
I see this as a move towards better data, stronger checks, and faster action against bad actors, so the practical headlines are straightforward and worth planning around. The digital incorporation fee will be £100, the digital confirmation statement will be £50, and the voluntary strike-off will be £13.
These are targeted updates rather than a wholesale overhaul, and a full list of revised charges is already available for those who need to model the impact across portfolios or frequent filings.
The strategic context is where the real value sits. The register underpins limited liability, helps firms access credit, and boosts credibility with customers and investors. Keeping Companies House fees aligned with costs ensures the platform remains available for genuine businesses and supports confidence in the UK market.
The fee income does more than keep the lights on:
It funds incorporation at scale,
keeps company data openly accessible,
and supports the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
Cleaner data means fewer surprises in due diligence and better decisions for lenders, partners, and buyers. There's also a sharper edge to enforcement. Fee revenue helps fund The Insolvency Service's investigation and enforcement work, including winding up companies, disqualifying directors, and prosecuting suspected fraud and financial wrongdoing.
Identity verification arrived on the 18th of November 2025 (have you verified yourself yet?) and should be factored into onboarding and governance timelines. By verifying those who set up or run companies, the registry raises the bar for authenticity before filings ever hit the record.
For most companies, the practical response is simply to update budgets, refresh compliance calendars, and review internal processes to absorb the revised Companies House fees without disruption.
I think the broader takeaway is optimistic!
These changes will definitely strengthen the UK's reputation as a safe, transparent place to start and grow a business, ultimately benefiting those who play by the rules. And as the new fees bed in, Companies House can continue to fund the tools, data, and enforcement that keep the market fair and the risks visible.
Don't forget to get verified as well! You should have received several emails by now.
If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about the increase in Companies House fees and why I'm optimistic about them, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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