Companies House Fees Increasing from February 2026: What UK Businesses Need to Know

From 1 February 2026, Companies House will implement new filing fees for company formation, annual confirmation statements, and voluntary strike-offs.

This update, part of the UK government’s transparency reforms, will ensure more robust oversight of company information and help combat economic crime.

New Companies House Fees (Effective 1 February 2026)

Here’s what will change for online submissions of documents and annual compliance filings using Companies House’ software filing system:

• Company Incorporation (Form IN01): increase to £100 (currently £50.00);
• Confirmation Statement (Form CS01): increase to £50 (currently £34.00);
• Voluntary Strike-Off (DS01): will reduce to £13 (currently £33.00).

New rates will apply to both digital filings and paper submissions and will reflect the expanded responsibilities of Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

A Necessary Investment in Transparency and Enforcement

Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies, is clear that the increased revenue is crucial to delivering its enhanced mandate. A primary focus is leveraging the new and enhanced powers granted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act.

The income will be directly reinvested in creating a more trustworthy and secure environment for legitimate businesses. Key areas of investment include:

Tackling Economic Crime: Funds will be used to boost enforcement capabilities with more personnel, sophisticated tools, and modern approaches to quickly identify and act against fraudulent companies. It will also be used for maintaining the UK’s public company register, which underpins billions in economic activity and enhancing data accuracy by identifying and removing false or misleading company information.

Funding the Insolvency Service: A portion of the fees will support The Insolvency Service's company investigation and enforcement activity, including the power to wind-up companies, disqualify directors, and prosecute financial wrongdoing.

Mandatory Identity Verification: very soon, from 18 November 2025, compulsory identity verification will be introduced to confirm that individuals setting up or running a company are who they claim to be—a major step in preventing corporate identity fraud.

UK Fees Remain Competitive

Despite these increases, the UK’s business registration costs remain among the lowest in the world, while offering high standards of trust and transparency.

While the percentage increase in some fees is substantial, Companies House stresses that its fees "remain low by international standards," ensuring that the UK continues to be an attractive place to start and grow a business.

For UK registered companies, the benefits of limited liability, easier access to credit, greater capital-raising flexibility, and enhanced credibility are considered fundamental to the nation's economic ecosystem.

The overall goal is to create a transparent marketplace that not only boosts economic confidence but also disrupts economic crime, giving legitimate companies the assurance they need to do business in the UK.

In conclusion

Businesses should budget for these increases, particularly the annual Confirmation Statement fee, and prepare for the upcoming mandatory identity verification requirements which are set to be introduced from November 2025.

Here at Coddan, we are committed to delivering high quality service at reasonable price. We will also be reviewing our prices and fees for Company Formation and Annual Confirmation Statement filing to bring it in line with upcoming increase of the government fees by the Companies House. Keep an eye on our News page for details and announcements.

Contact Coddan Today! Apply online to Register Your Company , File your CS01 confirmation statement, get help with mandatory verification of your identity for Companies House or to receive any other professional compliance support before the 2026 changes take effect.