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Spondoo Accounting

Changes to Companies House Fees in 2026: Essential Updates, Costs, and What Businesses Must Do

January 30, 2026

Introduction to Changes to Companies House fees

The Changes to Companies House fees coming into force on 1 February 2026 mark one of the most significant updates to the UK’s corporate filing system in recent years. These changes affect company incorporations, confirmation statements, LLP filings, overseas entities, partnerships, and search services.

Driven by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023, the updated fee structure reflects Companies House’s expanded role in improving data accuracy, preventing fraud, and strengthening trust in the UK business environment. For businesses, professionals, and intermediaries, understanding these new fees is essential to budgeting correctly and staying compliant.

This article provides a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of the new fees, explains why they are changing, and outlines what action you should take before February 2026.

Why Companies House Is Changing Its Fees

Companies House has traditionally operated as a low-cost registrar. However, its responsibilities have expanded significantly under the ECCT Act 2023. The updated fees help fund:

  • Enhanced powers to query, reject, and remove false or misleading information

  • Improved identity verification systems

  • Greater enforcement against economic crime and company misuse

  • Secure, digital services that benefit legitimate businesses and consumers

According to Companies House, the information it maintains is worth billions of pounds to the UK economy, supporting lending decisions, contracts, and investment confidence.

Key Principle Behind the New Fees

A consistent theme across the Changes to Companies House fees is the encouragement of digital filing:

  • Digital filings are cheaper

  • Paper filings are significantly more expensive

  • Same-day services attract premium pricing

“Digital” includes:

  • WebFiling

  • Find and update company information service

  • Approved software filing

Company Incorporation and Registration Fees (From 1 February 2026)

Incorporation Fees

  • Digital incorporation: £100

  • Same-day digital incorporation (software only): £156

  • Paper incorporation: £124

Other Company Filings

  • Confirmation statement (digital): £50

  • Confirmation statement (paper): £110

  • Change of company name (same day, digital): £85

  • Registration of a charge (digital): £14

  • Voluntary strike-off:

    • Digital: £13

    • Paper: £18

  • Administrative restoration (paper): £341

These figures clearly demonstrate the cost benefit of digital compliance.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Fee Changes

LLPs face similar pricing structures:

  • LLP registration (digital): £100

  • LLP registration (same day, digital): £156

  • LLP registration (paper): £124

  • LLP confirmation statement:

    • Digital: £50

    • Paper: £110

  • LLP voluntary strike-off:

    • Digital: £13

    • Paper: £18

  • LLP administrative restoration (paper): £341

LLPs must also continue complying with registered email address and identity verification requirements.

Overseas Companies and Overseas Entities Fees

Overseas Companies

  • UK establishment registration (paper): £124

  • Annual accounts:

    • Digital: £50

    • Paper: £110

Register of Overseas Entities (ROE)

All filings must be digital, except where protected status applies.

  • Registration (digital): £250

  • Registration (paper): £528

  • Update fee:

    • Digital: £134

    • Paper: £268

  • Application for removal:

    • Digital: £301

    • Paper: £602

The steep paper fees strongly discourage non-digital submissions.

Limited Partnerships and Scottish Partnerships

  • Limited partnership registration (paper): £124

  • Scottish limited partnership “annual fee”:

    • Digital: £110

    • Paper: £110

  • Designation as a private fund LP: £30

  • Scottish qualifying partnership registration: £124

Community Interest Companies (CICs)

  • CIC incorporation (digital): £115

  • CIC incorporation (paper): £139

Search, Certificates, and ACSP Fees

Search and Certificate Fees

  • Certified documents (same day): £65

  • Certified documents (standard): £22

  • Additional certificates: £16

Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

  • ACSP registration (digital): £63

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When do the Changes to Companies House fees take effect?

All new fees apply from 1 February 2026.

2. Are digital filings always cheaper?

Yes. In almost every category, digital filings cost significantly less than paper submissions.

3. Do existing companies have to pay incorporation fees again?

No. Incorporation fees apply only to new entities.

4. Can I still file paper forms?

Yes, but paper filings attract much higher fees and may face longer processing times.

5. Why are Companies House fees increasing?

The increases fund enhanced enforcement, fraud prevention, and data integrity measures under the ECCT Act 2023.

Identity Verification Support From Spondoo Accountants

As part of the wider Companies House reforms, identity verification has become a key compliance requirement for company directors, LLP members, and people with significant control (PSCs).

Spondoo Accountants provide identity verification as a managed service, helping clients complete the process accurately and efficiently as part of their ongoing compliance.

Rather than navigating new systems, personal codes, and role-based requirements yourself, our team can handle the verification process and ensure it is properly aligned with your Companies House filings.

Our identity verification support is designed to:

  • Fit seamlessly alongside confirmation statements and other filings

  • Reduce administrative burden for directors and business owners

  • Provide a clear, organised approach for companies with multiple individuals

  • Support clients as requirements evolve under the ECCT Act

This service is particularly useful for growing businesses, groups with several directors or PSCs, and clients who prefer their compliance handled professionally in one place.

If you would like identity verification managed as part of your Companies House support, Spondoo Accountants can assist.

Conclusion: Preparing for the 2026 Companies House Changes

The Changes to Companies House fees represent a decisive shift toward a digital-first, transparency-focused corporate system in the UK. While costs are increasing, they support stronger protections for legitimate businesses and a more trustworthy marketplace.

By understanding the new fees, embracing digital filing, and complying with identity verification requirements, businesses can adapt smoothly and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Need Support With Companies House Filings and Compliance?

Spondoo Accountants support businesses with a full range of Companies House services, helping clients stay compliant as regulations and fees change.

We assist with:

  • Company incorporations and changes

  • Confirmation statements

  • LLP and partnership filings

  • Identity verification requirements

  • Ongoing Companies House and statutory compliance

With Companies House fees increasing from 1 February 2026 and a stronger focus on digital filing and identity checks, many businesses choose to have these obligations handled by their accountants to save time and keep everything organised.

Whether you’re preparing for the new fee structure, managing regular filings, or want peace of mind that everything is handled correctly, we can take care of it for you.

👉 Contact Us Today

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