UK businesses are facing a significant rise in statutory fees charged by Companies House, the registrar of companies, with the most substantial changes taking effect from 1 February 2026. The organisation has confirmed that fees for key filings such as company incorporation and confirmation statements will increase sharply, demonstrating a shift in how corporate filing costs are levied and prompting strong responses across the business and accountancy community.
Under the revised schedule, the digital incorporation fee will double from £50 to £100, while the confirmation statement fee will climb from £34 to £50. Paper filing costs rise even more steeply, with confirmation statements increasing to £110 and paper incorporation fees reaching £124. In contrast, the charge for a voluntary strike-off will fall to £13, a notable reduction. These figures mark one of the most substantial fee adjustments in recent years and underscore Companies House’s attempt to modernise and cover its operating costs.
The fee increases form part of a broader transformation linked to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which gave Companies House enhanced powers to improve data quality, prevent fraud, and enforce corporate law more robustly. Companies House has explained that the income generated will not only support its core services — such as incorporation, publishing company information and maintaining the register — but also help fund enforcement activity by The Insolvency Service, including director disqualifications, company investigations and prosecutions. The government body says its fees remain relatively low by international standards, even after the rise.
Accountancy bodies have broadly acknowledged the necessity of reform, though many have cautioned about the impact on small businesses. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) described the increases as “significant”, noting that some fees are rising by 50 per cent or more and that businesses will need to plan ahead for the additional costs. ICAEW highlighted that the changes reflect the broader role Companies House is being asked to perform — particularly under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency regime — and pointed to the need for robust, accurate company information to support confidence in UK markets.
Among professional advisers, reaction has been mixed. Many accountants recognise that digitisation and higher processing costs justify some increases, especially where Companies House is introducing new technological systems and identity verification for directors. However, some have warned these costs could squeeze small firms and start-ups. Accounting commentators have pointed out that many accountants will bear the greater filing costs themselves rather than passing them directly to clients, but the cumulative effect across an accounting practice could be notable.
The charity Transparency International UK has welcomed the fee rise as a positive step toward a stronger corporate transparency regime. Its Director of Policy and Programmes, Duncan Hames, said the additional revenue will provide “crucial funding for the enhanced enforcement capabilities needed” under the new legal framework. He added that the modest increases will help Companies House “take a more active role in shutting down suspicious shell companies” and create a more trustworthy environment for legitimate businesses.
Despite support from transparency advocates, not all business stakeholders are convinced. Some business owners and commentators have criticised the increases as burdensome, arguing that the register is already largely automated and that frequent filings such as confirmation statements have become a “costly obligation” for companies that are otherwise dormant or minimally active. Online forums and business groups have expressed frustration, asserting that the hikes add to the administrative cost of simply maintaining a company in good standing.
The introduction of higher fees in February 2026 is just one element of ongoing reforms at Companies House. Additional changes include mandatory identity verification for directors and persons with significant control, effective from 18 November 2025, which also aims to tighten governance and prevent fraud.
As companies and their advisers prepare for the fee rise, the debate continues over how best to balance the cost of compliance with the need for a transparent, reliable business register. Regardless of differing views, it is clear that the cost of interacting with Companies House will be notably higher for many businesses from early 2026, and organisations of all sizes should factor these changes into their budgets and compliance planning.