On 1st May 2024, Companies House fees jumped significantly. In some cases they went up fivefold.

You’ll probably be aware that Companies House offers a wide range of services. These include incorporating and registering limited companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), community interest companies (CICs) and overseas entities. Companies House fees also include those for changing a registered organisation’s name or voluntarily striking it off the register.

Why Companies House fees have gone up

Companies House is not a profit-making organisation. However, from 4th March 2024, it gained significant new powers under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Companies House fees have therefore risen to help pay for these measures, which include:

  • More stringent checks on company names
  • Greater powers to query information
  • New rules for registered office addresses (such as banning the use of PO boxes)
  • A new, robust identity verification process
  • Limited partnerships having to file more information via an authorised agent
  • New requirements to provide extra shareholder information
  • Restrictions on the use of corporate directors
  • Stronger investigation and enforcement powers
  • New powers to share information with law enforcement agencies and other government departments.

You can find out more about these changes on this page and by watching this helpful video.

How much Companies House fees have gone up by

Companies House fees have gone up by varying amounts. Unsurprisingly, fees for services completed via software or online are still cheaper than those completed on paper.

That said, some of the rises are significant. Beforehand, it cost £10 to file company incorporation documents using software or £12 if you did it online. To do either of these things now costs £50. Furthermore, filing company incorporation documents on paper used to cost £40. This has now gone up to £71.

In a similar vein, the fees for filing annual confirmation statements have risen. It used to cost £13 to do this via software or online. You now need to pay £34. The £40 fee for doing this by post has also jumped up to £62.

If you want to consult a list of all the new Companies House fees, you can find them here.

Help with registering companies and LLPs

Many people choose to register their own companies and LLPs. However, before you take the decision to incorporate, we strongly recommend you get expert help.

Our accountants can advise you whether it’s likely to be more tax efficient to work as a sole trader, or to set up a limited company or LLP. We can also help protect your interests if you’re going into business with other people. For example, we can draft a shareholder agreement to protect against unforeseen events such as a business partner becoming incapacitated.

The other thing that’s worth bearing in mind is that incorporation is now more difficult to get right. With the new powers and obligations Companies House has, it has become more complex to comply with the rules of incorporation. If you use our company formation service we can help you make sure the process goes ahead glitch-free, giving you peace of mind to focus on what you do best – your business.

Need further advice on any of the topics being discussed? Get in touch and see how we can help.

    By submitting this form you agree to our Privacy notice and Terms and conditions.
    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Avatar for Jon Pryse-Jones
    About Jon Pryse-Jones

    Since joining THP in 1978, Jon Pryse-Jones has been hands on with every area of the business. Now specialising in strategy, business planning, and marketing, Jon remains at the forefront of the growth and development at THP.

    An ideas man, Jon enjoys getting the most out of all situations, “I act as a catalyst for creative people and encourage them to think outside the box,” he says, “and I’m not afraid of being confrontational. It often leads to a better result for THP and its clients.”

    Jon’s appreciation for THP extends to his fellow team members and the board.  “They really know how to run a successful business,” he says.  He’s keen on IT and systems development as critical to success, and he continues to guide THP to be at the cutting edge and effective.

    Read More
    Join The Conversation
    ICAEW
    Cyber Essentials Plus certification
    Green Mark certification
    Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 - Small Organisation
    Sign up for our Newsletter