Understanding Companies House Fees
If you’re starting or running a business in the UK, understanding Companies House fees is essential. Whether you’re forming a new limited company, filing annual accounts, or updating your company details, Companies House plays a central role and most of their services come with a cost.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common Companies House fees, when they apply, and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
What is Companies House?
Companies House is the United Kingdom’s official registrar of companies and operates under the Department for Business and Trade. It is responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies, as well as maintaining an up-to-date register of company information – much of which is publicly accessible.
When you set up a limited company in the UK, it must be registered with Companies House. From that point on, you’re legally required to submit key filings, such as annual accounts and confirmation statements, to ensure your business remains compliant.
Companies House plays a critical role in promoting corporate transparency. The information it holds – such as company directors, registered office addresses, and filing histories – helps clients, investors, and regulators assess the legitimacy and status of a business.
Tip: You can search for any UK company’s information for free using the Companies House public register..
Companies House Fees Breakdown
Understanding what fees you’ll need to pay and when can help you avoid surprises and keep your business compliant. Companies House charges different fees depending on the type of filing or service. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most common charges UK companies encounter throughout their lifecycle.
Company Registration Fees
The first Companies House fee that most new business owners encounter is the company formation fee the cost of officially registering a limited company in the UK. There are two main routes to register your company, and each comes with its own cost and processing time.
| Service | Fee | Processing Time | Details |
| Online company formation (Web Incorporation Service) | £50 | Usually within 24 hours – Expediated incorporation is available for £78 | Quick, efficient, and completed through the Companies House online portal. |
| Paper application (Form IN01) | £71 | Typically 8 to 10 working days | Requires posting physical documents; used less frequently. |
Tip: While the Web Incorporation Service is the cheapest method, it offers limited flexibility. If you want tailored support, additional services (like a registered office address or digital share certificates), or help forming multiple company types, using a formation agent can save you time and hassle.
Formations Wise can register your company for you, which includes the Companies House fee plus extras like digital documents, support, and fast processing. Explore our digital company formation packages to get started.
Confirmation Statement Fees
Every UK limited company is legally required to file a confirmation statement — at least once every 12 months — to confirm that the information held by Companies House is accurate and up to date. This includes details like your registered office address, company officers, share capital, and shareholder information.
The fee you pay depends on how you choose to file:
| Method | Fee |
| Online filing | £34 |
| Paper filing | £62 |
Important Note:
You only pay one fee per confirmation period, regardless of how many updates you make. So if you file multiple times within the same 12-month period, you won’t be charged again.
Missing this filing deadline won’t trigger a fine like late accounts do — but your company can be struck off the register if it remains overdue.
Want to stay compliant without the admin hassle? Our Company Secretary Services include reminders and filing support to ensure you never miss a confirmation statement deadline.
Annual Accounts Filing
Filing your annual accounts with Companies House is a legal requirement for all limited companies in the UK and it’s one of the most critical deadlines to stay on top of.
There is no fee for submitting annual accounts on time.
However, failing to meet the filing deadline results in automatic late filing penalties, which increase the longer you delay.
| Delay | Penalty for Private Company or LLP |
| Up to 1 month late | £150 |
| 1–3 months late | £375 |
| 3–6 months late | £750 |
| Over 6 months late | £1,500 |
Repeat offenders beware:
If your accounts are late two years in a row, the penalty is doubled — even for the shortest delay.
When are your accounts due?
- For new companies: You must file your first accounts within 21 months of incorporation.
- For existing companies: You must file within 9 months of your company’s financial year end.
For more deadline insights, check our monthly roundup of key accounting dates for UK businesses.
Avoid Penalties with Expert Help
At Formations Wise, with our trusted Accounting Wise accountants and offer services that keep your company filings in check. If you’re not sure when your accounts are due or need help preparing them, we’re here to support you.
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