{"id":3903,"date":"2026-01-07T12:13:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:13:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/?p=3903"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:48:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:48:39","slug":"why-incorporating-before-1-february-2026-could-save-you-hundreds-in-filing-fees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/uk\/why-incorporating-before-1-february-2026-could-save-you-hundreds-in-filing-fees\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Incorporating Before 1 February 2026 Could Save You Hundreds in Filing Fees"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3909\" src=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Incorporating-Before-1-February-2026-Could-Save-You-Hundreds-in-Filing-Fees-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Why-Incorporating-Before-1-February-2026-Could-Save-You-Hundreds-in-Filing-Fees\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Incorporating-Before-1-February-2026-Could-Save-You-Hundreds-in-Filing-Fees-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Incorporating-Before-1-February-2026-Could-Save-You-Hundreds-in-Filing-Fees-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Incorporating-Before-1-February-2026-Could-Save-You-Hundreds-in-Filing-Fees-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Incorporating-Before-1-February-2026-Could-Save-You-Hundreds-in-Filing-Fees-1.webp 1151w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"rtoc-mokuji-wrapper\" class=\"rtoc-mokuji-content frame4 preset5 animation-fade rtoc_close default\" data-id=\"3903\" data-theme=\"Blocksy Child\">\n\t\t\t<div id=\"rtoc-mokuji-title\" class=\" rtoc_left\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"rtoc_open_close rtoc_close\"><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Table of Contents<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div><ol class=\"rtoc-mokuji decimal_ol level-1\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-1\">Incorporate Before 1 Feb 2026 and Avoid Higher Fees : <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">Subscribe Now<\/a><\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-2\"><b>Overview of what is changing in Companies House<\/b><\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-3\"><b>Why waiting till 2026 could cost you hundreds?<\/b><\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-4\"><b>Why are Companies House fees rising?<\/b><\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-5\"><b>Why should you incorporate early?<\/b><\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div><h2 id=\"rtoc-1\"  data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"276\"><strong>Incorporate Before 1 Feb 2026 and Avoid Higher Fees : <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">Subscribe Now<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from identity verification being made mandatory by November 2025, entrepreneurs and business owners should also prepare for fee updates expected to take effect on February 1, 2026. With these changes ahead, this is the ideal time for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK to <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">company formation<\/a> before the end of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3957\" src=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99.png\" alt=\"Register a limited company for just \u00a393.99\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99.png 728w, https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99-300x37.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Companies House has increased incorporation fees, among other services, by 100% due to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The increase in price, according to Companies House, is aimed at enhancing corporate transparency and combating fraud.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though the UK remains one of the most affordable countries to incorporate a business, this article will highlight why it is essential to take advantage of the current prices before February 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-2\" ><b>Overview of what is changing in Companies House<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the recent powers granted to Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act, including mandatory identity verification starting November 18, 2026, additional funding will be needed to implement these changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fees for incorporating a <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">limited company<\/a> have increased significantly, expected to double, with costs rising by 100%. Currently, business owners can incorporate a limited company for $50 if done by February 1, 2026; after that, the fees will be $100 for digital applications or $124 for paper applications. Same-day company incorporation will now cost $156, doubling the previous fee of $78.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fee hike is on a cost recovery basis and not for profit.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most popular business structure is a private limited company, and here is a breakdown of new fees and services they may require<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"mobile-table-scroll\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Service<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Channel<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Current (2025)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>New fee (2026)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Increase<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company incorporation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a350<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a3100<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">+\u00a350<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a371<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a3124<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">+\u00a353<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Same-day incorporation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a378<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a3156<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a378<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confirmation statement (annual)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a334<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a350<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">+\u00a316<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change of company name<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a320<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a320<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stagnant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a330<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a330<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stagnant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Voluntary strike off<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a333<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a313<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-\u00a320<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a344<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a318<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-\u00a326<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The changes affect nearly every business registered in the UK, from small startups to multinational groups with multiple entities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-3\" ><b>Why waiting till 2026 could cost you hundreds?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some entrepreneurs, paying an extra \u00a350 for incorporation may not be a bother, but the total impact adds up quickly. If you\u2019re a business owner creating several subsidiaries, you\u2019ll pay double the incorporation cost per entity from February 2026 onward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3957\" src=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99.png\" alt=\"Register a limited company for just \u00a393.99\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99.png 728w, https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99-300x37.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s do the math: For instance, if you want to form 4 companies now, the total will be = \u00a3200 total<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forming them after 1 Feb 2026 = \u00a3400 total.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s \u00a3200 more for the same process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And it doesn\u2019t stop there. The confirmation statement, which every active company must file each year, is also going up. That means your annual running costs will rise even if you\u2019ve already incorporated. Over time, that\u2019s a recurring cost increase that every business owner will feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-4\" ><b>Why are Companies House fees rising?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The increase isn\u2019t arbitrary. It\u2019s being driven by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to tackle misuse of corporate structures. Companies House will soon gain greater powers to:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Verify the identity of directors and shareholders<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Query and remove inaccurate or fraudulent information<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with law enforcement to prevent financial crime<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These reforms make the UK\u2019s business environment more trustworthy, but they also make the registry more expensive to maintain. The higher fees simply reflect the true cost of these upgraded services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even so, Companies House remains one of the most affordable registries globally, and incorporating before the increase is the best way to lock in the current lower rates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-5\" ><b>Why should you incorporate early?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The benefits of acting before 1 February 2026 go beyond just saving money:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid the January rush. As the deadline approaches, thousands of businesses are expected to submit last-minute filings, which could lead to slower processing times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start 2026 ready to trade. Having your company registered early allows you to open a business bank account, secure contracts, and plan for the 2025\u201326 financial year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simplify budgeting. Locking in your incorporation now helps you forecast costs without factoring in the upcoming increases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build credibility. Being incorporated before 2026 signals professionalism to potential clients, investors, and partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with a <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">professional company formation agent<\/a> ensures the process is quick, accurate, and compliant. Agents can also help with post-formation essentials, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered office and directors\u2019 service addresses<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mail forwarding and document scanning<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VAT registration and business bank account setup<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Annual confirmation statement reminders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3957\" src=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99.png\" alt=\"Register a limited company for just \u00a393.99\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99.png 728w, https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-a-limited-company-for-just-93.99-300x37.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\">Icon Offices<\/a>, we make company formation fast, affordable, and stress-free. Our team handles the entire process for you, from name search to official registration, and offers:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">UK company formation<\/a> at today\u2019s lower Companies House fees<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered office &amp; virtual address packages<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mail forwarding, business phone lines, and accounting support<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expert guidance to help you stay compliant after incorporation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t wait for higher fees. Incorporate before 1 February 2026 and save up to 50% on filing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Companies House fee increase marks the biggest shake-up in UK <a href=\"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/uk-company-formation.php\">company registration<\/a> costs in years. While the reforms aim to improve transparency and fight financial crime, they also mean higher prices for incorporations and ongoing filings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve been planning to form a company, or add new entities to your group structure, now is the time to act. Incorporate before the deadline, avoid the January rush, and keep hundreds of pounds in your pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to register your company? Contact us today at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:info@iconoffices.co.uk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">info@iconoffices.co.uk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and get started before the Companies House fee hike on 1 February 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Incorporate Before 1 Feb 2026 and Avoid Higher Fees : Subscribe NowOverview of what is changing in Companies HouseWhy waiting till 2026 could cost you hundreds?Why are Companies House fees rising?Why should you incorporate early?Incorporate Before 1 Feb 2026 and Avoid Higher Fees : Subscribe Now Apart from identity verification being made [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3909,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3903"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3903\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3959,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3903\/revisions\/3959"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iconoffices.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}