How much does it cost to form a UK limited company in 2026?

From 1 February 2026, digital incorporation costs £100, up from £50. Paper incorporation costs £124, and same-day incorporation through software costs £156. Most founders use digital filing; the route you choose determines the statutory fee.

These are Companies House filing fees, not an accountant’s or formation agent’s professional charges. Check what any formation package includes before ordering, including whether the statutory fee is included or added separately. Companies House fees may change again.

The confirmation statement fee from 1 February 2026 is £50 digitally, previously £34, or £110 on paper. Budget for the yearly £50 digital fee separately from accounts and tax-return preparation. The fee covers the first confirmation statement in a 12-month payment period; additional statements within that payment period do not attract another fee.

Voluntary strike-off costs £13 digitally. It is a closing-down fee, not an annual running cost, and strike-off is only suitable once the company meets the conditions. Statutory fees may change again, so check the current Companies House schedule before filing.

Mandatory Companies House identity verification began on 18 November 2025, with transitional requirements for existing directors and people with significant control (PSCs). New directors must verify for incorporation or appointment; existing directors and PSCs need to follow the deadlines that apply to their roles.

Allow time for verification alongside formation. Direct verification with Companies House is free; an authorised corporate service provider may charge for its own service. Your personal verification code is different from the company authentication code, so keep both securely and do not assume verifying once completes every role-specific notification.

Tell HMRC when your company becomes active for Corporation Tax, normally within three months of starting business activity. Consider registration when you start or intend to trade; incorporation alone does not remove the need to notify HMRC of activity. Register for PAYE where required if you pay a salary, and assess VAT registration separately.

VAT registration is normally compulsory if taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12 months, or you expect it to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days alone. Merely forecasting £90,000 over the coming year is not the same as meeting the forward-looking test.

Plan for a separate business bank account, bookkeeping, any software or bank charges and preparation of the first accounts and CT600. First Companies House accounts are normally due 21 months after incorporation; a CT600 is due 12 months after each Corporation Tax accounting period ends. Corporation Tax payment is usually due nine months and one day after the period end, with different rules for large companies. A first accounts period longer than 12 months can require two CT600 returns.

LimitedCompany.Accountants offers Business-as-a-Service accounting for UK limited companies. Get a quote or book a general first call at https://limitedcompany.accountants. Technical advice is paid and can be booked at http://accotax.co.uk/ws. Contact us: 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ · 020 3441 1258 · hello@limitedcompany.accountants.

Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK tax year. Check current GOV.UK guidance, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.