The true cost of running a Ltd in 2026
The unavoidable, statutory cost of a UK limited company is smaller than most people think. Add the optional bits you’ll actually use to see your real year-one and ongoing cost.
£0 if you do it yourself.
Free tools exist, £0 is fine to start.
£0 if you use your home address.
£0 on a free account.
The incorporation fee is covered free when you form through a banking partner, that comes straight off your year-one cost.
Year one
Setup year, all-in- Company formationCovered free, normally £100
- Free
- Confirmation statementAnnual, filed online
- £50
Year one total
£50
Every year after
Ongoing annual cost- Confirmation statement
- £50
Every year after total
£50
Statutory fees (incorporation, confirmation statement) are from the current Companies House schedule. Everything else is optional and down to your choices, many founders run a Ltd for little more than the annual confirmation statement to begin with. Excludes corporation tax and VAT, which depend on your profit and turnover. Not tax advice.