Limited Company Registration: 7 Simple Steps
Registering a limited company with Companies House can be a way of more effectively managing what you pay in tax. The process of registration involves choosing a unique company name and formalising how your company will be run. The good news is that you can register your company online in a few simple steps. In this article, we explain how to go about it.
1. Research the Alternatives to Limited Company Register
Is a limited company the best option for someone in your position?
An alternative to registering a limited company is to operate as a sole trader.
Another possibility is to enter a business partnership. Here, you and your partner share responsibility for everything to do with the company and you split the profits equally.
2. Consider the Benefits of Limited Company Registration
Perhaps the main benefit is that your personal assets should be protected if the company builds up debts it can’t pay back. This will give you room to take a little more financial risk when getting the business off the ground.
Registering a limited company can also be a way of paying less in tax. For instance, you could draw the bulk of your income in company dividends, which aren’t subject to income tax.
As an owner of a limited company, you can also claim more in allowable expenses and reliefs than you can as a sole trader or under a partnership. There are tax deductible costs which you can offset against a company’s profits, meaning you get to keep more of your money.
3. Pick a Name for Your Limited Company
The name you register with Companies House needs to be unique. Choose something that you like saying and hearing, because you’ll likely be doing both many times a day. Give some thought to how the name will look on marketing material. And make sure it’s easy to spell.
Got a name in mind? With our free online search tool, you can check whether your company name is available with Companies House.
4. Register with Companies House
Companies House is the government body that deals with limited company registration in the UK. They’ll want to know:
- the names of the company directors
- what your company is called
- the business address (to protect your privacy, you can use our Central London location as your publicly registered business address)
There will be several forms to fill in, including a memorandum and articles of association. These documents formalise how the company will be run and who owns shares. They’ll require signatures from the director(s), shareholder(s) and company secretary.
Once you have all the information you need, you can apply to place your business on the limited company register with Companies House. This is quick and simple with our company formation packages. There are four packages to choose from:
- E-Formation (£9.99): perfect if you want to secure a company name and don’t need any official printed documents.
- Essential (£19.99): offers you complete confidence that you’re starting a company with the rules and regulations covered.
- Entrepreneur (£59.99): kick-start your next big venture with official compliance and additional documents of incorporation.
- Super (£89.99): the complete secretarial and compliance package to establish your company on a robust footing.
Best of all, when you apply for limited company registration with one of our company formation packages, we pay the £12 Companies House filing fee for you!
5. Register Your Limited Company for Tax
To register your limited company for corporation tax, you’ll need your company’s unique taxpayer reference. This should be mailed to you within 14 days of registering your company with Companies House. Once you have the reference, you can register online at the HMRC website.
- If your business’s annual turnover tops £85,000, you’ll also need to register for VAT – you can do this online at the HMRC website.
6. Register Your Limited Company as an Employer
Every limited company must be registered as an employer. That’s true even if the only person you will be paying is yourself as a company director.
- Register your limited company at the gov.uk website before the first payday
- It will take up to five days to get the PAYE reference number you’ll need
- You’ll need a National Insurance number from at least one company director
7. Set Up a Separate Bank Account
If you don’t have time to shop around, we can save you the hassle and help you set up a business bank account. We have a special relationship with Barclays which means you’ll get a range of great benefits with a Barclays Bank Business Account for Start-ups:
- Free business banking for 12 months (terms and conditions apply)
- Loyalty rewards – the longer you bank, the more money you get back
- Support and guidance from the Barclays Business Banking telephone team
- Manage your account online, by phone, via the Barclays Mobile Banking app or in branch
Register your own business from £9.99
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Limited Company documents
Certificate of Incorporation:
The certificate provides confirmation that your company has been incorporated under the Companies Act 2006.
Memorandum and Articles of Association:
The Memorandum of Association is a written legal agreement signed by all initial shareholders of a company, agreeing to form the company. Articles of Association are the written rules which define how the company will be run. These rules are agreed on and signed by the company director, shareholders and secretary.
Share certificates:
If a company is limited by shares, a Shareholder Certificate is sent out at the time of incorporation or just after incorporation. The certificate includes information such as the company’s registered address, plus the names and addresses of the shareholders.
Limited Company documents
Certificate of Incorporation:
The certificate provides confirmation that your company has been incorporated under the Companies Act 2006.
Memorandum and Articles of Association:
The Memorandum of Association is a written legal agreement signed by all initial shareholders of a company, agreeing to form the company. Articles of Association are the written rules which define how the company will be run. These rules are agreed on and signed by the company director, shareholders and secretary.
Share certificates:
If a company is limited by shares, a Shareholder Certificate is sent out at the time of incorporation or just after incorporation. The certificate includes information such as the company’s registered address, plus the names and addresses of the shareholders.
First board meeting minutes:
Even if you’re both a shareholder and director of your company, you’ll still need to hold an initial board meeting. It’s a legal requirement that if requested, you can provide the first board meeting minutes, as it is proof that a company director was formally appointed. At The Formations Company, we’ll provide you with a template to easily fill out your minutes.
Company must haves
Business Bank Account:
It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!
Bookkeeping software:
Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!
Business phone number:
Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.
Company must haves
Business Bank Account:
It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!
Bookkeeping software:
Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!
Business phone number:
Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.
Discounted Apple tech:
We have partnered with wearesync.co.uk to bring our customers affordable tech for their business. With this formation package you will have access to exclusive offers on the very latest Apple technologies at discounted prices which you will not be able to find anywhere else in store or online - up to 13% off Apple products.
Company must haves
Business Bank Account:
It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!
Bookkeeping software:
Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!
Business phone number:
Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.
Company must haves
Business Bank Account:
It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!
Bookkeeping software:
Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!
Business phone number:
Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.
Fraud Protection Service
Protect your company from fraud by preventing changes being submitted via paper forms and secure your account with added notifications if anything changes.
Guides and support
Hub business manager:
You can manage your business from your Hub business manager. Access invoices, company details and any additional services you might need, including bank accounts, insurance, websites and much more!You can manage your business from your Hub business manager. Access invoices, company details and any additional services you might need, including bank accounts, insurance, websites and much more!
Lifetime customer support:
When you form your limited company with us, you'll get lifetime support from your very own TFC Support Agent, who will be on hand to help and support your limited company.
Ltd company e-book:
Everything you need to know about owning a limited company and being a director is included in this eBook.
Free expert advice
Book a free, no-commitment consultation with an accountant and a trade mark attorney at a time and date that suits you.
Registered agent
Included with this bundle
A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.
Registered office address:
On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address
Service address:
On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address
Mail forwarding:
Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.
Registered agent
Free for 3 months with this bundle
A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.
Registered office address:
On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address
Service address:
On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address
Mail forwarding:
Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.
Registered agent
Free for 12 months with this bundle
A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.
Registered office address:
On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address
Service address:
On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address
Mail forwarding:
Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.
Registered agent
A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.
Registered office address:
On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address
Service address:
On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address
Mail forwarding:
Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.
Digital scan and send
We'll digitally scan all your statutory only mail, then email you a copy, making sure you get it ASAP.
Company admin
Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:
Confirmation Statement:
A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Company filling edits
At some point in your business's lifetime you'll need to make changes, be it changing a directors details, removing/adding a shareholder, a change of address or even changing the company name.
PSC Online Register
Limited companies in the UK are required to identify and record the people who own or control their company. This means that a you will need to keep a register if the people with significant control (PSCs). This helps to increase transparency over who owns and controls the company and will help inform investors when they are considering investing in a company. It will also support law enforcement agencies in money laundering investigations. This cost effective, online version of your PSC register will safeguard you and your business.
Company admin
Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:
Confirmation Statement:
A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Company filling edits
At some point in your business's lifetime you'll need to make changes, be it changing a directors details, removing/adding a shareholder, a change of address or even changing the company name.
PSC Online Register
Limited companies in the UK are required to identify and record the people who own or control their company. This means that a you will need to keep a register if the people with significant control (PSCs). This helps to increase transparency over who owns and controls the company and will help inform investors when they are considering investing in a company. It will also support law enforcement agencies in money laundering investigations. This cost effective, online version of your PSC register will safeguard you and your business.
VAT Registration
Companies register for VAT due to the following reasons:
- Turnover is expected to exceed £85,000 in the next 12 months. It is therefore a legal requirement to register for VAT, unless the supplies are exempt.
- If turnover is expected to be less than £85,000 but the company wants to register voluntarily.
Our accountancy partner will be in contact shortly after your company is incorporated and will handle the entire registration process for you.
PAYE Registration
Even if you are the only person in your business it is still a good idea to register yourself for PAYE.
Many business owners decide to pay themselves a wage below the tax threshold via PAYE as a part of their earnings before they take out money through their share dividends.
You will receive your PAYE reference number from HMRC within 10 working days directly at your trading address.
Fast and Easy Process
No login, password or complicated jargon. Just respond to our 5 min questionnaire about your business.
Company admin
Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:
Confirmation Statement:
A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Dissolution service:
If you decide to close your limited company, you'll have to let Companies House know. There are several different ways of doing this depending on the circumstances of why you're closing your limited company.
Our experts will take care and take the necessary course of action with Companies House, should you need it.
Dormant returns
If you’re company has no ‘significant’ transactions in the financial year, it’s classed as dormant. In this case, we’ll file a Company Tax Return to show HMRC that your company is dormant so you don’t have to.
Company filling edits
At some point in your business's lifetime you'll need to make changes, be it changing a directors details, removing/adding a shareholder, a change of address or even changing the company name.
Company admin
Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:
Confirmation Statement:
A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Legal and cashflow management
Protect your business legally and financially with:
Co. Legal health-check:
Complete the simple question-answer form and discover exactly what documents your limited company needs to be legally protected.
Contract & docs creator:
Easily create all the legally enforceable contracts, documents, policies and procedures your business could need to sing the simple, straightforward document creator wizard. Safely store all your documents online, where you can access them wherever and whenever you want.
24/7 legal advice helpline:
Get legal support and advice when you need it. Access an extensive library of legal how-to guides, news bulletins of all the most recent legal developments and a 24/7 telephone support helpline.
Company credit checks:
Carry out company credit checks powered by Experian's most comprehensive and current credit data to make sure you're doing business with the right people by picking the right customers and securing your supply chain.
Company credit monitoring:
Monitor all your key customers and suppliers credit statuses and get email alerts of any significant changes. Make sure your customers can pay what they owe and your suppliers can deliver the goods they promise.
Commercial debt recovery
Manage all your customers' credit in one place. Download and send different payment chasers, reminders and monthly statements to make sure that invoices are paid on time and in full. You can send a solicitor final warning letters and even take court action to recover what you're owed!
All bundle add-ons
PAYE Registration
Many business owners decide to pay themselves a wage below the tax threshold via PAYE. Make sure you are registered correctly by letting us handle this for you.
VAT, PAYE & MTD Registration
We'll take care of registering your business for VAT, PAYE and MTD. leave the complicated admin work to us and focus on your getting your limited company up and running.
VAT Registration
Crunch combine market-leading online accounting software with a team of expert accountants and client managers to create the UK’s greatest self-employed accounting solution.
Check & Send Service
Before your application is submitted to Companies House, be sure it is 100% complete and correct. One in ten applications are rejected the first time around, resulting in longer wait times.
International ID Check
If your residential address is not in the UK, we will need to run an international ID check to verify your details.
Fraud Protection Service
Protect your company from fraud by preventing changes being submitted via paper forms and secure your account with added notifications if anything changes.
PSC Online Register
By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Our online register is a simple and cost effective way to safeguard you and your business.
PSC Online & Printed Register and Minutes
By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Not only will you get an online register, but you£ll also get a printed version of it and minutes.
All bundle add-ons
Registered Agent Monthly and Yearly
3 in 1 service that protects all directors, shareholders, PSC's and your personal address details. All your mail will be sent our London office address where we will filter out the junk and swiftly forward all important correspondence.
PAYE Registration
Many business owners decide to pay themselves a wage below the tax threshold via PAYE. Make sure you are registered correctly by letting us handle this for you.
VAT, PAYE & MTD Registration
We'll take care of registering your business for VAT, PAYE and MTD. leave the complicated admin work to us and focus on your getting your limited company up and running.
VAT Registration
Crunch combine market-leading online accounting software with a team of expert accountants and client managers to create the UK’s greatest self-employed accounting solution.
Check & Send Service
Before your application is submitted to Companies House, be sure it is 100% complete and correct. One in ten applications are rejected the first time around, resulting in longer wait times.
International ID Check
If your residential address is not in the UK, we will need to run an international ID check to verify your details.
Fraud Protection Service
Protect your company from fraud by preventing changes being submitted via paper forms and secure your account with added notifications if anything changes.
PSC Online Register
By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Our online register is a simple and cost effective way to safeguard you and your business.
PSC Online & Printed Register and Minutes
By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Not only will you get an online register, but you£ll also get a printed version of it and minutes.