How to Add Your Business to the Company House Register
Making the decision to register your business with Companies House is a big step in any entrepreneur’s life. The good news is that you can complete the process online and you’ll only have to do it once. In this article we’ll explain how to register a company with Companies House in 9 simple steps.
1. Give Some Thought to the Alternatives
Is registering a limited company with Companies House the right option for you?
Depending on your circumstances, it could make more sense to become a sole trader. Here, you are in full control of your company. There are no directors or shareholders to consult. And you don’t need to register your business with Companies House.
Another option is to enter into a business partnership. In this case, you share responsibility for the company with someone you trust – including shared responsibility for all profits and losses.
2. Weigh Up the Benefits of Registering Your Business
There are attractive benefits to registering your business with Companies House. For one thing, your personal assets be protected if the business builds up debts it can’t pay back. This is the meaning of ‘limited liability’ in the phrase ‘limited liability company’.
Registering a limited company can also be a way to manage what you pay in tax. For instance, you might decide to:
- Draw the bulk of your income in company dividends, which aren’t subject to the income tax that applies to an ordinary salary
- Take advantage of the tax write-offs and expenses available to registered business owners
3. Speak to an Expert
A company foundation specialist can help you:
- Register your company with Companies House
- Minimise what you pay in tax and explain which tax-deductible costs you can offset against the company’s profits
- Issue shares to other shareholders if there are people you’d like to invest capital to get the company up and running
Did you know? With our company formation packages, you can add your business to the Company House register quickly and simply. 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 sign up for one of our company formation packages, we pay the £12 Companies House filing fee for you!
4. Choose Your Business Name
This name needs to be unique to your business – that means it can’t already have been registered with Companies House.
- Choose a business name that you feel comfortable saying and that will have positive associations for your future customers.
- Give some thought to how the name will look on marketing material. Is it easy to spell? Does it give an idea of the service your business offers?
5. Register with Companies House
Once you’ve chosen your business name, it’s time to register it with Companies House. This process is known as ‘incorporation’.
As well as registering your business name, you’ll need to fill out and return a few standard legal documents, including:
- Memorandum of Association – includes your business name, address and the type of business
- Articles of Association – spells out your rights as the director of the company and the rights of any shareholders
If you don’t have a separate address for your business, you should use your home address for Company House registration. But if you aren’t comfortable with your home address being made public, we offer a Registered Agent Service which lets you register your business at our Central London location.
6. Set Up a Business 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
Find out more and sign up today
7. Register as an Employer
Even if the only person you’ll be paying is yourself in your capacity as a company director, you’ll need to register your business as an employer.
8. Register for VAT
If your annual turnover will be more than £85,000, you should register for VAT. This is something an accountant can help you with.
9. Register for Corporation Tax
Make sure to do this in the first three months or you could have to pay a fine. HMRC will send you the information you need after you register your business. Look out for your unique 10-digit your tax reference number and make a note of the deadline for filing your annual return.
Register your own business from £9.99
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Get up and running with everything you need to start and run your business. Subscribe and let us take care of your on-going filing requirements.
Continue with one-time purchaseUpgrade for support and peace of mind
Get up and running with everything you need to start and run your business. Subscribe and let us take care of your on-going filing requirements.
Continue with one-time purchaseOne off payment
A one time payment that's required in full at time of purchase.
Per year payment
A recuring yearly payment that includes access all the services contained in the Pro bundle. Payment will automtically be taken on the day of initial purchase every year.
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.
Knowledge hub
The Formations Company and Companies House
What is a Private Limited Company?
How long does it take to register a new company?
When should I change from sole trader to limited company?
Limited Company Vs Sole Trader: Advantages and Disadvantages
