Registering a limited company in the UK is fast and inexpensive, but doing it properly means understanding directors' duties, people with significant control (PSCs), and the separate HMRC registrations for Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE. This guide takes you through the full process and the compliance that follows.
Why register a limited company?
A private limited company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity, giving you limited liability, a more professional profile, and often a more tax-efficient way to operate than trading as a sole trader. It's the most popular structure for UK businesses.
What you need before you register
- A unique company name that isn't already registered or too similar to an existing one.
- A registered office address in the UK (this is public).
- At least one director aged 16 or over.
- At least one shareholder (can be the same person as the director).
- Details of people with significant control (PSCs) — usually those owning more than 25% of shares or votes.
- A SIC code describing your business activity.
The registration process with Companies House
- Choose your company name and check availability on the Companies House register.
- Prepare your memorandum and articles of association (standard model articles suit most companies).
- Register online with Companies House, providing directors, shareholders, PSCs and your registered office.
- Receive your Certificate of Incorporation and company number, usually within 24 hours.
- Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months of starting to trade.
Registering with HMRC
Company registration and tax registration are separate. Once incorporated, you must register with HMRC for the taxes relevant to your business.
| Registration | When required |
|---|---|
| Corporation Tax | Within 3 months of starting to trade |
| VAT | When taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (or voluntarily) |
| PAYE | Before the first payday for directors or employees |
Your ongoing compliance
- File a Confirmation Statement (CS01) at least once a year with Companies House.
- File annual accounts with Companies House.
- File a Company Tax Return (CT600) with HMRC and pay Corporation Tax.
- Submit VAT returns under Making Tax Digital if VAT-registered.
- Run payroll under RTI and submit to HMRC each pay period.
- Keep the PSC register and company records up to date.
Common mistakes to avoid
The pitfalls we see businesses run into most often on this topic.
- Confusing the Confirmation Statement with the Company Tax Return — they go to different bodies.
- Missing the three-month window to register for Corporation Tax after starting to trade.
- Getting PSC information wrong or leaving it out of date.
- Using a home address as the registered office without realising it becomes public.
- Registering for VAT late after crossing the threshold.
Frequently asked questions
How Stratancy can help
Stratancy registers your UK limited company with Companies House, sets up your HMRC registrations for Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE, and puts cloud accounting in place from day one. Our ACCA-qualified team then keeps you compliant — Confirmation Statement, annual accounts, CT600 and Making Tax Digital VAT — on fixed monthly pricing. For overseas founders launching in the UK, we handle the registered office and the full setup so you can start trading quickly.