Company Formation · United Kingdom
Company Formation Services in the United Kingdom
Forming a company in the United Kingdom requires registration with Companies House and compliance with the Companies Act 2006 from incorporation day one.
Overview
Fintax Support Limited registers private limited companies (Ltd), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and community interest companies, preparing memorandum and articles of association tailored to your share structure. We register your company for Corporation Tax with HMRC, set up PAYE if you plan to hire, and file your first confirmation statement. Our team also manages Persons with Significant Control (PSC) register obligations and registered office requirements.
Key compliance areas in United Kingdom
06 areas- HMRC tax filing
- Companies House registration
- MTD VAT
- PAYE & RTI
- Corporation Tax CT600
- CIS
Regulatory framework
Companies House requires a confirmation statement (CS01) at least once every 12 months, confirming director, shareholder, and PSC details. New companies must register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months of starting to trade. Failure to file accounts or confirmation statements on time results in automatic penalties and potential director disqualification.
HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs)Key facts
- 12 monthsConfirmation statement (CS01)at least once every 12 months
- 3 monthsRegister for Corporation Taxafter starting to trade
10 specialised services
Our Company Formation services in United Kingdom
On this page (10)
- Private Limited Company (Ltd) Incorporation
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Formation
- Sole Trader Registration with HMRC
- Companies House Filing & Annual Confirmation Statement
- Memorandum & Articles of Association Drafting
- UTR & Corporation Tax Registration with HMRC
- VAT Registration
- PAYE Scheme Setup for Employers
- Branch Registration for Overseas Companies
- Company Secretarial Services
01 / 10
Private Limited Company (Ltd) Incorporation
Register a private limited company with Companies House under the Companies Act 2006 and receive your certificate of incorporation, company number, and statutory registers from day one. Ltd incorporation via Form IN01 gives your business limited liability, a professional identity for contracts and banking, and the structure investors and lenders expect in the UK market.
Form IN01 digital filing
Director and shareholder setup
Limited liability from day one
24-hour online incorporation
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Name and structure review
Check company name availability at Companies House, confirm SIC codes, share structure, and registered office.
- 02
Form IN01 preparation
Prepare Form IN01 with memorandum, articles, director consent, and PSC statements for digital submission.
- 03
Companies House submission
Submit via Companies House Web Incorporation Service and receive certificate of incorporation and company number.
- 04
Post-incorporation HMRC setup
Coordinate CT41G Corporation Tax registration, UTR issuance, and optional VAT and PAYE registration.
- 01
Name and structure review
Check company name availability at Companies House, confirm SIC codes, share structure, and registered office.
- 02
Form IN01 preparation
Prepare Form IN01 with memorandum, articles, director consent, and PSC statements for digital submission.
- 03
Companies House submission
Submit via Companies House Web Incorporation Service and receive certificate of incorporation and company number.
- 04
Post-incorporation HMRC setup
Coordinate CT41G Corporation Tax registration, UTR issuance, and optional VAT and PAYE registration.
Private limited company incorporation in England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland is governed by the Companies Act 2006 and filed with Companies House using Form IN01 — electronically via the Web Incorporation Service or on paper. Digital submissions typically complete within 24 hours and cost £50; same-day service is available for an additional fee. Your incorporation package includes at least one director (a corporate director requires at least one natural person director), a registered office in the UK jurisdiction of incorporation, appropriate SIC codes describing business activity, and a statement of capital showing issued shares. Persons with Significant Control holding more than 25% of shares or voting rights must be declared on the PSC register at incorporation. Model articles of association apply by default unless bespoke articles are filed. After incorporation, register for Corporation Tax with HMRC using form CT41G within three months of becoming active.
Common questions
02 / 10
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Formation
Form a Limited Liability Partnership with Companies House for professional firms and partnerships that need limited liability with flexible profit-sharing. LLP registration via Form LL IN01 combines partnership tax transparency with member liability protection — the structure widely used by accountants, solicitors, consultants, and joint ventures in the UK.
Form LL IN01 filing
Flexible profit allocation
Member liability protection
PSC and SIC compliance
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
LLP structure and member review
Confirm member list, designated members, profit-sharing intentions, and registered office jurisdiction.
- 02
LLP agreement drafting
Draft LLP members' agreement covering capital, profit allocation, decision-making, and exit provisions.
- 03
Form LL IN01 submission
File LLP incorporation with Companies House including PSC statements and SIC code selection.
- 04
HMRC registration
Register LLP for Self Assessment partnership return and individual members for UTR where required.
- 01
LLP structure and member review
Confirm member list, designated members, profit-sharing intentions, and registered office jurisdiction.
- 02
LLP agreement drafting
Draft LLP members' agreement covering capital, profit allocation, decision-making, and exit provisions.
- 03
Form LL IN01 submission
File LLP incorporation with Companies House including PSC statements and SIC code selection.
- 04
HMRC registration
Register LLP for Self Assessment partnership return and individual members for UTR where required.
Limited Liability Partnerships are governed by the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000 and registered with Companies House using Form LL IN01. An LLP requires at least two members — individuals or corporate entities — and at least two designated members responsible for filing accounts and confirmation statements. LLPs are tax-transparent: the partnership files a partnership tax return (SA800) but does not pay Corporation Tax; profits flow to members for Self Assessment. This makes LLPs popular for professional services firms and joint ventures where partners want limited liability without corporate double taxation. PSC register obligations apply equally to LLPs since 2016. Annual accounts must be filed at Companies House — audit-exempt thresholds apply for smaller LLPs. We draft LLP members' agreements alongside incorporation because Companies House registration alone does not govern internal profit shares or dispute resolution.
Common questions
03 / 10
Sole Trader Registration with HMRC
Register as a sole trader with HMRC and obtain your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to report business income through Self Assessment. Sole trader registration is the simplest UK business structure — no Companies House filing required — but you must register by 5 October following the tax year you started trading to avoid penalties.
HMRC Self Assessment registration
5 October deadline tracked
NI Class 2 and Class 4 guidance
Trading name and record setup
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Trading status confirmation
Confirm sole trader structure is appropriate versus Ltd or LLP based on liability, income, and growth plans.
- 02
HMRC online registration
Register for Self Assessment and notify HMRC of self-employment start date to obtain UTR.
- 03
NI and tax calendar setup
Establish Class 2 and Class 4 NI obligations, payment on account dates, and 31 January filing deadline.
- 04
Record-keeping and MTD preparation
Set up digital record-keeping for Making Tax Digital Income Tax Self Assessment when applicable.
- 01
Trading status confirmation
Confirm sole trader structure is appropriate versus Ltd or LLP based on liability, income, and growth plans.
- 02
HMRC online registration
Register for Self Assessment and notify HMRC of self-employment start date to obtain UTR.
- 03
NI and tax calendar setup
Establish Class 2 and Class 4 NI obligations, payment on account dates, and 31 January filing deadline.
- 04
Record-keeping and MTD preparation
Set up digital record-keeping for Making Tax Digital Income Tax Self Assessment when applicable.
Sole traders operate in their own name or a trading name without incorporating at Companies House. Registration with HMRC for Self Assessment is required by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which self-employment began — for example, if you started trading in June 2025 (tax year 2025/26), register by 5 October 2026. HMRC issues a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) used for all Self Assessment correspondence. Sole traders pay Income Tax on profits via Self Assessment and Class 2 (flat rate) and Class 4 (profit-based) National Insurance contributions. There is no limited liability — personal assets are exposed to business debts. VAT registration applies at the same £90,000 taxable turnover threshold as companies. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) applies from April 2026 for income above £50,000, requiring quarterly digital updates via compatible software.
Common questions
04 / 10
Companies House Filing & Annual Confirmation Statement
Keep your company compliant with ongoing Companies House filing obligations including the annual confirmation statement (Form CS01), annual accounts, and event-driven filings for director changes, share allotments, and PSC updates. Timely Companies House filing avoids automatic penalties and protects directors from compliance action.
Form CS01 confirmation statement
12-month filing calendar
Event-driven filings
Penalty avoidance
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Compliance calendar establishment
Set confirmation statement, accounts, and Corporation Tax filing dates from incorporation records.
- 02
Annual CS01 preparation
Review statutory registers, confirm director and PSC details, and prepare Form CS01 for online filing.
- 03
Event filing execution
File AP01, TM01, SH01, PSC01, and charge registrations within 14-day statutory deadlines.
- 04
Accounts filing coordination
Coordinate annual accounts submission at Companies House aligned with accounting reference date.
- 01
Compliance calendar establishment
Set confirmation statement, accounts, and Corporation Tax filing dates from incorporation records.
- 02
Annual CS01 preparation
Review statutory registers, confirm director and PSC details, and prepare Form CS01 for online filing.
- 03
Event filing execution
File AP01, TM01, SH01, PSC01, and charge registrations within 14-day statutory deadlines.
- 04
Accounts filing coordination
Coordinate annual accounts submission at Companies House aligned with accounting reference date.
Companies House requires every UK company and LLP to file a confirmation statement (Form CS01) at least once every 12 months — replacing the old annual return from June 2016. The CS01 confirms registered office, directors, secretary, shareholders, PSC details, and SIC codes remain accurate. Online filing costs £13 at Companies House. It must be filed even if nothing has changed. Annual accounts are due within nine months of the accounting reference date for private companies. Event-driven filings include AP01 for new directors (within 14 days), TM01 for resignations, SH01 for share allotments, PSC01 for new persons with significant control, and AD01 for registered office changes. Late confirmation statement or accounts filing triggers automatic civil penalties and can lead to compulsory strike-off. We maintain a compliance calendar from incorporation and file all Companies House forms digitally through the WebFiling service.
Common questions
05 / 10
Memorandum & Articles of Association Drafting
Draft memorandum and articles of association that govern your company's internal rules, director powers, share transfers, and dividend rights — filed at Companies House at incorporation. Choosing between model articles and bespoke articles affects shareholder control, investment readiness, and day-to-day governance under the Companies Act 2006.
Model vs bespoke articles
Share transfer restrictions
Director powers and meetings
Investor-ready provisions
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Governance requirements review
Assess shareholder structure, investment plans, director roles, and decision-making needs.
- 02
Articles drafting
Prepare bespoke articles or amend model articles covering shares, dividends, transfers, and meetings.
- 03
Shareholder alignment
Review draft articles with shareholders and align with separate shareholder or investment agreements.
- 04
Companies House filing
File articles with Form IN01 at incorporation or via special resolution (SH01/SH08) for amendments.
- 01
Governance requirements review
Assess shareholder structure, investment plans, director roles, and decision-making needs.
- 02
Articles drafting
Prepare bespoke articles or amend model articles covering shares, dividends, transfers, and meetings.
- 03
Shareholder alignment
Review draft articles with shareholders and align with separate shareholder or investment agreements.
- 04
Companies House filing
File articles with Form IN01 at incorporation or via special resolution (SH01/SH08) for amendments.
Every UK company limited by shares must have articles of association — the internal rulebook governing director powers, shareholder rights, share transfers, dividend declarations, and general meetings under the Companies Act 2006. The model articles for private companies limited by shares (Schedule 1) apply by default if no bespoke articles are filed at incorporation. Model articles suit single-director, single-shareholder companies but lack pre-emption rights, drag-along provisions, and multiple share class mechanics needed for investment rounds. Bespoke articles are essential for companies with multiple shareholders, SEIS/EIS investors, or planned equity fundraising. The memorandum of association — once a detailed document — is now a simple statement of subscriber intent filed with Form IN01. Amending articles after incorporation requires a special resolution (75% shareholder approval) filed at Companies House within 15 days.
Common questions
06 / 10
UTR & Corporation Tax Registration with HMRC
Register your new UK company for Corporation Tax with HMRC and obtain your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) within three months of starting to trade. Timely CT41G registration establishes your accounting period, avoids HMRC penalties, and ensures your company is ready for CT600 filing and statutory accounts preparation.
Form CT41G submission
UTR and accounting period
Three-month deadline tracked
HMRC agent authorisation
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Trading start date confirmation
Establish the date your company became active — first invoice, bank interest, or business activity.
- 02
CT41G registration
Complete HMRC Corporation Tax registration online or via form CT41G within three months of activity.
- 03
UTR and period confirmation
Receive HMRC UTR and written confirmation of accounting period and filing deadlines.
- 04
Agent setup and CT600 calendar
Authorise your accountant as HMRC agent and calendar CT600 and payment deadlines for first period.
- 01
Trading start date confirmation
Establish the date your company became active — first invoice, bank interest, or business activity.
- 02
CT41G registration
Complete HMRC Corporation Tax registration online or via form CT41G within three months of activity.
- 03
UTR and period confirmation
Receive HMRC UTR and written confirmation of accounting period and filing deadlines.
- 04
Agent setup and CT600 calendar
Authorise your accountant as HMRC agent and calendar CT600 and payment deadlines for first period.
Every active UK company must register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months of starting to trade — the date of first business activity, not incorporation date. HMRC sends form CT41G to the registered office after Companies House incorporation; it must be completed and returned promptly. Registration establishes your company's Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and first accounting period, typically aligned with the accounting reference date at Companies House. Corporation Tax is currently 25% for profits above £250,000 and 19% for small profits under £50,000, with marginal relief between. CT600 returns are due 12 months after accounting period end, but tax payment is due nine months and one day after period end — before the return filing deadline. Late registration incurs HMRC penalties. We register companies immediately after incorporation and set up HMRC agent authorisation so Corporation Tax affairs are managed from the first accounting period.
Common questions
07 / 10
VAT Registration
Register your UK business for VAT with HMRC when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or voluntarily below threshold to reclaim input VAT. We handle VAT1 registration, configure Making Tax Digital compliance, and advise on flat rate scheme eligibility for newly formed companies.
£90,000 threshold monitoring
HMRC VAT1 registration
Making Tax Digital setup
Flat rate scheme advice
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Turnover and scheme assessment
Review current and projected turnover, business type, and flat rate scheme eligibility.
- 02
VAT1 application submission
Complete HMRC VAT registration online with business details, bank account, and effective date.
- 03
VAT number and MTD setup
Receive VAT registration number and configure MTD-compatible software for digital records.
- 04
First return calendar
Establish quarterly or monthly VAT return schedule and payment deadline calendar.
- 01
Turnover and scheme assessment
Review current and projected turnover, business type, and flat rate scheme eligibility.
- 02
VAT1 application submission
Complete HMRC VAT registration online with business details, bank account, and effective date.
- 03
VAT number and MTD setup
Receive VAT registration number and configure MTD-compatible software for digital records.
- 04
First return calendar
Establish quarterly or monthly VAT return schedule and payment deadline calendar.
VAT registration with HMRC is mandatory when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period — or if you expect to exceed it in the next 30 days alone. Voluntary registration below the threshold allows reclaiming input VAT on startup costs — often beneficial for B2B companies serving VAT-registered customers. Registration is submitted online via HMRC's VAT registration service; HMRC typically issues a VAT number within 30 working days. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT requires all VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and submit returns through MTD-compatible software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent. The Flat Rate Scheme simplifies VAT for businesses with turnover under £150,000, applying a fixed percentage to gross turnover. We assess scheme suitability at incorporation and configure software for MTD compliance from your first VAT return.
Common questions
08 / 10
PAYE Scheme Setup for Employers
Register as an employer with HMRC and set up a PAYE scheme before your company's first payday. Real Time Information (RTI) requires Full Payment Submissions on or before each payday — we configure your PAYE scheme, RTI reporting, and P11D benefits processes for compliant UK employment from the first hire.
HMRC employer registration
RTI Full Payment Submissions
Tax and NI calculation setup
P11D benefits reporting
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Employer registration with HMRC
Register as an employer before first payday — up to two months in advance — to receive PAYE reference.
- 02
Payroll software configuration
Configure BrightPay, Xero Payroll, or Sage with tax codes, NI categories, and pension auto-enrolment.
- 03
RTI submission testing
Process test FPS submission to HMRC and verify Accounts Office reference and employee setup.
- 04
First live payroll run
Execute first payroll with RTI Full Payment Submission and Employer Payment Summary to HMRC.
- 01
Employer registration with HMRC
Register as an employer before first payday — up to two months in advance — to receive PAYE reference.
- 02
Payroll software configuration
Configure BrightPay, Xero Payroll, or Sage with tax codes, NI categories, and pension auto-enrolment.
- 03
RTI submission testing
Process test FPS submission to HMRC and verify Accounts Office reference and employee setup.
- 04
First live payroll run
Execute first payroll with RTI Full Payment Submission and Employer Payment Summary to HMRC.
UK employers must register a PAYE scheme with HMRC before the first employee payday — registration can be done up to two months in advance. Real Time Information (RTI) requires a Full Payment Submission (FPS) to HMRC on or before each payday reporting employee gross pay, Income Tax deducted, and National Insurance contributions. An Employer Payment Summary (EPS) is used for periods with no employees paid or to reclaim statutory payments. Employers pay Class 1 secondary NI at 13.8% on earnings above the secondary threshold. Auto-enrolment pension obligations apply from the first eligible employee. Expenses and benefits provided to employees — company cars, health insurance, loans — must be reported annually on form P11D by 6 July following the tax year, with Class 1A NI due by 19 July (22 July electronically). We set up PAYE schemes at incorporation for companies planning to hire directors on payroll or employees within the first months of trading.
Common questions
09 / 10
Branch Registration for Overseas Companies
Register an overseas company opening a UK branch or place of business with Companies House using Form OS IN01 under Part 34 of the Companies Act 2006. Branch registration creates public disclosure obligations at Companies House and Corporation Tax duties with HMRC on UK-source profits — we manage the full cross-border establishment process.
Form OS IN01 filing
UK representative appointment
Constitutional document filing
HMRC Corporation Tax setup
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Branch vs subsidiary analysis
Evaluate UK branch versus UK subsidiary structure for tax, liability, and reporting implications.
- 02
Form OS IN01 preparation
Prepare OS IN01 with certified constitutional documents, UK address, and authorised representative details.
- 03
Companies House registration
Submit Form OS IN01 and receive UK branch registration with public listing on Companies House register.
- 04
HMRC and ongoing compliance
Register branch for Corporation Tax, establish filing calendar, and manage annual account disclosure.
- 01
Branch vs subsidiary analysis
Evaluate UK branch versus UK subsidiary structure for tax, liability, and reporting implications.
- 02
Form OS IN01 preparation
Prepare OS IN01 with certified constitutional documents, UK address, and authorised representative details.
- 03
Companies House registration
Submit Form OS IN01 and receive UK branch registration with public listing on Companies House register.
- 04
HMRC and ongoing compliance
Register branch for Corporation Tax, establish filing calendar, and manage annual account disclosure.
Overseas companies establishing a UK presence without incorporating a subsidiary must register a branch (UK establishment) with Companies House under Part 34 of the Companies Act 2006 using Form OS IN01 within one month of opening a place of business in the UK. Registration requires certified copies of the company's constitutional documents, its latest accounts (if required to prepare them in its home jurisdiction), a UK address for document service, and at least one person authorised to accept service in the UK. Branch details appear on the public Companies House register. The overseas company remains liable for UK Corporation Tax on profits attributable to its UK permanent establishment under double tax treaty rules. Branch accounts must be filed at Companies House annually. Unlike a UK subsidiary, a branch does not have separate legal personality — the overseas parent retains full liability for branch obligations.
Common questions
10 / 10
Company Secretarial Services
Outsource ongoing company secretarial compliance to maintain statutory registers, file Companies House forms on time, and manage PSC register obligations without hiring in-house staff. Company secretarial services keep your Ltd company or LLP compliant with the Companies Act 2006 while directors focus on running the business.
Statutory register maintenance
Companies House filing management
PSC register compliance
Compliance calendar monitoring
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Compliance health check
Review current statutory registers, Companies House records, and outstanding filing obligations.
- 02
Register reconstruction if needed
Reconstruct missing statutory registers and reconcile with Companies House public record.
- 03
Ongoing filing and monitoring
Manage all event-driven and annual Companies House filings with deadline tracking.
- 04
Director and shareholder support
Provide meeting minute templates, written resolutions, and share certificate administration.
- 01
Compliance health check
Review current statutory registers, Companies House records, and outstanding filing obligations.
- 02
Register reconstruction if needed
Reconstruct missing statutory registers and reconcile with Companies House public record.
- 03
Ongoing filing and monitoring
Manage all event-driven and annual Companies House filings with deadline tracking.
- 04
Director and shareholder support
Provide meeting minute templates, written resolutions, and share certificate administration.
Company secretarial services maintain the statutory compliance framework required by the Companies Act 2006 for private companies and LLPs. Every UK company must maintain registers of directors, secretaries, members, persons with significant control, and charges — either at the registered office or a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL). The PSC register has been mandatory since April 2016, recording individuals with more than 25% of shares or voting rights. We file confirmation statements (CS01), process director appointments and resignations (AP01/TM01), share allotments (SH01), and PSC changes within 14-day statutory deadlines. Company secretaries — optional for private companies since 2008 — provide an accountable person for compliance even when not formally appointed. Our service includes preparing written board resolutions, dividend documentation, and share certificates alongside Companies House filing management.
Common questions
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Company Formation · United Kingdom
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