Private Limited Company LtdUnited Kingdom

Applies to a Private Limited Company (Ltd) in United Kingdom, with one shareholder who is also the sole director. Other forms have their own requirements. Read 31 Oct 2026 · reviewed 31 Oct 2026 · how we check

The director can do

23 of the 24 below

personally, through the authorities’ own services.

A professional the law requires

• A licensed auditor — unless the company qualifies as small Statutory audit of the annual accounts

Not required here

Annual general meeting · General business or trade licence renewal

● a professional the law requires.

Unless an item says otherwise, the director can do it personally through the authority’s own service. Most services need a one-off registration first.

Every year 7

1. File annual accounts with Companies House
   9 months after the end of the accounting period · from the registry
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Companies House online filing (WebFiling or commercial software)

   Steps

   1. Prepare statutory accounts from the financial records for the financial year
   2. Have the balance sheet signed by a director, with the director's name printed
   3. Check whether an auditor's report must be attached
   4. Obtain the company authentication code for the Companies House account
   5. File the accounts through WebFiling or commercial software, or send them on paper
   6. Keep the acceptance confirmation from Companies House

   Done when

   Companies House records the accounts as delivered, and the filing confirmation is kept.

   If missed

   Failure to deliver acceptable accounts on time is a criminal offence, and a late filing penalty is charged on the company.

   Who

   A director may prepare and deliver the accounts; no accountant is required. Filing online needs the company authentication code.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   All companies must file annual accounts with Companies House - even if you’re dormant or not trading.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   Private companies have 9 months, and public companies have 6 months to submit accounts to Companies House after the end of each accounting reference period.

   Companies do not have to use a professional accountant to prepare accounts.

2. File the confirmation statement each year
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Companies House online filing of the confirmation statement (form CS01)

   Steps

   1. Check the company's register entry for registered office, directors, secretary, SIC code and shareholders
   2. Update any information that is out of date before confirming
   3. Provide each director's Companies House personal code
   4. Confirm the intended future activities are lawful
   5. Submit the confirmation statement online and pay the fee

   Done when

   Companies House accepts the statement and shows a new confirmation statement date on the register.

   Cost

   GBP 50 · GBP 50 online; GBP 110 for a paper form CS01. One fee per 12-month payment period.

   If missed

   A fine of up to GBP 5,000, and the company may be struck off the register.

   Who

   A director files it through the Companies House online service with the company password and authentication code.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   Every company, including dormant and non trading companies, must file a confirmation statement at least once every year.

   It costs: £50 to file your confirmation statement online £110 to file a paper form CS01 by post

   You’ll need your password and authentication code.

3. Statutory audit of the annual accountsNeeds a licensed auditor
   9 months after the end of the accounting period

   Only if: Required unless the company qualifies as small: for financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025 it must meet at least two of turnover no more than GBP 15 million, balance sheet total no more than GBP 7.5 million, and 50 or fewer employees. Required in any case if the articles or shareholders demand it.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Appointment of an independent registered auditor, whose report is attached to the accounts

   Steps

   1. Check the audit exemption thresholds against the year's figures
   2. Appoint an auditor eligible to act, holding a current audit-practising certificate
   3. Provide the auditor with the accounting records and information required
   4. Receive the signed and dated auditor's report
   5. Attach the report to the accounts sent to members and delivered to Companies House

   Done when

   A signed and dated auditor's report is attached to the accounts, naming the auditor and any senior statutory auditor.

   Who

   An auditor must be independent of the company and hold a current audit-practising certificate from a recognised supervisory body; a director cannot audit the company.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   You’ll need to get an audit if your articles of association say you must or your shareholders ask for one.

   For financial years that begin on or after 6 April 2025 Your company may qualify for an audit exemption if it has at least 2 of the following: an annual turnover of no more than £15 million assets worth no more than £7.5 million 50 or fewer employees on average

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   Your accountant may act as the company’s auditor if they do not fall into one of these categories - and they have a current audit-practising certificate issued by a recognised supervisory body.

4. File the Company Tax Return (CT600)
   12 months after the end of the accounting period · from the tax calendar
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   HMRC Corporation Tax online service (Company Tax Return, form CT600)

   Steps

   1. Work out the profit or loss for Corporation Tax from the accounting records
   2. Prepare the Company Tax Return and supporting accounts and computations
   3. Sign in to the HMRC business tax account for the company
   4. Submit the return online; paper filing is allowed only in limited cases
   5. Keep the submission receipt

   Done when

   HMRC accepts the return and the submission receipt is kept.

   If missed

   GBP 200 one day after the deadline and another GBP 200 at three months; at six months HMRC estimates the bill and adds a penalty of 10% of the unpaid tax, and another 10% at twelve months. If the return is late three times in a row, the GBP 200 penalties rise to GBP 1,000 each.

   Who

   A director can prepare and file the return personally through HMRC's online service; an accountant may be used but is not required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   Your company or association must file a Company Tax Return if you get a ‘notice to deliver a Company Tax Return’ from HM Revenue and Customs

   The deadline for your tax return is 12 months after the end of the accounting period it covers.

   You can either get an accountant to prepare and file your tax return or do it yourself.

5. Pay the Corporation Tax bill
   9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period · from the tax calendar
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   HMRC business tax account, using the 17-character Corporation Tax payment reference

   Steps

   1. Find the amount due and the payment reference in the HMRC business tax account
   2. Choose a payment method that clears before the deadline
   3. Pay using the 17-character Corporation Tax payment reference
   4. Check the payment has been received

   Done when

   The payment shows as received against the accounting period in the HMRC business tax account.

   If missed

   Interest is charged if the tax is paid late.

   Who

   The company pays from its own bank or business tax account; no agent is required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must pay your Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period.

   The deadline for your payment will depend on your taxable profits.

   You cannot pay Corporation Tax by post.

6. Pay the data protection fee to the ICO
   Each year on the anniversary of registration

   Only if: Any organisation processing personal information, unless exempt. The tier depends on staff numbers and turnover.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   ICO data protection fee registration and payment

   Steps

   1. Work out the tier from staff numbers and annual turnover
   2. Register the organisation's details with the ICO
   3. Pay the fee, by direct debit for the discount or by another method
   4. Renew before the anniversary, or tell the ICO that registration is no longer required

   Done when

   The ICO issues the registration certificate and the payment is recorded.

   Cost

   GBP 52 · Tier 1 GBP 52, tier 2 GBP 78, tier 3 GBP 3,763; GBP 5 discount by direct debit.

   If missed

   A monetary penalty of up to GBP 4,000 on top of the fee.

   Who

   The company registers and pays through the ICO's own service; no professional is required.

   Official ico.org.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   Under the Data Protection Act 2018 organisations processing personal information are required to pay a data protection fee unless they are exempt.

   You need to renew your data protection fee each year, or tell the ICO if your registration is no longer required.

   Official ico.org.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   There are three different tiers of fee and controllers are expected to pay between £52 and £3,763.

7. Business rates on non-domestic premises
   Set each year by decree

   Only if: Any building or part of a building used for non-domestic purposes, such as an office, shop, warehouse or factory. Administered by the billing council; Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate systems.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   The billing local council's business rates bill

   Steps

   1. Check whether the premises are rated as non-domestic
   2. Receive the bill from the billing council in February or March
   3. Check the rateable value and apply for any relief the council offers
   4. Pay by the instalments shown on the bill

   Done when

   The bill is paid for the year, or a relief or exemption is recorded by the council.

   Who

   The ratepayer deals with the billing council directly; no professional is required, though appeals on rateable value go to the Valuation Office.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   Business rates are charged on most non-domestic properties, like: shops offices pubs warehouses factories holiday rental homes or guest houses

   You’ll probably have to pay business rates if you use a building or part of a building for non-domestic purposes.

   Your local council will send you a business rates bill in February or March each year. This is for the following tax year.

Each quarter or month 5

1. Quarterly instalment payments of Corporation Tax
   Months 7, 10, 13 and 16 of the accounting period, day 14

   Only if: Profits for the accounting period at an annual rate above GBP 1.5 million, unless the total liability is under GBP 10,000 or a first-year exception applies. The threshold is divided by the number of associated companies plus one.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   HMRC Corporation Tax instalment payments, paid electronically

   Steps

   1. Work out the expected liability for the accounting period
   2. Divide it into four equal instalments
   3. Pay each instalment electronically by its due date, using the Corporation Tax payment reference
   4. Review the forecast at each instalment date and claim repayment of any excess

   Done when

   All four instalments show as received against the accounting period.

   If missed

   A penalty may be charged for deliberately failing to make instalment payments, or making them too small.

   Who

   The company calculates and pays the instalments itself; no professional is required, though the calculation runs on forecast profits.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   If your company’s profits for an accounting period are at an annual rate of more than £1.5 million, you must normally pay your Corporation Tax for that period electronically and in instalments.

   If your company has a 12 month accounting period, you need to pay in 4 equal instalments due: 6 months and 13 days after the first day of the accounting period 3 months after the first instalment 3 months after the second instalment (14 days after the last day of the accounting period) 3 months and 14 days after the last day of the accounting period

   Your company does not need to pay by instalments for an accounting period (even though its profits exceed £1.5 million) if either: the amount of its total liability for the accounting period is less than £10,000

2. Submit the periodic VAT return and pay
   1 month and 7 days after the end of the quarter · from the tax calendar

   Only if: Once registered for VAT, whether or not there is VAT to pay or reclaim.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   HMRC VAT online account, through Making Tax Digital compatible software

   Steps

   1. Record sales and purchases in the VAT account through compatible software
   2. Check the figures for the accounting period
   3. Submit the VAT Return from the software to HMRC
   4. Pay the VAT so that it reaches HMRC by the same deadline

   Done when

   HMRC shows the return as received in the VAT online account and the payment has cleared.

   If missed

   A penalty point for each late return; at the threshold, a GBP 200 penalty and a further GBP 200 for each later late return.

   Who

   The company files through its VAT online account using Making Tax Digital compatible software; no agent is required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   If you’re registered for VAT , you must submit a VAT Return even if you have no VAT to pay or reclaim.

   The deadline for submitting your return online is usually one calendar month and 7 days after the end of an accounting period.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   All VAT -registered businesses should now be signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT .

3. VAT on distance sales to consumers abroad (IOSS)
   1 month after the end of the month

   Only if: Goods imported in consignments of GBP 135 or less sold to consumers in the EU, Northern Ireland, or both. Services to EU consumers fall under the EU non-Union One Stop Shop, registered with an EU member state rather than HMRC.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   VAT Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme, through the HMRC business tax account

   Steps

   1. Check the goods qualify as low value consignments of GBP 135 or less
   2. Register for IOSS using the sign-in details used for UK VAT
   3. Charge VAT at the rate applying in the destination country at the point of sale
   4. Give the 12-digit IOSS number to the carrier for each consignment
   5. Submit the monthly IOSS return and make one monthly payment to HMRC

   Done when

   HMRC issues the 12-digit IOSS VAT identification number and accepts the monthly return.

   If missed

   Missing the deadline for three consecutive periods excludes the business from the scheme for at least two years.

   Who

   The business registers itself through HMRC using its UK VAT sign-in details; an intermediary may act for it but is not required by HMRC's guidance.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You can choose to register for the VAT IOSS scheme to report and pay VAT. You can do this if you sell goods imported in consignments with a value of £135 or less (known as low value goods) from countries outside the EU and Northern Ireland, to consumers in the EU, Northern Ireland, or both.

   After you’ve registered you will be issued with a unique 12-digit IOSS VAT identification number.

   complete and submit a monthly IOSS VAT return including all sales of low value goods to consumers in the EU, Northern Ireland, or both ― find out how to complete an IOSS VAT return and the records you need to keep and submit your IOSS VAT return

4. VAT on digital services sold to consumers in the EU (non-Union OSS)
   1 month after the end of the quarter

   Only if: Digital services (for example e-books, downloads, streaming, software, pre-recorded online courses) supplied to private consumers in EU countries by a seller with no establishment in the EU. No sales threshold: the EUR 10,000 threshold requires the supplier to be established in a single EU member state, so it does not apply to a UK company with no EU establishment.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Non-Union One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme, through the web portal of the EU Member State of identification

   Steps

   1. Choose one EU Member State to register in as the Member State of identification
   2. Register for the non-Union OSS through that Member State's web portal
   3. Charge the VAT due in the customer's EU country on each sale
   4. Keep two pieces of evidence of each consumer's location
   5. Submit an OSS VAT return electronically for each calendar quarter
   6. Pay the VAT due with the return, quoting the return's unique reference number

   Done when

   The Member State of identification issues an individual EU VAT identification number, in the format EUxxxyyyyyz, which is used only for non-Union OSS returns.

   If missed

   If no return is filed by the due date, the Member State of identification sends a reminder on the tenth day after it; not paying after reminders for three consecutive quarters leads to exclusion from the scheme.

   Who

   A director registers and files personally on the web portal of the EU Member State the business chooses. Neither page names a professional who must act.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   If you make supplies of digital services to consumers outside the UK these are not liable to UK VAT. They may be liable to VAT in the country where the consumer is based.

   The place of supply of cross-border digital services is the consumer’s location, which is determined by where the consumer usually lives.

   register for the Non-Union VAT MOSS scheme in an EU member state

5. Report payroll in real time and pay PAYE
   Day 22 of the following month · from the tax calendar

   Only if: For each employee paid GBP 96 or more a week, or where any other PAYE registration condition is met.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   HMRC PAYE online, through payroll software (Full Payment Submission)

   Steps

   1. Set up payroll software and the PAYE scheme
   2. Record each employee's pay, tax and National Insurance for the pay period
   3. Send the Full Payment Submission on or before each payday
   4. Pay the tax and National Insurance due to HMRC by the payment deadline
   5. Send the final submission at the end of the tax year

   Done when

   HMRC accepts each Full Payment Submission and the payment shows in the business tax account.

   If missed

   A penalty may be charged for late payment and for reporting late without a valid reason.

   Who

   The employer may run payroll itself with payroll software and report directly; no professional is required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   If you run payroll yourself, you’ll need to report your employees’ payments and deductions to HMRC on or before each payday.

   You then have to pay HMRC , usually every month.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   Pay HMRC by the 22nd (or the 19th if paying by post) - you may have to pay a penalty if you do not.

Thresholds to watch 1

1. Watch the VAT registration threshold
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Register for VAT, HMRC online service

   Steps

   1. Total the taxable turnover of the last 12 months each month
   2. Check whether the total has gone over GBP 90,000, or is expected to in the next 30 days
   3. Register through the HMRC VAT online service within the deadline
   4. Charge VAT from the effective date of registration

   Done when

   HMRC issues the VAT registration number and the effective date of registration.

   If missed

   VAT is due on sales made since the date registration should have taken effect, and a penalty may be charged for late registration.

   Who

   The company registers itself through the HMRC VAT online service; no agent is required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must register if either: your total taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000 (the VAT threshold) you expect your taxable turnover to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days

   You have to register within 30 days of the end of the month when you went over the threshold.

   If you register late, you must pay VAT on any sales you’ve made since the date you should have registered. You might need to pay a penalty , depending on how much you owe and how late your registration is.

When something changes 3

1. Identify and report people with significant control
   Within 14 days of the change of beneficial owners · from the registry
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Companies House online filing of PSC information, and the confirmation statement

   Steps

   1. Identify each person with significant control and the nature of control met
   2. Confirm the required details with the PSC: name, date of birth, nationality, addresses, dates
   3. Record the PSC information in the company's own PSC register
   4. File the information with Companies House at incorporation, or within the 14-day period for a change
   5. Confirm the PSC entry in each confirmation statement

   Done when

   The PSC entry or PSC statement appears on the public register and is confirmed at each confirmation statement.

   If missed

   Refusing to provide PSC information is a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

   Who

   Directors must identify PSCs and file the information themselves; no professional is required by law.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must identify your PSC and tell us who they are.

   If your company does not have a PSC If the PSC has applied for protection Failing to meet the requirements This guidance only covers the most common case examples. For more complex cases, you should read the full PSC guidance and seek independent professional advice if necessary. A person with significant control ( PSC ) is someone who owns or controls your company. They’re sometimes called ‘beneficial owners’. You must identify your PSC and tell us who they are. This might be you, or someone associated with your company. A company can have one or more PSCs. You must include their details when you set up (incorporate) your company and tell Companies House if there are any changes. If you cannot identify your PSC , or do not have one, you need to tell Companies House. PSCs must also verify their identity and provide their Companies House personal code. The period for doing this depends on your situation. You do not need to complete identity verification for a PSC who has died. The PSC should remain on the Companies House register until a grant of probate or letters of administration have been received. See When you need to verify your identity for Companies House . Identifying your PSC A PSC must meet one or more conditions known as the ‘nature of control’. You must tell Companies House which conditions are met, when you register your PSC information. Watch the video How to identify people with significant control on YouTube. A PSC is usually anyone who: has more than 25% shares or voting rights in your company can appoint or remove a majority of directors can influence or control your company or trust You should check your company’s register of members for information on shareholders and voting rights. Your company’s constitution and articles of association may also contain information on voting and other rights associated with ownership of shares in the company. Other significant influence or control Your PSC might influence or control your company through other means. This could be directly, or on behalf of someone else. For example, someone may influence or control the actions of directors or shareholders. This condition will only apply in limited circumstances. The full PSC guidance has more information on the meaning of ‘significant influence or control’. If your company is controlled by a trust or firm without ‘legal personality’ This condition will only apply in limited circumstances. You should read the full PSC guidance and seek professional advice if you think this applies to your company. If the trust or firm meets any nature of control, you’ll need to record all trustees or members/partners of the firm as PSCs of your company and register this information at Companies House. Registering your PSC information You must confirm certain details with your PSC , before you can send the information to Companies House. You’ll need: their name their date of birth their nationality and country of residence a correspondence address - known as the ‘service address’ their home address (this must not be disclosed) the date they became a PSC of the company the date they confirmed their details all natures of control which apply You must include the level of their shares and voting rights, within the following categories: over 25% up to (and including) 50% more than 50% and less than 75% 75% or more Verifying your identity as a PSC If you become a PSC , you must verify your identity for Companies House . When you’ve verified your identity, you’ll need to provide your personal code to Companies House for your role as a PSC . You can do this using the ‘ Provide identity verification details for a PSC ’ service. Every PSC will have a 14 day period during which they must provide their personal code. The dates of your 14 day period depend on whether: you were registered with Companies House before 18 November 2025 you’re also a director of this company For more information, read the guidance on when to verify . If your PSC information changes You must tell Companies House about any changes to your PSC information, such as a change of personal details or nature of control. You must do this within 14 days of confirming the change. Tell Companies House about changes to your company . You can also use commercial software to file changes to your company . Contacting your PSC You must try to identify and contact anyone who could be a PSC of your company. Refusing to provide PSC information is a criminal offence, and you can apply restrictions on their shares or voting rights. Applying restrictions is a significant step. You should only consider this if the person has repeatedly failed to respond to your requests for information. See the full PSC guidance for more information. If your company does not have a PSC If there are no PSCs for your company, you must tell Companies House. Your company’s PSC information cannot be blank. You’ll need to state why there is no PSC or why you have not confirmed their details. You must register this PSC statement with Companies House.

   You must tell Companies House about any changes to your PSC information, such as a change of personal details or nature of control. You must do this within 14 days of confirming the change.

2. Notify Companies House of changes
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Companies House online service, or the paper form for the change

   Steps

   1. Identify which change must be reported and to which register entry
   2. Update the company's own registers first
   3. File the change through the Companies House online service or on the paper form
   4. Check the register shows the new detail

   Done when

   The register shows the changed detail, effective from the date Companies House registers it.

   If missed

   A director may be fined, prosecuted or disqualified for not meeting the company's reporting responsibilities.

   Who

   The company files the change itself online or on paper; appointing a company secretary is optional.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must tell Companies House within 14 days if there are changes to: directors or their personal details, like their address company secretaries (appointing a new one or ending an existing one’s appointment)

   You must tell Companies House: within 14 days if you make changes to the address where you keep your records, and which records you keep there within a month if you issue more shares in your company

   How to report changes to Companies House You can: use the Companies House online service fill in and send paper forms

3. Check each employee's right to work before employment
   At the time of the first day of employment

   Only if: Before employing anyone; a time-limited right to work is checked again when it expires.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   GOV.UK right to work check (online share code service or original documents)

   Steps

   1. Ask the applicant for a share code or original documents
   2. Check the documents or the online result with the applicant present
   3. Make and keep a copy that cannot be changed
   4. Record the date the check was made
   5. Repeat the check when a time-limited right to work expires

   Done when

   A dated, unchangeable copy of the check is kept for the employee and for two years after employment ends.

   If missed

   You could face a civil penalty if you employ an illegal worker and have not carried out a correct right to work check.

   Who

   The employer carries out the check itself, online with a share code or against original documents; no professional is required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must check that a job applicant is allowed to work for you in the UK before you employ them.

   check the applicant's right to work online

   keep copies during the applicant's employment and for 2 years after they stop working for you

At all times 5

1. Keep the company's statutory registers
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   The company's own registers, kept at the registered office or the place the directors think suitable

   Steps

   1. Open a register of members recording shareholders, votes and resolutions
   2. Record debentures, indemnities and charges over the company's assets
   3. Keep the directors', secretaries' and PSC information up to date on the Companies House register instead
   4. Keep the register of members at the registered office or the single alternative inspection location (SAIL)
   5. Tell Companies House if the records are kept somewhere other than the registered office
   6. Make the register of members available for public inspection

   Done when

   The registers exist, are up to date and are held at a place notified to Companies House.

   Who

   The directors keep the register of members; no professional is required. It must be open to public inspection at the registered office or SAIL.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   Records about the company You must keep details of: shareholders and the results of any shareholder votes and resolutions promises for the company to repay loans at a specific date in the future (‘debentures’) and who they must be paid back to promises the company makes for payments if something goes wrong and it’s the company’s fault (‘indemnities’) transactions when someone buys shares in the company loans or mortgages secured against the company’s assets

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   You should check your company’s register of members for information on shareholders and voting rights.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   A company must keep its accounting records at its registered office address or a place that the directors think is suitable. The records must be open to inspection by the company’s officers at all times.

2. Maintain a registered office and registered email address
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Companies House register, at incorporation and on change

   Steps

   1. Choose a physical address in the UK, in the country of registration
   2. Confirm the address is 'appropriate': post reaches the company and delivery can be confirmed
   3. Provide the address and a registered email address at incorporation or on change
   4. Read mail sent to the registered email address

   Done when

   The address is on the public register and Companies House has registered any change.

   If missed

   The company could be struck off the Companies House register.

   Who

   The company chooses the address and files it itself; an accountant's or agent's address may be used with their permission, but is not required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must provide a registered office address and email address when you set up a limited company.

   The address you register must be: a physical address in the UK in the same country your company is registered in, for example a company registered in Scotland must have a registered office address in Scotland

   The address must also be ‘appropriate’. This means that: you or someone acting on behalf of your company will be made aware of any post addressed and delivered to your company when your company receives post at this address, it’s possible for the sender to get confirmation of delivery

3. Automatic enrolment into a workplace pension
   Every 3 years from the duties start date

   Only if: From the first employee; duties start on the day the first member of staff starts work.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   The Pensions Regulator declaration of compliance, after choosing a pension scheme

   Steps

   1. Choose a pension scheme that can be used for automatic enrolment
   2. Work out which staff must be put into the scheme on the duties start date
   3. Write to each member of staff within six weeks of the duties start date
   4. Put eligible staff into the scheme and pay the employer contributions
   5. Complete the declaration of compliance within five months, using the letter code and PAYE reference
   6. Re-enrol eligible staff at each re-enrolment date

   Done when

   The Pensions Regulator accepts the declaration of compliance and the scheme shows the contributions paid.

   If missed

   Enforcement action including compliance notices and penalty notices (fines).

   Who

   The employer must meet the duties and complete the declaration itself; advisers may help, but the legal duty stays with the employer.

   Official thepensionsregulator.gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   Under the Pensions Act 2008, every employer in the UK must put certain staff into a workplace pension scheme and contribute towards it.

   If you employ at least one person you are an employer and you have certain legal duties.

   Official thepensionsregulator.gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   Your automatic enrolment duties start when you employ your first member of staff (duties start date).

4. Employers' liability insurance

   Only if: From the moment the company becomes an employer, unless the only employees are family members or are based outside England, Scotland and Wales.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   A policy with an authorised insurer, with the certificate displayed

   Steps

   1. Buy employers' liability cover of at least GBP 5 million from an authorised insurer
   2. Check the insurer is on the Financial Conduct Authority register
   3. Display the certificate where employees can access it, including the website or intranet
   4. Show the certificate to inspectors when asked

   Done when

   The policy is in force and the certificate is displayed and available to inspectors.

   If missed

   A fine of GBP 2,500 for every day the company is not properly insured.

   Who

   The company buys the policy itself from an insurer authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority; a broker may be used but is not required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You must get Employers’ Liability ( EL ) insurance: as soon as you become an employer to cover you for at least £5 million from an authorised insurer

   You do not need EL insurance if you only employ either: a family member (this could be your husband, wife, civil partner, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, step-father, step-mother, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, step-son, step-daughter, brother, sister, half-brother or half-sister) someone who is based outside of England, Scotland and Wales

   You can be fined £2,500 every day you are not properly insured.

5. Keep accounting records
   Keep for 6 years
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   The company's own accounting records, kept at the registered office or another suitable place

   Steps

   1. Record all money received and spent, assets, liabilities and stock
   2. Keep invoices, receipts, contracts, bank statements and calculations
   3. Keep the records at the registered office or a place the directors think suitable
   4. Retain them for the retention period, and longer where a transaction spans periods

   Done when

   The records exist for each financial year and can be produced for HMRC or the auditor.

   If missed

   A fine of GBP 3,000 by HMRC, or disqualification as a company director.

   Who

   The directors must keep the records; an accountant may keep them on the company's behalf, but the duty remains with the directors.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   Private companies must keep accounting records for 3 years from the date they were made.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   You must keep records for 6 years from the end of the last company financial year they relate to, or longer if: they show a transaction that covers more than one of the company’s accounting periods the company has bought something that it expects to last more than 6 years, like equipment or machinery you sent your Company Tax Return late HMRC has started a compliance check into your Company Tax Return

   You can be fined £3,000 by HMRC or disqualified as a company director if you do not keep accounting records.

Once, at the start 3

1. Directors and PSCs verify their identity with Companies House
   Within 14 days of the company's confirmation statement date
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Verify your identity for Companies House (GOV.UK One Login)

   Steps

   1. Verify identity through GOV.UK One Login, using an app, security questions or photo ID
   2. Receive the Companies House personal code
   3. Provide the personal code in the company's next confirmation statement for each directorship
   4. Provide the personal code separately for each PSC role, through the PSC service

   Done when

   The personal code is linked to each role and the confirmation statement is accepted.

   Cost

   No fee · Free through GOV.UK One Login; an Authorised Corporate Service Provider may charge.

   If missed

   If you do not comply with all identity verification requirements on time, you may be committing an offence.

   Who

   Each director or PSC verifies their own identity free through GOV.UK One Login, or may ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider to do it.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   Identity verification is a new legal requirement.

   You’ll need to verify your identity if you are: a director the equivalent of a director – this includes members, general partners and managing officers a director of an overseas company registered in the UK a person with significant control (PSC)

   This service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity. It is free of charge.

2. First accounting period, and the two returns it can trigger
   How, cost and sources

   Where

   HMRC Company Tax Return (CT600) online service, with the accounts filed at Companies House

   Steps

   1. Check the accounting reference date set at incorporation
   2. Prepare one set of statutory accounts from incorporation to the accounting reference date
   3. Split the Corporation Tax period at 12 months and prepare a CT600 for each part
   4. File the first accounts with Companies House within 21 months of incorporation
   5. File each CT600 within 12 months of the end of its accounting period and pay by its own deadline

   Done when

   Both CT600s are accepted and the single set of first accounts is on the Companies House register.

   If missed

   Each late Company Tax Return carries the late filing penalties from GBP 200 one day after its deadline; late first accounts carry the Companies House late filing penalty.

   Who

   The sole director may prepare both returns and the accounts personally through HMRC's and Companies House's online services; no accountant is required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (2)

   Your first accounts usually cover more than 12 months.

   The period covered by your tax return (your 'accounting period' for Corporation Tax) cannot be longer than 12 months. So you may have to file 2 tax returns to cover the period of your first accounts. If you do, you'll also have 2 payment deadlines.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote

   21 months after the date you registered with Companies House

3. Register as an employer before the first payroll

   Only if: Before the first payday of the first employee, including a sole director who takes a salary.

   How, cost and sources

   Where

   Register as an employer, HMRC online service

   Steps

   1. Decide the first payday and the payroll start date
   2. Register as an employer with HMRC online before that payday
   3. Receive the employer PAYE reference by letter
   4. Add the PAYE scheme to the business tax account

   Done when

   HMRC issues the employer PAYE reference and the scheme appears in the business tax account.

   Who

   Most limited companies register online themselves; an accountant may register on the company's behalf but is not required.

   Official gov.uk read 31 Oct 2026

   Quote (3)

   You normally need to register as an employer with HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) when you start employing staff , or using subcontractors for construction work .

   You must register even if you’re only employing yourself, for example as the only director of a limited company .

   You must register before the first payday to get your employer PAYE reference number.

General information, not advice: what the law and the authorities state, for the default case.

Standard rate

20%

Official gov.uk read 22 Oct 2026

Quote

The standard VAT rate is 20%

Other rates

• 5% Some goods and services, for example, children's car seats and home energy
• 0% Zero-rated goods and services, for example, most food and children's clothes

Official gov.uk read 22 Oct 2026

Quote

Reduced rate 5% Some goods and services, for example, children’s car seats and home energy Zero rate 0% Zero-rated goods and services, for example, most food and children’s clothes

Registration threshold

GBP 90,000 · about €105,690

taxable turnover; also registration if taxable turnover is expected to go over the threshold in the next 30 days; 12 months rolling

Official gov.uk read 22 Oct 2026

Quote

your total taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000 (the VAT threshold)

Voluntary registration

Yes

A business with turnover below £90,000 may choose to register voluntarily.

Official gov.uk read 22 Oct 2026

Quote

You can choose to register for VAT if your turnover is less than £90,000 (‘voluntary registration’).

A foreign company

Registers from its first taxable supply; no local representative required

A business based outside the UK must register regardless of taxable turnover if it supplies any goods or services to the UK, or expects to in the next 30 days. Appointing a tax representative is optional, though HMRC can direct some non-established taxable persons to appoint one.

Official gov.uk read 22 Oct 2026

Quote

You must also register (regardless of taxable turnover) if all of the following are true: you’re based outside the UK

Returns filed

Quarterly

Official gov.uk read 22 Oct 2026

Quote

You usually need to send a VAT Return to HMRC every 3 months.

Tax authority

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

Registration page read 2026-10-22

• Business registerCompanies House
• Tax authorityHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• Tax treatiesHM Revenue & Customs – Tax treaties and double taxation

4 services name United Kingdom on their own list: Paysera, Airwallex, Stripe, Revolut. Each provider, and what a listing means.

Kind

Private limited company

Derived our grouping, the same words in every country

Name in law

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

ISO 20275 code

H0PO

Secondary GLEIF, Entity Legal Forms code list