1. Introduction to Companies House
If you’re starting a business in the UK, you’ll likely need to register with Companies House. Companies House is the government’s official registrar of companies. It records and manages company details, ensuring transparency and compliance with UK law.
2. Who Needs to Register with Companies House?
You must register if you are:
- Setting up a limited company (Ltd)
- Forming a public limited company (PLC)
- Creating a limited liability partnership (LLP)
Note: Sole traders do not register with Companies House. They only register with HMRC for self-assessment tax.
3. Benefits of Registering with Companies House
- Your business becomes a separate legal entity
- Offers limited liability protection
- Enhances professional credibility
- Required for certain contracts and funding opportunities
- Protects your company name legally
4. Information Required for Registration
To register with Companies House, you’ll need:
- Company name (must be unique and not offensive)
- Registered office address in the UK
- Company directors (at least one)
- Shareholders and share distribution
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code (to describe your business activity)
- Articles of Association (rules about how the company is run)
5. How to Register with Companies House (Step by Step)
- Choose a company name – Check availability on the Companies House register.
- Decide on a structure – Limited company, LLP, or PLC.
- Provide director and shareholder details – At least one director is required.
- Prepare company documents – Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association.
- Register online or by post –
- Online via the Companies House website.
- By post using form IN01.
- Pay the registration fee – Online (£12) or by post (£40).
- Receive your Certificate of Incorporation – Confirms your company is legally registered.
6. Costs of Registering with Companies House
- £12 – Online application (processed within 24 hours).
- £40 – Postal application (takes 8–10 days).
- £100 – Same-day registration service (by 3 pm).
7. After Registering with Companies House
Once registered, you must:
- File annual accounts and a confirmation statement
- Maintain statutory company records
- Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months
- Pay Corporation Tax on profits
- Keep accurate financial records
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a company name that’s too similar to an existing one
- Not appointing the correct number of directors
- Submitting incomplete forms
- Forgetting to register for Corporation Tax after incorporation
9. Alternatives to Registering Yourself
If you’re unsure, you can use:
- Accountants
- Company formation agents
- Legal advisors
They handle registration on your behalf for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do sole traders need to register with Companies House?
No. Sole traders only need to register with HMRC for tax purposes.
Q2: How long does it take to register with Companies House?
Online registrations are usually processed within 24 hours. Postal applications take longer.
Q3: Can I register a company name and not trade?
Yes, you can register and keep the name reserved, even if you don’t start trading immediately.
Q4: Do I need a business bank account to register?
Not to register, but limited companies are required to have a separate bank account for operations.
Q5: What is a SIC code?
It’s a code used to classify your business activity (e.g., retail, IT, construction).
Q6: Can I change my company name after registering?
Yes. You can file for a name change with Companies House at any time.
Conclusion
To register with Companies House, you need to choose a company name, provide key details about directors and shareholders, and submit documents either online or by post. Registration is quick and affordable, giving your business legal recognition and limited liability protection. Following registration, ongoing compliance is essential to keep your company in good standing.