Registering your company or partnership with Companies House is one of the most important steps in setting up your new venture.
Registering with Companies House can be a daunting prospect, but provided that you have the right information gathered together, it’s relatively simple. Or, if you prefer, you can pay a registrar to do it for you.
Read on for a guide to registering with Companies House.
Download your free in-depth guide to registering with Companies House. Get instant access to expert hints and tips in the click of a few buttons.
Your email address will be used by Simply Business to keep you posted with the latest news, offers and tips. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time. Simply Business Privacy policy.
Whether or not you need to register with Companies House depends on the legal structure you've chosen for your business. Sole traders do not need to register with Companies House. Instead, they must simply register with HMRC and complete an annual Self Assessment tax return.
However, if you’re starting a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP), you are legally required to register with Companies House.
The cost for registering with Companies House depends on the way in which you send your application, and whether you do it yourself or pay a third party registrar.
The fees charged by third party registrars vary, but it’s often possible to register a company this way for as little as £30.
Yes, there are many registrars that can complete the registration process for you with Companies House. They will handle all the paperwork, for which they charge a fee.
Many new companies choose to use registrars for several reasons. First, they can be confident that the application process will be handled correctly. Additionally, registrars often offer services including registered addresses (many of which are in prestigious London locations), directors’ service addresses (in order that directors’ residential addresses are not on the public record), and mail forwarding from HMRC and Companies House.
If you’re operating as a sole trader, rather than a limited company, you don’t need to register with Companies House. However, you will need to register with HMRC, and complete an annual Self Assessment tax return. You may also need to register for VAT.
If you’re not sure which legal structure to choose, read more about the differences between sole traders and limited companies.
If you choose to register a limited company with Companies House yourself, the process is simple. First, there are a few pieces of information you’ll need, including your company name (read more about choosing a name for your company), address, and details of company directors and secretary where relevant. You’ll also need memorandum and articles of association – you can download a memorandum and articles of association template.
Next, you’ll need to register with Companies House. You should make sure that you keep your registration details safe, as you’ll need them to file further documents, which you’ll be required to do at least annually.
Once you’re registered, just follow the step-by-step process. Provided that you’ve completed the form correctly and paid the fee, you should appear on the register within 24 hours.
Register a company with Companies House here.
We have 750,000 UK policies plus a 9/10 satisfaction score. Why not take a look at our expert business insurance options - including public liability insurance and professional indemnity - and run a quick quote to get started?
Start your quoteWe create this content for general information purposes and it should not be taken as advice. Always take professional advice. Read our full disclaimer
Keep up to date with Simply Business. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on social media.
Subscribe to our newsletter6th Floor99 Gresham StreetLondonEC2V 7NG
Sol House29 St Katherine's StreetNorthamptonNN1 2QZ
© Copyright 2021 Simply Business. All Rights Reserved. Simply Business is a trading name of Xbridge Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Registration No: 313348). Xbridge Limited (No: 3967717) has its registered office at 6th Floor, 99 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NG.