A beginner’s guide to registering your company with Companies House

What is Companies House?

Companies House is the UK government agency responsible for incorporating and maintaining records of limited companies. It ensures your business is properly registered and holds key information like your company name, directors, and registered office address.

It’s a separate organisation from HMRC, but they work closely together to keep your company legally compliant.

Do I need to register with Companies House?

Only limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) need to register with Companies House.

If you’re setting up as a sole trader, you don’t register with Companies House, just with HMRC.

You must register if you’re starting a:

• Private limited company (Ltd)
• Public limited company (PLC)
• LLP

What do I need to register?

To register your company with Companies House, you’ll need:

• A unique company name (ending in Ltd or Limited)
• A registered office address (can be a home or virtual address)
• At least one director and one shareholder
• Details of your company’s share structure
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (templates are available)

What Is a registered office address?

A registered office address is your company’s official address for receiving legal and government mail. It must be a full UK postal address (not a PO Box), and it is published on the public register.

Tip: If you work from home, consider using a virtual registered office address instead. This protects your privacy and keeps your home address off the public record.

What’s the difference between a registered office and a director’s service address?

• Registered office address: Official address for the company
• Director’s service address: Contact address for each director or person with significant control (PSC)

Both appear on the public register, but you can use the same address for both, including a virtual address.

Can I use a company formation agent?

Yes, many first-time founders do.

Using a company formation agent can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your documents are submitted correctly. You don’t need a solicitor or accountant, formation agents are fast, affordable and experienced.

How much does it cost to register with Companies House?

As of 1st May 2024:

• Online Company Incorporation: £50
• Same-Day Incorporation (Software): £78
• Change of Name (Online): £20
• Same-Day Change of Name (Software): £83
• Confirmation Statement (Annual Return): £34 online, £62 by post
• Overseas Company Accounts Registration: £62
• Via a third party: Prices vary (typically includes extras like a registered office address and admin support)

How to register your company (step-by-step)

1. Pick a company name
   Must be unique
   Cannot be offensive or too similar to existing names
2. Choose a registered office address
   Must be in the UK (same country of incorporation, eg England, Scotland, or Wales)
   Can be your home or a virtual address
3. Appoint at least one director
   Must be at least 16 years old
4. Decide on your shareholders and share structure
   Even if you’re the only owner, you’ll need to issue at least one share
5. Prepare your Memorandum and Articles of Association
   Use Companies House templates if needed
6. Submit your application
   Online at gov.uk/limited-company-formation
   Or use a trusted company formation agent
7. Receive your Certificate of Incorporation
   This confirms your company exists and includes your registration number, date of formation and company name

What happens after registration?

HMRC will be notified automatically and will post a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to your registered address within 3 weeks. This number is used to file tax returns.

If you don’t receive it, contact HMRC:

• UK: 0300 200 3410
• Outside UK: +44 151 268 0571

Do I need to name shareholders and a director?

You must name at least one director and one shareholder when you register with Companies House. These can be the same person if you’re setting up alone.

Even if you hire others to help manage the business, the director is legally responsible for how the company is run.

What are my ongoing legal obligations?

Once your company is set up, you must keep accurate and up-to-date records. These include:

Company Records:

• Names and addresses of directors, shareholders and secretaries
• Voting results and resolutions
• Share transactions and ownership changes
• Any secured loans or liabilities

Financial Records:

• Income and expenses
• Assets and liabilities
• Stock and inventory at year-end
• Sales and purchase records

These records must be kept for at least six years. Failing to maintain them can result in fines of up to £3,000 or disqualification as a director.

You must also:

• File annual accounts with Companies House
• Submit a company tax return to HMRC
• Keep your company details up to date (e.g. changes to directors or addresses)

What if my application is rejected?

Don’t panic, it happens!

Common reasons include:

• Company name already taken or too similar
• Inappropriate or restricted words in the name
• Incorrect documents (e.g. wrong share structure or articles)

If your application is rejected, Companies House will tell you why. You can usually correct the mistake and resubmit.

Protect your privacy

Using a virtual registered office address is a smart way to keep your home address off public records, avoid junk mail, and maintain a professional image.

Services like ours can provide:

• A registered office address
• Director’s service addresses
• Mail forwarding or scanning
• A trading address you can use on your website, invoices, and marketing