Company formation

Essentials › Accounting › Company formation

Finance foundationsUnited Kingdom

The problem it solves

Setting up a company looks simple, but early choices are hard to undo. A share structure that does not suit future investors, the wrong business activity codes or a missed HMRC registration create problems that surface months later, often just as you try to raise money or open accounts.

What it covers

  • Choosing and checking the company name
  • Registering with Companies House, including directors, shareholders and people with significant control
  • Share classes and articles of association
  • Registered office and service addresses
  • Corporation Tax, PAYE and VAT registrations
  • First steps for business banking and accounting software

Who it is for

Founders incorporating for the first time, sole traders moving to a limited company, and groups adding a new company.

Good to know in the UK

  • Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, directors and people with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House.
  • Every company needs an appropriate registered office address and a registered email address. Companies House charges a fee to incorporate.
  • Once the company starts trading, it has three months to register for Corporation Tax.

Questions to ask a provider

  • Will you advise on the share structure, not just file the forms?
  • Do you help with identity verification?
  • Are the HMRC registrations included?
  • Can you provide a registered office address?

This is a plain-English summary for United Kingdom businesses. It is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and rules change: facts last checked 8 November 2026. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.