Please take advantage of our exclusive limited company formation packages. As soon as your new company is registered at Companies House, we will deliver digital copies of the company documents to you via e-mail. If your order includes printed documents, they will be delivered by post.
Registering a Private Limited Company
Most UK companies are established as private companies limited by shares. This is an ideal choice for freelancers and contractors who want to open a limited company. Such companies are owned by shareholders who have certain rights. Shareholders must appoint directors to manage day-to-day business activities on their behalf.
What All Packages Include
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I Sign Documents When Registering My Company?
Not on paper: It is all done online to make things simple. No printing or scanning is required.
Do I Need to Register for VAT?
If your company turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold of £90,000 then you must register for VAT with HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). You may make an optional application for VAT registration before and/or without reaching that level, however, so that you can claim back the VAT that you have paid on your purchases.
What is a Private Company Limited by Shares?
Most UK limited companies are private companies limited by shares, which makes them a popular choice for freelancers and contractors who wish to start their own businesses. These companies are owned by shareholders who hold specific rights and must appoint directors to manage the company’s daily operations. Only one shareholder and one director are required to form such a company, and the same person may hold both roles.
Each share may have any nominal value. Setting a low value, such as £1, limits a shareholder’s financial liability to that amount. Ordinary shares are the most common type and usually give shareholders three key rights: one vote per share on company matters, entitlement to dividends, and a share of remaining capital if the company closes.
How Do I Set Up a Limited Company with Multiple Share Classes?
Although most companies have only one type of share, different classes of shares can be created, each with distinct voting, dividend, and/or capital rights. While each class could be given a descriptive name, it is common to label multiple share classes as “A” shares, “B” shares, and so on (e.g., “C”, “D” shares, etc.). Examples of different share classes include: Ordinary shares; Non-voting shares; Redeemable shares; Preference shares; Management shares.
We support online company formations with multiple share classes. As part of the formation process, you will need to name each class of shares and document the particulars prescribed for each.
It is essential to seek appropriate legal and taxation advice for the company and its shareholders when setting up and documenting a complex share class structure.
Where Can I Find My Company Registration Number?
Your Company Registration Number (CRN) is unique, consists of 8 characters and is shown on your company’s Certificate of Incorporation. Companies House will have automatically assigned this number to your company when it was formed.
Your CRN can be found also on any official documentation that you receive from Companies House and by searching for your company by name on the Companies House online public register. You are welcome also to get in touch with us if you have trouble finding your CRN.
You must display your Company Registration Number on all company stationery, websites and other online material.
How Do I Get a Company Unique Tax Reference?
Your company’s Unique Tax Reference (company UTR number) is used to identify it for tax-related purposes. You will have been sent a letter confirming this specific ten-digit reference number and guidance on your tax responsibilities to your registered company address.
Once your company is registered at Companies House, HMRC will be notified of its existence automatically. Within 14 days of registering your company you will receive a letter from HMRC that will give you your company’s unique taxpayer reference.
You should also find this reference number on other statutory communication you receive from HMRC. Your company Unique Tax Reference should not be confused with the personal Unique Tax Reference number that people receive when they register for self-assessment.
Can I Add My Own Articles of Association When Forming a Limited Company?
Yes, you can add your own articles of association when forming a limited company. We charge an administration fee for this service.
Adding your own articles of association is a way of customising the rules that govern your limited company. This can be useful if you want to add specific provisions that are not covered by the default rules set out in the Companies Act 2006.
If you are thinking of adding your own articles of association, we recommend that you seek professional legal advice to ensure that the provisions you include are valid and compliant with the Companies Act 2006.