We register you with HMRC for Self Assessment so you can trade under your own name or a trading name. HMRC posts your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to you.
| Registration | Our fixed fee | Government fee | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited company formation | £79 | £100 to Companies House | About 24 hours after checks clear |
| Sole trader registration | £79 | £0 | UTR by post, up to 10 working days |
| VAT registration | £79 | £0 | 7 to 10 working days |
| PAYE and CIS registration | £79 | £0 | 7 to 10 working days |
Not sure which fits? Tell us your expected profit and we’ll give you a straight answer. Starting with a business partner? See our partnership accountants.
[Add: company number, AML supervisory body, professional body membership and 1 client review with name and town. A real photo of your team or Grays office also belongs here.]
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Companies House charges £100 to incorporate online. That fee was £50 before 1 February 2026.
Our fixed fee for handling the limited company formation is £79 and your quote shows the full total before you pay.
Companies House usually processes online applications within 24 hours. Add a little time for our AML checks and your director identity verification. Plan for a few working days from start to finish.
Yes. Since 18 November 2025, new directors must verify their identity before they can be appointed.
You can do it for free through GOV.UK or at a Post Office. We’ll tell you which route suits you when you order.
You must register for Self Assessment if your self-employed income goes over £1,000 in a tax year. The deadline is 5 October after the end of the tax year you started trading.
HMRC then posts your UTR, usually within 10 working days. Our Self Assessment service picks up from there.
A sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run but you’re personally liable for business debts. A limited company costs more in admin and filing fees and can save tax as profits grow.
We’d compare your expected profit under both before you decide.
You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period or when you expect to pass it in the next 30 days. You then have 30 days from the end of the month you crossed the threshold.
Below £90,000 you can register voluntarily to reclaim VAT on purchases. Our VAT returns team can take over your filings.
You need to register as an employer before your first payday if you’ll pay an employee (or yourself through a company salary) above the lower earnings limit. HMRC then sends your PAYE reference and you report each payment through payroll software.
The Construction Industry Scheme applies if you pay subcontractors or you work as a subcontractor in construction. Registered subcontractors have 20% deducted from payments and unregistered ones have 30% deducted.
Registering before you start work keeps you at 20%. See our contractor accountants for ongoing help.
Yes, if you can receive official post there. The registered office appears on the public Companies House register so many directors use a business address instead.
Your home address as a director stays private.
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Tax Return Assist Ltd is a registered Companies House Authorised ACSP, professionally regulated under the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).
