DIY Route
£50
With Taxwise
FREE*
*You only pay the Companies House fee
Taking the step to form a private limited company is an exciting milestone. It gives your business a professional identity, protects your personal assets, and opens up new opportunities.
When it comes to the paperwork, you might be wondering: what's the best way to register with Companies House? The process is more straightforward than you might think. You have four main paths to choose from.
Regardless of which method you choose, you'll need to have a few key details ready:
Unique Company Name
Check the Companies House register to ensure your chosen name isn't already taken or too similar to another
Registered Office Address
Must be a physical UK address where official mail can be sent. It will be publicly available
Director(s)
At least one director needed. Full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and residential address required
Shareholder(s)
At least one shareholder (can be same as director). Decide on number and value of shares
SIC Code (Standard Industrial Classification)
Code that identifies what your company does. Find the right one on the government's condensed list
Once you have this information, you're ready to choose your registration method.
Register Directly with Companies House
For the hands-on entrepreneur who likes to manage things themselves, going directly to the source is a solid choice. You complete the application online via the official government portal, guided through step-by-step.
Cost:
£50.00 for online applications
Best for:
Confident individuals with simple structure (1-2 directors/shareholders)
Pros:
Cons:
Use a Company Formation Service
Formation agents specialise in registering businesses. They use software that links directly with Companies House, making the process very quick and often cheaper. Usually offer packages from basic registration to bundles with registered office, bank account introductions, and compliance support.
Cost:
Varies, typically small agent fee on top of Companies House charge
Best for:
Entrepreneurs wanting fast, low-cost, convenient service
Pros:
Cons:
Use an Accountant or Solicitor
If your company structure is complex, involves multiple investors, or you need bespoke legal and financial advice from the outset, using an accountant or solicitor is the safest bet. They provide crucial advice on tax-efficient share structure, director responsibilities, and tailored articles of association.
Cost:
£200 to over £1,000 depending on advice required
Best for:
Complex structures, multiple shareholders, seeking investment
Pros:
Cons:
Free Company Registration with Taxwise Accountancy
What if you could get the best of both worlds? The peace of mind that comes from professional oversight, without the hefty price tag.
That's exactly what we offer at Taxwise Accountancy. We believe starting a business should be as seamless as possible. That's why we provide a completely free company registration service. Our expert accountants will manage the entire setup and registration process for you, ensuring everything is correct from the start.
You don't pay us a penny for our time or expertise in setting up the company. You only cover the standard, mandatory Companies House fee.
Cost:
£0 in professional fees
You only pay the Companies House incorporation fee
Best for:
Savvy entrepreneurs who want expert oversight without premium fees
Why Choose Taxwise?
Get started today - only pay the Companies House fee
| Method | Cost | Speed | Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Companies House) | £50 | 24-48 hours | None | Confident DIYers |
| Formation Agent | £10-£100+ | Same day | Basic | Quick setup needed |
| Accountant/Solicitor | £200-£1,000+ | 3-7 days | Expert | Complex structures |
| ✨ Taxwise FREE Service | £0* | 24-48 hours | Professional | Smart entrepreneurs! |
*You only pay the mandatory Companies House incorporation fee
Choosing how to register your company is your first big decision as a business owner. By understanding your options, you can pick the path that best suits your budget, your confidence level, and your company's future needs.
If you want to get started on the right foot with expert help and zero registration fees, get in touch with our team today.
Only pay the Companies House fee • Professional accountants • No hidden costs
You need: company name, registered address, director(s), shareholder(s), SIC code
DIY route costs £50 but has no support
Formation agents are fast but watch for hidden fees
Accountants/solicitors offer expert advice for £200-£1,000+
Taxwise offers FREE registration with professional support
With Taxwise, you only pay the Companies House fee