The short version: Companies House is the government body that keeps track of all limited companies and LLPs in the UK. If you’re running a limited company, you’ll deal with them for registration, annual filings, and changes to your company details.
What do they do?
They maintain a public register of companies. Anyone can search it to find information about a company, its directors, and its filed accounts. They also handle company formation, annual returns, and winding up companies.
Do I need to register with them?
If you’re setting up a limited company or LLP, yes. Sole traders don’t register with Companies House. Instead, you just register as self employed with HMRC.
What’s the difference between Companies House and HMRC?
Companies House handles the legal side of your company (formation, directors, accounts). HMRC handles the tax side (Corporation Tax, PAYE, VAT). You’ll deal with both if you run a limited company.
Setting up a company or need to file something? We’ve got you covered.
