YF AccountingCompany Formation
YF Accounting sets up your limited company properly, not just the Companies House registration, but everything that should come with it. We incorporate your company, advise on the right share structure, register you for corporation tax (and VAT and PAYE where needed), and get your bookkeeping and reporting deadlines set up from day one. Based in Manchester and serving clients UK-wide, we make sure you start trading on solid foundations and understand exactly what your new company obligations are.
Free, no-obligation call
A quick chat to understand your business and give you a fixed quote.
- ✓ Fixed fee, quoted up front
- ✓ Filed with Companies House & HMRC
- ✓ Proactive deadline reminders
- ✓ We handle the switch from your old accountant
Prefer to talk? 0161 531 0959
ACCA accredited · Xero & QuickBooks certifiedStarting a company: what to know
- Every yearAccounts and confirmation statementA limited company is a separate legal entity; accounts and a confirmation statement must be filed at Companies House every year.
- Two returnsCompany and directorYou’ll have a corporation tax filing and payment obligation, and directors usually file a personal self assessment return.
- ID checkMandatory since 18 Nov 2025Companies House identity verification is now mandatory for directors and people with significant control (since 18 November 2025).
- StructureSole trader or limitedChoosing between sole trader and limited company affects tax, liability and admin, so we advise before you commit.
Everything handled, end to end
- Companies House incorporationYour company registered, usually within 24 hours.
- Share structure adviceThe right setup for owners, family or investors.
- Tax registrationsCorporation tax, plus VAT and PAYE/payroll where relevant.
- Banking guidanceHelp getting your business bank account opened.
- Bookkeeping setupXero or QuickBooks configured so your records start clean.
- Director briefingA plain-English walkthrough of your filing deadlines and responsibilities.
Is this you?
- First-time founders setting up their first company.
- Sole traders ready to incorporate for tax or liability reasons.
- Contractors setting up a personal service company.
- Anyone who wants the setup done right, with advice included.
Not sure if it’s right for you?
Book a free, no-pressure call. We’ll look at your situation and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.
Book a free call →Simple, handled for you
- 1Free callTo discuss your plans and whether a limited company is right for you.
- 2Structure and fee agreedWe agree the structure (shareholders, directors, share split) and a fixed fee.
- 3Company incorporatedWe incorporate the company at Companies House and complete tax registrations.
- 4Software set upWe set up your bookkeeping software and brief you on deadlines and responsibilities.
- 5Ongoing supportWe stay on as your accountant for ongoing accounts, tax and support.
What our clients say
I've been a client of YF Accounting for some time now, and I honestly couldn't be happier with the service I've received. From day one, Yoni has been professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly helpful in managing my accounting and tax affairs. What really sets Yoni apart is his attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile. He has always taken the time to explain everything clearly and break everything down to make sure i understand clearly. Communication is always prompt, and no question is ever too small.
“Yoni is fantastic to work with. Knows his stuff, is transparent, reassuring, and rapid as anything.”
“Great accountant, have been using Yoni for over a year and am more then happy with the service he has provided.”
“Really helpful and professional advice. Always gets back to me with any queries I may have . I would definitely recommend”
Worked with us? Leave a review
What company formation costs and what Companies House needs
Registering a limited company is quick, but the fees have risen and the identity rules have changed. Here is what the process involves in 2026, what you will actually pay, and the details that cause most applications to be delayed.
What company formation means
Company formation, or incorporation, is registering a new limited company at Companies House. The company becomes a legal person in its own right, separate from you. You get a certificate of incorporation showing the company number and the date it was formed, and the company is usually registered within 24 hours.
What Companies House charges
Incorporation costs £100 online and £124 by post. A same day service is available at £156 through filing software. These are the statutory fees only and they are not refundable if the application is rejected.
Beware of free formation offers
A free formation deal usually means the agent waives their own fee. The £100 Companies House fee still has to be paid by someone, and the offer is often tied to a bank account, a registered office subscription or a package you did not want. Read what happens in year two.
Choosing a name that will be accepted
The name cannot be the same as an existing registered company, and it usually has to end in Limited or Ltd. Names that differ only by punctuation, a plus sign, or a word similar in appearance or meaning count as the same name. If yours is too close to another company or a trade mark you can be forced to change it later.
Directors, shareholders and PSCs
You need at least one director, aged 16 or over. Directors do not have to live in the UK but the company must have a UK registered office. You also confirm your people with significant control during registration, which normally means anyone holding more than 25% of the shares or voting rights.
Registered office and registered email
You must give both a registered office address and a registered email address. The address has to be a physical UK address in the country of registration, and it must be appropriate, meaning post gets to someone acting for the company and the sender can obtain proof of delivery. PO boxes are no longer allowed and a company can be struck off for failing this.
Identity verification comes first
Proving who you are is now a legal requirement for setting up, running, owning or controlling a UK company. You may need the Companies House personal code you receive after verifying before you can register the company, so do this before you start the application rather than halfway through.
Memorandum and articles
Registering online creates the memorandum of association for you, signed by the initial shareholders. Articles of association are the rules for running the company: model articles suit most small businesses, but if you want different share classes or specific control rights, get them drafted properly at the start.
Tax registrations and first deadlines
Corporation Tax is usually set up at the same time as incorporation unless the company is dormant, and you can register for PAYE during the application if you will be paying yourself or staff. Your first accounts are due 21 months after the date you registered, later accounts 9 months after the year end, Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period ends, and the Company Tax Return 12 months after it.
How much does it cost to set up a limited company?+
Is free company formation actually free?+
Can I use my home address as the registered office?+
Do I have to verify my identity before forming a company?+
When are my first accounts and first tax return due?+
Should I form the company myself or use an accountant?+
Fees and deadlines checked against the Companies House fees table and the GOV.UK guides on setting up a private limited company, identity verification, and accounts and tax returns for private limited companies, on 24 September 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the current position before you file. See also our guide to starting a business in the UK.
Thinking of setting up a limited company? Get it structured properly from day one.
Book a free Zoom callOr call us on 0161 531 0959.
Frequently asked questions
Setting up your company
How do I set up a limited company?+
How long does it take to form a company?+
What do I need to register a company?+
Choosing and what comes next
Should I be a sole trader or a limited company?+
Do you provide ongoing support after formation?+
Company formation guides and other ways we can help
Start your company on the right foot. Book a free call to get set up properly.
Book a free Zoom callOr call us on 0161 531 0959.