United Kingdom company registration

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is a constitutional monarchy located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands of the British Isles. Large portion of the United Kingdom's GDP comes from the service sector. United Kingdom also has a large automotive business, millions of tourists every year and well developed air traffic.

Company formation

When you start a business in the UK you must choose a structure for your business. Most businesses in the UK are: sole traders, limited companies, partnerships. When setting up business in the UK you may need to apply for a licence, depending on what your business is.

• Please check the expected company name and address with us to learn if such is available.
• Details about company Director and Secretary
• Share Capital and Shareholder Details

You must register for VAT with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if your business turnover is more than £79,000.

Maintaining a company

• Returns must be filed annually, failure to do so is considered a criminal offence and may result in a fine depending on the company type and duration of delay.
• Your Corporation Tax rate depends on how much profit your company makes and may change on 1 April each year.

Corporate tax rate

In United Kingdom corporate main tax rate is changed from year to year in 1st April.

Rate	From 1 April 2014
Profits £300,000 or less (small profits rate)	20%
Profits above £300,000 (main rate)	21%

Company types

We recommend and offer formation of the following types of companies:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Partnership
• Scottish Limited Partnership(SLP)

For more information on benefits of each type please contact us.

Tax system

The corporate tax in the UK is 20-23%, but due to the UK taxation system there are commercial opportunities available to reduce tax payable for those engaged in international business. For more information on taxes in the United Kingdom please contact us.

Overseas territories

The United Kingdom has fourteen overseas territories with their own Common Law based on English Common Law, operating under jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom. It makes some of them particularly attractive for establishing an offshore company. The territories in question are the British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar. For more information on the British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar click here.