Company Registration – FAQs Q1. How long does it take to register a limited company in the UK? Most online company registrations are completed by Companies House within 24 working hours, and many are approved within just a few hours. Postal applications take eight to ten working days. At Atlas Tax Advisors, we typically complete the entire registration process, including SIC code selection, share structure, and HMRC notifications, within one working day for clients who have their documents ready. Same-day priority registration is also available from Companies House for an additional fee. Q2. How much does it cost to register a limited company through Atlas Tax Advisors? Companies House charges a small registration fee, currently £50 for online incorporation. Our professional fee depends on what you need beyond the basic incorporation, such as bespoke articles of association, multiple share classes, registered office services, ID verification, and HMRC tax registrations. We always quote a fixed fee upfront after a quick initial conversation to understand your goals, so you know the total cost before any work begins. There are no hidden charges. Q3. Should I register as a sole trader or a limited company? It depends on your expected profits, liability concerns, growth plans, and personal tax position. A limited company offers liability protection, perceived credibility, and tax efficiency at higher profit levels, while sole-tradership is simpler and cheaper to run with less filing. As a rough guide, profits above roughly £30,000 to £40,000 often start to favour incorporation, but the right answer depends on your full picture. We model both routes for you with real numbers before you decide. Q4. What information do I need to register a limited company? You need a unique company name, a registered office address in the UK, at least one director's personal details (including verified ID under ECCTA), the names and details of every Person with Significant Control, the share structure, and at least one SIC code describing what your company will do. Atlas Tax Advisors guides you through every section, suggests appropriate share classes, and helps you avoid common naming pitfalls that cause Companies House to reject applications. Q5. Can I use my home address as the registered office for my company? You can, but it is rarely a good idea. Your registered office address appears permanently on the public Companies House register, which means it is freely searchable, can attract unwanted post, and may affect your home insurance or tenancy agreement. Atlas Tax Advisors offers a registered office address service in Milton Keynes for a modest annual fee, which keeps your home address private and ensures all official correspondence reaches us promptly for your attention. Q6. What is a SIC code and how do I choose one? A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is a five-digit number that describes what your company does. Companies House requires at least one SIC code per company and you can use up to four. Choosing accurately matters because lenders, suppliers, and HMRC look at your SIC codes when assessing your business. We help clients pick codes that genuinely reflect their trade rather than defaulting to vague generic codes that can cause problems with banks and insurers later. Q7. Do I need to register for VAT, PAYE, or other taxes after incorporating? You will be automatically registered for corporation tax shortly after incorporation. VAT registration is voluntary below £90,000 of taxable turnover and compulsory above it. PAYE registration is needed before you pay your first salary, including a director's salary. CIS registration may be required for construction. Atlas Tax Advisors handles all relevant tax registrations as part of our company registration service, so you start trading fully compliant from day one without paperwork stress. Q8. Can a non-UK resident register a UK limited company? Yes. There is no UK residence requirement to be a director or shareholder of a UK limited company, and many of our clients are based overseas. The company does need a UK registered office, all directors and PSCs must complete Companies House identity verification under ECCTA, and HMRC may require extra checks before issuing tax references. We support non-UK clients regularly and can act as their UK registered office and verification provider for a smooth setup. Q9. What is a Person with Significant Control (PSC)? A PSC is a person who ultimately owns or controls more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, has the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors, or otherwise exercises significant influence over the company. Every UK company must identify its PSCs and report them to Companies House, and PSCs must complete identity verification under ECCTA. We help clients map their ownership structures correctly and file accurate PSC information from the very start. Q10. Can I change my company structure after registration? Yes, although the ease depends on what you want to change. Swapping directors, adjusting shareholdings, changing the registered office, or amending the trading name are all relatively straightforward filings. Bigger changes like adding new share classes, varying rights, or restructuring ownership usually require updated articles of association and sometimes legal advice. Atlas Tax Advisors handles all routine post-incorporation changes and works with trusted local solicitors for more substantial corporate restructuring projects.