Free checklist for new businesses

Getting set up properly.

The things to sort in your first few months as a new UK company, in plain English. Tick them off as you go; your ticks are saved in this browser.

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Setting up the company

Register your company with Companies HouseIt costs £100 online. Every director has to verify their identity first, either through GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised agent such as an accountant, and gets a personal code. Want it done for you? Keiran can set your company up.
Open a business bank account (strongly recommended)It isn't a legal requirement, but your company's money is legally separate from yours, and mixing the two causes director's loan problems. It also makes your books far easier to keep.
Check whether you need to pay the ICO data protection feeMost businesses that use personal information, like customer names and emails, have to pay it unless they're exempt.

Telling HMRC

Register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to do businessDoing business includes buying, selling, advertising and employing someone. You may get a penalty if you register late.
Register for PAYE before your first paydayYou need to, even if the only person you pay is yourself as a director. You can't register more than 2 months before you start paying people.
Keep an eye on VATYou must register if your taxable turnover over the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or you expect it to in the next 30 days. You can choose to register earlier.

Keeping on top of the numbers

Pick accounting software and a way to capture receipts from day oneYou'll want cloud accounting, such as Xero or QuickBooks, plus a way to capture receipts. Starting clean is much easier than catching up a messy year later, and Keiran can set this up properly for you.
Keep your records for at least 6 yearsThat's 6 years from the end of the financial year they relate to, and longer in some cases.
Know your first deadlinesA confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, and your first accounts within 21 months of registering with Companies House.

Checked against GOV.UK and ICO guidance on 3 October 2026. Rules change, so check the latest guidance or ask us before you act. This checklist is general information, not advice for your situation.