Register a New Business

If you are just starting up in business, it is unlikely you will be trading through a limited company so you probably won’t have to think about corporation tax, but you should check whether
it will apply to your business. For instance, a business run as a co-operative (not a partnership) is taxed as a company. If this applies to you, you should ask an accountant for advice.
Corporation tax is charged on the profits made by companies.

Unless you run your business as a company, you will not be liable to pay it.
To run your business as a company, you need to issue shares and appoint directors. There are a number of legal requirements.

For example, if your business is a company you must keep records for at least six years from the end of the tax year they relate to. You should always seek legal advice if you’re thinking
about setting up and running a company.

You will find more information on these and other types of business arrangement on page 63 of the booklet Giving your business the best start with tax (PDF 543K).

For more information, contact Companies House on 0870 3333 6363 (England, Wales and Scotland);

Companies Registry on 028 9023 4488 (Northern Ireland) or visit Companies House (for England, Wales and Scotland) or Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (for Northern Ireland), basic rules on Corporation Tax

Self Assessment. For a copy, contact the CTSA Orderline on 0845 300 6555.