- Register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade, not 3 months from incorporation.
- Get your Companies House authentication code early, you will need it to file online.
- VAT registration is mandatory if taxable turnover goes over £90,000 (rolling 12 months), but voluntary registration can still make sense.
What to do after forming a company comes down to one thing, getting your admin, tax setup and compliance basics sorted before you get busy chasing sales.
If you want the smooth version of “what happens next”, focus on your first 30 days. That means securing your incorporation documents, requesting your Companies House authentication code so you can file online, setting up Government Gateway access, and registering for Corporation Tax on time once you start trading.
It also means putting the practical basics in place early, like opening a business bank account, setting up bookkeeping and invoicing, and deciding whether you need VAT registration.
If you want support getting it all done correctly (and without turning your first month into a paperwork hobby), our Accounting services can help you set up your compliance, bookkeeping and key deadlines from day one.
Your first 30 days after incorporation
The first month is about building a solid base. Once this is done, ongoing compliance becomes routine rather than stressful.
Week 1: access and paperwork
Receive your company documents
After incorporation, you should receive:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
These documents confirm your company legally exists. You will need them when opening a bank account, appointing professionals and dealing with HMRC. Store them securely and keep digital copies.
You can read more about the required paperwork in our guide to business registration documents uk.
Get your Companies House authentication code
The authentication code is a six-character code that allows you to file online with Companies House. You will need it to submit your confirmation statement, update company details and make structural changes.
Request it as early as possible, especially if your registered office is not your home address.
Set up your Government Gateway account
A Government Gateway account allows you to manage your company’s tax affairs online. This is where you will:
- Register for Corporation Tax
- File Company Tax Returns
- Manage VAT and PAYE if applicable
HMRC usually sends your company’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) by post shortly after incorporation. If you are unsure what this is or how it’s used, see our guide on the UTR number.
Week 2: money and systems
Open a business bank account
A business bank account is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended.
It helps you:
- Keep personal and company finances separate
- Maintain cleaner accounting records
- Look more professional to clients and suppliers
Using a personal account for company transactions often leads to accounting errors and tax confusion later.
Set up bookkeeping and invoicing
You do not need a complex system, but you do need consistency.
At a minimum, track:
- Income and expenses
- Business receipts
- Amounts owed to and by the company
Good bookkeeping from the start makes annual accounts, tax returns and paying yourself much easier.
Week 3: HMRC and tax setup
Register for Corporation Tax
Once your company starts trading, you must register for Corporation Tax within three months.
Trading includes activities such as:
- Selling goods or services
- Advertising or marketing
- Employing staff
- Buying stock or equipment
Registering late can result in penalties, even if your company makes little or no profit. Our guide on how to pay corporation tax for your small business explains how this works in practice.
Decide whether you need VAT registration
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period.
You may also choose to register voluntarily if:
- You sell mainly to VAT-registered businesses
- You have significant VAT-able startup costs
- VAT registration improves credibility in your industry
If you are unsure, read does a limited company have to be VAT registered in the UK.
Week 4: compliance planning
Maintain statutory records
Limited companies must keep accurate statutory records, including:
- Directors and shareholders
- People with significant control (PSC)
- Share capital and ownership changes
- Key decisions and resolutions
These records support your filings and protect you if disputes arise.
If your company grows or becomes more complex, you may want to understand what do company secretaries do.
Understand your ongoing filing obligations
Every limited company must file:
- A confirmation statement with Companies House
- Annual accounts with Companies House
- A Company Tax Return with HMRC
These are separate filings with different deadlines. Missing any of them can result in penalties or strike-off action.
Common mistakes after forming a company
- Registering for Corporation Tax too late because trading was misunderstood
- Mixing personal and company finances
- Forgetting confirmation statement deadlines
- Not keeping statutory records up to date
Avoiding these mistakes early saves time, money and unnecessary stress.
How LTD Companies helps you after forming your company
Knowing what to do after forming a company is not about ticking boxes once and forgetting them. It is about setting up systems that make compliance easy and predictable as your business grows.
By securing your access, registering correctly with HMRC, keeping proper records and understanding your ongoing obligations, you give your limited company the best possible start.
The time you invest in the first 30 days pays off every year after that, through smoother filings, fewer surprises and better financial control.
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FAQs on what to do after forming a company
Do I need to register for Corporation Tax immediately?
No. You must register within three months of starting to trade, not from the date of incorporation.
What counts as trading for a limited company?
Trading includes selling, advertising, employing staff, and buying stock or equipment, not just receiving payments.
Is a business bank account mandatory?
In most cases, no. However, it is strongly recommended to keep finances separate and simplify accounting.
When do I need to register for VAT?
You must register when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Voluntary registration is also possible.
What records must a limited company keep?
You must keep records of directors, shareholders, PSCs, share capital, major decisions and accounting transactions.
What if my company is dormant?
Dormant companies still need to file confirmation statements and dormant accounts, and HMRC must be informed.
Do I need an accountant after forming a company?
There is no legal requirement, but professional support helps ensure compliance, accurate tax reporting and better financial decisions.
