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Guides & insights

Everything you need to run a UK company.

194 guides on formation, tax, compliance and growth — written for people running the company, not for accountants.

Company Guides

How Do Company Directors Get Paid?

Directors can draw money from their company in several ways — salary, dividends, director's loans, and more. We explain the tax implications of each.

16 January 2025 · 5 min read

Company Guides

Personal Tax Allowance 2025/26: Thresholds, Rates and Changes

We explain the personal tax allowance, income tax bands for 2025/26, and what director-shareholders should consider when planning their remuneration.

14 January 2025 · 6 min read

Company Formation

Which Is Better: Sole Trader or Limited Company?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. We compare tax efficiency, legal liability, credibility, and ongoing admin to help you make the right decision.

9 January 2025 · 7 min read

Company Formation

What is a Business Trading Address Provider?

A professional trading address lets you use a prestigious London address for business correspondence without the cost of physical office space.

8 January 2025 · 6 min read

Company Guides

What Role Does Companies House Play for Limited Companies?

Companies House is the UK's registrar of companies. We explain what it does, which filings it requires, and how directors can interact with it correctly.

7 January 2025 · 4 min read

Company Formation

Non-Resident Guide: How to Register a Limited Company in the UK

International founders can register a UK limited company without being resident. We explain the process and documentation requirements.

30 December 2024 · 6 min read

Company Guides

When is Corporation Tax Due? Key Dates and Deadlines

Corporation Tax payment deadlines depend on your company's accounting period. We explain how to calculate when your payment is due and what happens if late.

27 December 2024 · 4 min read

Company Guides

A Guide to Business Financing and Loans for UK Companies

We compare the most common funding options for UK limited companies — from bank loans and overdrafts to asset finance and invoice factoring.

19 December 2024 · 9 min read

Company Guides

Major UK Employment Law Changes: What Business Owners Must Know

The UK's employment law landscape is evolving rapidly. We cover recent changes to flexible working rights and what limited companies must now comply with.

12 December 2024 · 7 min read

Company Guides

How to Remove a Shareholder from a Limited Company

Removing a shareholder can be a sensitive process. We explain the legal routes available and the steps to follow correctly.

12 December 2024 · 4 min read

Company Formation

Easy Small Businesses to Start and Run on Your Own

Many highly profitable businesses can be run as a sole operator. We highlight the most accessible options for UK entrepreneurs who want to start small.

7 December 2024 · 6 min read

Company Formation

Offshore Company Formation: UK and International Jurisdictions Explained

We explore the legitimate uses of offshore structures, popular jurisdictions, and the UK tax obligations that still apply.

29 November 2024 · 7 min read

Company Formation

Private Limited Company: Advantages and Disadvantages

A balanced look at the benefits and drawbacks of operating as a private limited company — tax efficiency, credibility, and liability protection.

26 November 2024 · 6 min read

Company Guides

Directors' Guide to UK Income Tax Rates and Allowances 2024 to 2027

A comprehensive guide to UK income tax rates across all bands — covering personal allowances, Scottish rates, and planning considerations for directors.

25 November 2024 · 10 min read

Company Guides

What is a UK Apostille Certificate and When Do You Need One?

If you're using UK company documents abroad, you may need an apostilled document. We explain what apostilles are and how the process works.

9 November 2024 · 5 min read

Company Formation

What Documents Will I Receive After Setting Up My Limited Company?

Formation Direct provides a full suite of formation documents. We explain what you'll receive digitally and in print after incorporation.

3 November 2024 · 3 min read

Company Guides

A Business Owner's Guide to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

From Corporation Tax to PAYE and VAT, we explain what HMRC expects from your limited company and how to stay compliant.

2 November 2024 · 4 min read

Company Guides

How to Register for Self Assessment Tax Return on GOV.UK

If you're a director or self-employed, Self Assessment is compulsory. This comprehensive guide covers registration, deadlines, and how to avoid penalties.

2 November 2024 · 24 min read

Company Formation

How to Find Your Perfect Small Business Niche

The most successful businesses serve a specific market exceptionally well. We share a practical framework for identifying and profiting from your ideal niche.

1 November 2024 · 6 min read

Company Formation

Tax Return Tips: What Can You Claim as a Business Expense?

Maximising your allowable expenses reduces your tax bill. We cover what HMRC allows directors and sole traders to claim and common mistakes to avoid.

30 October 2024 · 7 min read

Company Guides

How to Find a UK Company VAT Number (2026)

We explain where to find your own VAT number, how to look up another business's VAT registration using HMRC's checker.

13 October 2024 · 8 min read

Company Formation

Why a Written Resolution is Important for Your Limited Company

Written resolutions allow private limited company decisions without a formal meeting. We explain when they are used, how to pass them, and what records to keep.

11 October 2024 · 4 min read

Accounting and Banking

Your Company's Annual Accounts: What You Need to File

Every limited company must file annual accounts at Companies House. We explain what must be included, filing deadlines, and consequences of late submission.

26 September 2024 · 6 min read

Accounting and Banking

Best Business Bank Accounts for UK Small Businesses (2024 Review)

A comprehensive comparison of top UK business bank accounts — covering challenger banks, high-street options, fees, and features.

17 September 2024 · 11 min read

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