Supporting the self-employed – since 2004
Skip to content
ByteStart ByteStart

Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company

bright ideas sole trader accountant
  • Go Self Employed
  • Tax & HMRC
  • Accounts
  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Protection
  • Pensions
  • News
  • Calculators
  • Limited Company
bright ideas sole trader accountant

Limited Company

Setting up a limited company is an exciting step for many new businesses, but the process can feel complicated if you’ve never done it before.

This section contains practical guides covering company formation, tax rules, director responsibilities and how to run a limited company properly.

For a much deeper collection of guides and tools, visit our specialist resource: Limited Company Help.

Set up a company

  • Set up a limited company
  • What is Companies House?
  • Articles & Memorandum of Association
  • Companies House rule changes explained
  • Advantages of a limited company
  • Limited company vs sole trader

Directors and shareholders

  • Director responsibilities and duties
  • Directors vs shareholders explained
  • Shareholders’ agreement explained

Tax, salary and dividends

  • Limited company taxes explained
  • Corporation tax explained
  • Best salary & dividend split
  • How dividends are taxed
  • Tax-efficient ways to pay yourself
  • Limited company expenses
  • Set up and run your company payroll

Accounts and Companies House

  • Annual accounts explained
  • Confirmation statement & PSC register
  • How to choose a limited company accountant

Protection and specialist topics

  • Income protection for company directors
  • Life insurance for company directors
  • IR35 rules explained
limited company shareholders agreement

Why your limited company should have a Shareholders’ Agreement

April 20, 2025
This guide explains what a Shareholder's Agreement does, who should get one, and what should be included in the document.
Read More
employment allowance what is it

Can your business claim the £10,500 Employment Allowance?

April 2, 2025
If you have employees, your business may be eligible to offset up to £10,500 of employers' NICs each year, thanks to the Employment Allowance.
Read More
income protection through your limited company

Do limited company directors need income protection insurance?

March 14, 2025
An executive income protection policy can provide peace of mind, as well as tax efficiency, as the premiums can typically be funded by your limited company.
Read More
ir35 off payroll

What is IR35? – Guide for UK limited company owners and contractors

February 5, 2025
IR35 explained for limited company contractors. Find out how the rules work, what the off-payroll reforms mean, and how to stay compliant and tax-efficient.
Read More
what tax do limited companies pay

Understanding limited company taxes: what you need to know

December 11, 2024
If you’re setting up or running a limited company, it’s important to understand your tax responsibilities as a company director.
Read More
trivial benefits limited company

Trivial benefits – how to provide tax-free gifts to your employees

December 6, 2024
Trivial benefits are small perks provided by employers to employees that are exempt from tax and NI, provided certain conditions are met.
Read More
party expenses 150 limited company

£150 per head Christmas party expense exemption for limited companies

December 6, 2024
If you’re thinking of holding a party for your company this year – you may be able to enjoy Corporation Tax relief on your expenditure.
Read More
shareholders directors

Do directors also have to be shareholders in a limited company?

October 14, 2024
We explain whether directors must also be shareholders (or vice versa) and the differences between these two crucial roles in a company limited by shares.
Read More
Guide to insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy for business owners

Guide to insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy for business owners

April 7, 2024
Running out of cash can have grave consequences for your business. It could result in it being put into liquidation or you being declared bankrupt.
Read More
limited company naming

Choose a limited company name – rules you need to know

January 29, 2024
Before you set up a limited company, you need to choose a suitable company name. Here we look at some important naming rules you need to know.
Read More

Posts pagination

Previous page 1 2 3 4 Next page
Tide Bank Account – £50 Cashback
Tide business bank account

Free account + £50 cashback via ByteStart

Open a Tide account

Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Limited Company Tax Calculator – 2026/27
  • Sole Trader Tax Calculator 2026/27
  • How to start an Airbnb business – the basics



About Us | Cookies | Privacy | Terms | Site Map

©Contract Eye Limited 2004-26 - All rights reserved.
Registered Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ
Scroll to Top