Companies House is the UK's registrar of companies. This guide explains what it does and what a limited company must file with it.
Published July 2026 · Updated July 2026
Companies House is the government body that incorporates and dissolves limited companies and keeps the public register of company information. You set your company up here, and it's where the company's official records live.
A limited company must file annual accounts and a yearly confirmation statement (confirming its details), plus notify changes such as directors or registered office. Much of this is public, so anyone can look up a company. Tax, though, is handled separately by HMRC.
No. Companies House handles company registration and public records; HMRC handles tax. A limited company deals with both.
No, only companies (and LLPs) register there. Sole traders just register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
Source: GOV.UK ↗. This glossary is written for small business owners, so definitions are simplified. Tax rates and thresholds reflect 2026/27 UK rules and change over time. Berified does not provide accounting, tax or legal advice; always check the source or a qualified adviser.