Starting a company in the UK is straightforward. Running it legally, efficiently, and without triggering fines in the first three months. Many new business owners focus on product or service delivery and overlook the quiet bureaucratic steps that shape long-term viability.
What to do once your company is registered
The first 90 days after company incorporation are critical. Below is a breakdown of the core registrations, timelines, and decisions you’re expected to make.
1. Receive and file your UTR
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is sent by HMRC to your registered office address, usually within 10 days. It’s needed for Corporation Tax filing and to register for VAT or PAYE later.
What goes wrong: Some founders miss the letter, especially if they used a third-party address. Without the UTR, you can't submit your first returns.
2. Register for Corporation Tax
You must register with HMRC within 3 months of starting trading (not 3 months from incorporation). “Trading” includes buying stock, sending invoices, or hiring staff.
3. VAT: register or track
The VAT threshold is currently £90,000 in annual taxable turnover. If you expect to exceed it in the next 12 months, or if you exceeded it in the past 30 days, registration is mandatory. You can also register voluntarily to reclaim VAT on expenses.
4. PAYE for employees or directors
If you’re planning to pay salaries to yourself or anyone else, you’ll likely need a PAYE scheme. This involves reporting wages, deductions, and issuing payslips through an HMRC-recognised payroll system.
5. Confirmation Statement
This is due no later than 12 months from incorporation, but you can file it earlier. It confirms your registered address, SIC codes, directors, and shareholding structure. Missing this can result in a strike-off notice.
Where problems usually start
- Using a virtual office but not forwarding post promptly.
- Confusing trading start date with incorporation date.
- Delaying PAYE registration until the first salary run.
- Forgetting VAT tracking when nearing the threshold.
- Assuming Companies House will remind you about deadlines (they won’t).
Simple ways to stay ahead
- Set up calendar reminders for each obligation.
- Use accounting software that flags VAT and PAYE thresholds.
- Keep a shared compliance checklist visible to all directors.
- Check post weekly if using a virtual registered address.
While Ampere doesn’t offer tax or payroll services, its business accounts are built with visibility in mind. Incoming funds, VAT-marked expenses, and outbound salaries can be tracked separately. This reduces friction when working with accountants or submitting returns.
In 2025, a university-led review of early-stage SMEs in the UK highlighted a consistent pattern: companies with financial systems that flagged regulatory actions (like VAT or payroll setup) within the banking interface were 32% more likely to stay compliant in year one. While the study didn’t name specific providers, Ampere’s real-time insights and usage-based recommendations mirror that structure.
Ampere does not provide financial advice or tax guidance. Information in this article is for general awareness only. For tax and legal compliance, consult a qualified advisor.
