Who it’s for
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New sole traders
If you are starting out on your own and need to register with HMRC.
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New limited companies
If you are forming a company and want registrations, accounts and tax set up correctly from the start.
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People deciding how to trade
If you are not sure whether to trade as a sole trader or through a limited company.
Comprehensive start-up support
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Legal Structure and Statutory Responsibilities
We help you determine the best legal structure for your business, whether as a limited company or sole trader, and ensure you understand your statutory responsibilities.
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Funding Options
We explore various funding options available for your start-up, helping you secure the necessary capital to bring your business vision to life.
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Business Plan Preparation
A well-prepared business plan is essential for guiding your business to success. We assist in creating a robust business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
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Financial Planning and Modelling
Our experts provide detailed financial planning and modelling to ensure your business is financially viable and poised for growth.
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Registration and Taxation
We manage all aspects of business registration and taxation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and optimising your tax position.
How we work
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Choose the structure
We compare trading as a sole trader and as a limited company for your plans, including tax and paperwork.
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Register the business
We handle the registrations you need: Companies House, Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, PAYE and VAT, where they apply.
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Set up your records
Bookkeeping starts on day one, so there is no backlog when the first deadlines arrive.
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Plan the first year
You get a clear list of your first deadlines and help with a business plan and cash flow forecast.
What we need from you
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Your plans
What you will sell, how you expect to earn and who you will work with.
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Personal details
For the directors and shareholders, or for you as a sole trader.
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Expected income and costs
Even rough figures help with the business plan and forecasts.
Key dates and figures
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£100
Companies House fee to incorporate a company online, from 1 February 2026.
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3 months
Deadline for a new company to register for Corporation Tax after it starts to trade.
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5 October
Deadline for a new sole trader to register for Self Assessment, following the end of the tax year in which the business started.
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21 months
Deadline for a company’s first accounts, counted from the date it was registered at Companies House.
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Before your first payday
When you must register as an employer with HMRC.
Figures and dates as published on GOV.UK for the 2026/27 tax year. They can change, usually at a Budget or in April.
Frequently asked questions
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Should I be a sole trader or a limited company?
Trading as a sole trader keeps paperwork simple. A limited company separates your personal and business finances and can be more tax-efficient as profits grow, but it comes with more filing duties. We compare both against your figures.
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Do I need to register for VAT straight away?
Only if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a rolling 12 months, or you expect it to in the next 30 days alone. You can register voluntarily below that.
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What are my first deadlines?
A new company must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade, file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months and file its first accounts within 21 months of registration. A new sole trader must register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the first tax year.
Other services
Have a question about this service?
Call 020 3417 4242 or email info@piyaaccountancy.co.uk, and we will explain what is involved and what happens next, in plain English, before you commit to anything.
