Have you ever asked yourself “Should I form a limited company?”. The decision to move from sole trader to limited company status can feel daunting, but it could bring great benefits – especially when it comes to tax, liability, and credibility.
But is forming a limited company the right move for you and your business?
Let’s break down what it means, the benefits and drawbacks, and how to know if it’s the right time.
Forming a limited company essentially means that your business becomes a separate legal entity from you as an individual. As a sole trader, you and your business are one and the same. However, when you form a limited company, the company exists independently, and your personal assets are separated from the business.
This distinction is crucial. As a sole trader, it’s important to remember that you are personally liable for any debts or legal issues your business faces. When you form a limited company, your personal liability is limited to the value of your shares in the business. So to make it simpler, if your business runs into trouble, your personal assets (like your home or savings) are protected – up to a point.
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But why do so many businesses opt for the limited company structure? There are several advantages, especially when it comes to financial and legal protections.
Limited Liability
The biggest advantage of forming a limited company is limited liability. It’s essential that your personal assets are protected if things go wrong – especially if your business involves significant risk or financial exposure.
Tax Efficiency
While sole traders pay income tax on all their profits, limited companies pay corporation tax on their profits, which is currently set at 19% (25% over £250k and then a sliding scale between the two). Owners can also choose to take a salary from the business and supplement it with dividends, which are taxed at a lower rate than regular income.
By carefully balancing your salary and dividends, forming a limited company could actually save you a fair amount of tax in the long run. This is especially true once your profits exceed the personal allowance threshold.
Professional Image and Credibility
Have you ever considered that having “Ltd.” after your business name makes you appear more established and trustworthy? It adds a level of professionalism that can help you attract bigger clients, secure more contracts, and even access funding opportunities that might not be available to sole traders.
Opportunities for Growth
You’ll have the flexibility to bring on shareholders, which could be key if you’re planning to expand. This structure allows for growth by bringing in additional investment and issuing shares.
Forming a limited company does also have its drawbacks, which are important to weigh against the potential benefits.
Administrative Burden
Running a limited company comes with more paperwork and legal responsibilities than operating as a sole trader. You’ll need to file annual accounts with Companies House and HMRC, submit a confirmation statement, and work with an accountant to ensure everything is done correctly. This burden can be time-consuming, and could lead to fines if compliance isn’t met.
Additional Costs
Forming and maintaining a limited company can come with some added expenses. Although it’s relatively affordable to set up a limited company (£50 to register online with Companies House), there may be ongoing costs, such as accounting fees. The Numbers Quarter are here to help do this for you, simply get in touch to find out more. However, if your goal is to grow and make money, investing in an accountant is definitely worth considering. A good accountant will help you manage your taxes efficiently, plan your finances, and keep you compliant with HMRC, helping you avoid any tax related troubles!
Loss of Privacy
As a limited company, your financial information becomes public. You’ll need to file annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House, both of which are publicly accessible. This means anyone can view details about your company, including its earnings, directors, and registered office address, however most accountants will allow you to use their address so that your personal information stays private.
More Rules and Procedures
Operating as a limited company is more structured than being a sole trader. You’ll need to follow strict rules and procedures, such as holding board meetings and keeping accurate records of company decisions. If you prefer flexibility and simplicity, this could feel like an unnecessary burden.
The big question: when should you form a limited company? While the answer differs for every business, there are some clear indicators that suggest it might be the right time.
Your Profits Are Growing
If your business is becoming more profitable, forming a limited company could help you save on taxes. Once your profits reach a certain level (usually around £30,000 or more), the tax advantages of a limited company become hard to ignore. By balancing salary and dividends, you can reduce your overall tax burden.
You Want to Minimise Risk
If your business involves a certain level of risk (this could be financial, legal, or operational) limited liability can provide a layer of protection for your personal assets. If you’re signing large contracts, taking on significant debt, or entering an industry with potential legal complications, forming a limited company will help safeguard your finances.
You’re Ready to Grow
If you’re looking to grow your business and bring in additional investment, a limited company structure will give you the flexibility you need to issue shares and take on new partners. From seeking venture capital and business loans, to bringing on additional directors, having a limited company can make it easier to manage growth.
You Want to Enhance Your Professional Image
Sometimes, having “Ltd.” after your company name can open doors. Many larger clients or government contracts prefer to work with limited companies because they’re seen as more stable and credible. If you are looking to bring on bigger clients, forming a limited company can help improve your professional image.
If you’ve decided that forming a limited company is the right move for you, you’ll be pleased to know that the process is relatively straightforward.
The first step is selecting a name for your company. It can’t be too similar to an existing company’s name. You can check if your preferred name is available on the Companies House website.
Once you’ve got your name, you’ll need to officially register your business with Companies House. We recommend using an accountant to complete this step, to ensure that it is completed correctly.
You’ll need to set up a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate.
Once your limited company is up and running, you’ll need to stay on top of your admin tasks – including keeping track of all finances, filing your annual accounts, submitting a confirmation statement to Companies House, and paying corporation tax.
Although it can feel overwhelming deciding whether to form a limited company, you don’t have to make the decision alone – our team of local accountants in Bedford can help. Here at The Numbers Quarter, we can support you in choosing the right path for your business and help you with the next steps.