What does a limited company accountant do?
A limited company accountant prepares and files your company's annual accounts with Companies House, submits the Corporation Tax return (CT600) to HMRC, processes director payroll and RTI submissions, files quarterly VAT returns, completes director self-assessment tax returns, and advises on salary and dividends. At GoForma, every package includes FreeAgent software, VAT registration is part of the Operate and Grow Bundles, and company registration is available as a one-off service.
How much does a limited company accountant cost in the UK?
Costs vary with the service level and provider. GoForma's limited company packages start at £28 per month (Lite Bundle) for low-activity companies, with full-service packages from £88 per month (Start) or £128 per month (Operate) if you're VAT-registered, both with a dedicated qualified accountant, year-end accounts and CT600 included. Prices exclude VAT.
Do I need an accountant for a limited company?
You are not legally required to hire an accountant, but most limited company directors use one because the compliance requirements are complex and the penalties for errors are significant. A limited company must file annual accounts, a Corporation Tax return, payroll RTI submissions, VAT returns, and director self-assessment.
What is Corporation Tax and when does my company pay it?
Corporation Tax is the tax a UK limited company pays on its taxable profits. For 2026/27, the main rate is 25% for companies with profits above £250,000, and 19% for companies with profits of £50,000 or less, with marginal relief in between. Corporation Tax must be paid to HMRC within nine months and one day of the company's accounting period end. The CT600 must be filed within 12 months of the period end.
Do I need to register for VAT as a limited company?
You are legally required to register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 per rolling 12-month period. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold, which is often beneficial if you sell to VAT-registered businesses or make significant purchases. GoForma handles VAT registration and submits all VAT returns under Making Tax Digital (MTD) as part of Operate and Grow packages.
What is a confirmation statement?
A confirmation statement is an annual filing every UK limited company must submit to Companies House to confirm the company's registered information is up to date. It is due within 14 days of the anniversary of incorporation or the last statement filed. GoForma files the confirmation statement as part of Operate and Grow packages.
What is IR35 and does it affect my limited company?
IR35 is UK tax legislation that determines whether a contractor working through a limited company should be treated as an employee of their client for tax purposes. If HMRC determines your engagement falls inside IR35, the income from that contract is treated as employment income and taxed at PAYE rates. GoForma's Start, Operate and Grow Bundles include an IR35 review on every contract.
How do I pay myself through my limited company?
Most limited company directors take a combination of a salary and dividends. For 2026/27, dividends above the £500 allowance are taxed at 10.75%, 35.75% or 39.35%, and the salary that makes sense depends on your circumstances. Paying out all the profit usually leaves you with less than a sole trader would keep, so the benefit is flexibility: leaving profit in the company, timing dividends and making employer pension contributions. Your accountant will advise on the split based on your profit level.
Can I switch to GoForma from my current accountant?
Yes, switching is simple. GoForma manages the entire process, including contacting your current accountant, transferring records, and setting everything up for you.
What happens if I make my company dormant?
If your company stops trading, it may be able to become dormant. It still has to file accounts and a confirmation statement each year. Our Lite Bundle (£28 a month) is designed for dormant or low-activity companies.
Can I do my own limited company accounts?
Yes, you can file your own accounts, but many business owners find it time-consuming and technically challenging. Most choose a limited company accountant to save time and avoid costly mistakes.
How do I close a limited company in the UK?
To close a limited company, directors must stop trading, settle all outstanding liabilities including taxes and debts, prepare final accounts, and apply to strike off the company through Companies House using form DS01. GoForma offers a company dissolution service to make sure your company is closed properly.
What expenses can you claim through a limited company?
A UK limited company can claim any expense incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. Common allowable expenses include office costs, software subscriptions, equipment, travel and mileage, use of home as office, professional fees, marketing, mobile phone bills, and pension contributions.
What is Making Tax Digital and is GoForma compliant?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's programme requiring businesses to keep digital tax records and submit returns via approved software. MTD for VAT has been mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses since April 2022. GoForma is fully MTD compliant and FreeAgent is HMRC-approved MTD software.
Do you only work with companies based in London?
No. While GoForma is based in London, we work with limited companies across the UK. We work online by phone, video, email and WhatsApp, so you get the same service wherever your business is located.
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