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What is the IN01 form?

  • 5 min read
  • Last updated 22 Oct 2024

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start a company? Congrats! 🎉 But, before you start celebrating, there’s just one tiny formality: the IN01 form. 📄

This essential document is the key to registering your new company with Companies House. Without it, your business remains, well, just a great idea. The million-dollar question? What exactly is the IN01 form and how does it fit into the larger picture of limited company registration? Let’s break it down.👇

The first step to registering your company 

The IN01 is the official form used to register a company with Companies House, the UK’s go-to place for all things business. Whether you’re setting up a private limited company or any other business venture, the IN01 is your gateway to turning a business idea into a real, functioning company. No IN01, no company, it’s as simple as that. 🥲

Leave it to a professional 

Registering your company is just the first step. From there, you’ll need to manage annual accounts and corporate tax returns. With our limited company service, our accredited accountants will handle it all for you. No stress, no hassle. 

What goes into the IN01 form? 

Now that you know the IN01 is your key to making things official, let’s take a closer look at what this Companies House form asks for: 

Company name

Choose wisely! This is the name everyone will know you by. Your company name is more than just a label, it’s your brand’s shining beacon ✨, the first impression 👀 and the essence of your business all rolled into one.

And hey, if you have a change of heart or want to align your name with your evolving business goals, don’t fret! Companies House allows for name changes 🔄, but prepare yourself for a bit of bureaucratic gymnastics. 🤹

Registered office address

This is the place where all legal documents will be sent. 🏠 It’s critical to select a reliable address, as this is the official location for correspondence from Companies House and other governmental bodies. Keeping this address up-to-date is crucial because you don’t want to miss out on the important stuff, like reminders for annual returns or the occasional legal love letter. 💌

If you change your business location, don’t forget to update your registered office address faster than you can say “compliance”. 🏃 After all, staying in the loop is key to avoiding any unwelcome surprises! 

Director(s) details

Alright, it’s time to spill the beans on your director(s)! Yes, you’ll need to provide some personal information, but don’t worry, it’s nothing too intrusive, just the essentials. 😌 We’re talking full name, address, date of birth 🎂 and nationality. Remember, directors are the ones steering the ship, so Companies House wants to know who’s at the helm.

Accuracy is key here 🔑, get it wrong and you could find yourself navigating some choppy waters down the line. Oh, and a little heads-up, all this director information will be publicly accessible, so consider the privacy implications. 

Shareholder(s) details

Time to introduce your shareholders, those lovely folk who own a slice of your company pie! 🍰 You’ll need to provide some basic info, like their names, addresses and how many shares each person holds.

Understanding who the shareholders are is essential for Companies House 🧐, as they have a stake in the company’s success. Transparency is the name of the game here, especially if you plan to bring in new investors 🌟or make changes to share ownership in the future.

Statement of capital

This is all about your company’s share structure – how many shares you have, who owns them and what they’re worth. The statement of capital provides a snapshot of the company’s financial structure at the time of incorporation.

You’ll need to declare the total amount of share capital 💵, the number of shares issued and the nominal value of each share. This information helps define the ownership distribution and is crucial for determining the company’s financial health and stability. 

Articles and Memorandum of Association

The Articles of Association are your business’s playbook, laying out everything from director duties to shareholder rights. 📜 They explain how decisions get made and define the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved. 

You can opt for the standard version from Companies House, or if you’re feeling creative, craft your own bespoke set tailored to your business needs. ✍️ Just remember, this is the rulebook that keeps things running smoothly, so make sure to get it right! 

The Memorandum of Association (a.k.a. your company’s birth certificate) confirms that all shareholders agree to form the company. Without it, your business doesn’t officially exist. Fill it out carefully and you’re one step closer to your limited company dreams!✨

Statement of compliance

This statement confirms that your company is ticking all the legal boxes ✅ for incorporation under the Companies Act.

It assures Companies House that the information in your application is accurate and that all necessary conditions for registration have been met. By signing, you declare that you understand your legal obligations as a director and are committed to fulfilling them. 📝

Filing the IN01 Form

Once your IN01 and documents are ready, send them to Companies House. 🫡 They’ll approve your registration and issue a shiny Company Registration Number, which seals the deal. You’ll need this unique eight-character number for various legal and financial transactions, so keep it safe! 🔒

So, how do you file the IN01 form? You have two options: you can file it online for quicker processing or send it by post. 📬

Once you’ve submitted the IN01 form, keep these deadlines in mind:

  • Confirmation: If filed online, expect your Company Registration Number within days. 📅
  • Annual Filings: You’ll need to submit your accounts and a confirmation statement within one year of registration.
  • Tax Registration: Register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting to trade.
  • Company Updates: Notify Companies House of any changes within 14 days. ⏳

Filing the IN01 is just the beginning of your journey to company registration. Choose your filing method wisely, stay on top of your deadlines and you’ll be well on your way to establishing your business! 🚀

We’ve got your back

Running a limited company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From tax returns to annual accounts, we’re by your side to handle the heavy lifting. Let’s do this together. Ready, set, go!

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