Corporation tax, VAT and filing
Yes, any UK company importing goods needs a UK EORI number, applied for online using the company's details regardless of director location.
Short answer
Yes. Any UK company importing goods into Great Britain or Northern Ireland needs an EORI number starting with GB, applied for free online using the company's VAT and corporation tax details. The application does not ask about director residence, only about the company itself.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityYes. Any UK company importing goods into Great Britain or Northern Ireland needs an EORI number starting with GB, applied for free online using the company's VAT and corporation tax details. The application does not ask about director residence, only about the company itself.
Getting the number
Using it alongside a customs agent
Applying takes the company's registered details, VAT number if registered, and Standard Industrial Classification code, with most applications processed within a few working days. Without an EORI number, goods can be held at the border and incur storage charges.
A separate XI EORI number is needed only for businesses moving goods involving Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, which most overseas owners trading with Great Britain alone will not need.
Most non-resident-owned companies importing stock use a freight forwarder or customs agent to handle declarations, quoting the company's EORI number rather than filing customs paperwork directly. This is sensible regardless of where the director is based, since customs declarations are technical and time sensitive.
The EORI number sits alongside VAT registration and, if relevant, a duty deferment account; all three should be arranged before the first shipment, not after goods are already in transit.
Our fixed monthly packages for a UK limited company start at £89 plus VAT and run to £169 and £289 plus VAT as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and reporting are added. One-off filings are sold at fixed prices, and the Companies House fees we pay for you are charged at cost with no VAT added. Overseas owners are quoted on exactly the same published prices as UK-resident clients.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.
Primary references
Local help
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
No, it is issued to the company, not to any individual director or shareholder.
Usually a few working days, though HMRC can take longer if the application needs manual checks.
No, an EORI number is only needed for importing or exporting goods across the UK border.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
Yes. You can ask a straightforward initial question without charge. Calculations, filings, written advice, planning and HMRC correspondence are scoped and quoted before work begins.
Included approach
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Share your next deadline, accounting problem or growth question. We will reply with a clear next step and quote any technical work before it begins.
Chat with ACCOTAX on WhatsAppPick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
Four London offices
Work with us entirely online, or sit down with your accountant at whichever office suits you. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Office visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming in.
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
