How do I register a UK company for corporation tax from abroad?

The Unique Taxpayer Reference arrives by post at the registered office shortly after incorporation, so a provider that opens and forwards post promptly is essential. You also need the date trading started, the company's accounting reference date, and details of the business activity.

The registration form asks for a UK business address and bank details eventually for payment, but does not ask about director residence. An overseas director completes the same online form as a UK-resident one.

HMRC sets up a corporation tax record and confirms the first accounting period, which usually matches the Companies House accounting reference date. Missing the three-month deadline can bring a penalty, so registering as soon as trading starts avoids the issue entirely.

We register clients as part of onboarding and monitor the HMRC login and post so nothing depends on the owner being reachable at short notice from overseas.

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.