Short answer
A non resident director still has UK duties: identity verification at Companies House, PAYE on fees for UK duties, possibly a Self Assessment return, and full responsibility for the company's accounts and returns being filed on time.
Online accountants
Online accountants for non resident directors of UK companies: identity verification, PAYE on director fees, Self Assessment, dividends and all filings.
Short answer
A non resident director still has UK duties: identity verification at Companies House, PAYE on fees for UK duties, possibly a Self Assessment return, and full responsibility for the company's accounts and returns being filed on time.
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 indemnityA non resident director still has UK duties: identity verification at Companies House, PAYE on fees for UK duties, possibly a Self Assessment return, and full responsibility for the company's accounts and returns being filed on time.
Identity verification applies wherever you live
Director fees and PAYE
Self Assessment and dividends
A non resident director still has UK duties: identity verification at Companies House, PAYE on fees for UK duties, possibly a Self Assessment return, and full responsibility for the company's accounts and returns being filed on time.
Directors and people with significant control must verify their identity, either directly with Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Overseas directors can complete it remotely, but the transition dates have moved more than once, so check the current position before relying on a date.
A director is an office holder. Fees for duties performed in the UK generally fall within PAYE even for a non resident, with apportionment where duties are split between countries. Taking dividends instead does not remove the obligation where fees are in fact being paid.
Non resident directors may need a Self Assessment return where UK income arises. Dividends from a UK company paid to a non resident are treated under the disregarded income rules, which often limits the UK liability, but the position needs checking against your treaty.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the current UK position and current HMRC and Companies House guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own business.
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
Not to be a director, but you will need one or an alternative reference if PAYE applies to your fees.
Often limited by the disregarded income rules, but it depends on your circumstances and treaty.
We can guide you through the Companies House route or a registered provider.
A clear proposal states the filings, bookkeeping frequency, VAT, payroll, software, meetings and response arrangements included. Catch-up work, specialist tax advice and one-off transactions should be identified separately before work begins.
Yes. Online delivery should not mean anonymous support. You have a named team, agreed review rhythm and clear routes for everyday questions, deadlines and decisions that need senior input.
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.
Google reviews
“We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we're really glad we did. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing, professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.”
“I've been working with Accotax since January 2024, and their support has grown alongside my business needs. My personal allocated manager, Umer, provides tailored services for both of my companies, adapting as I expand and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and always clear in their communication. Their help with accounts, VAT, payrolls, pensions and compliance gives me real confidence and peace of mind.”
“Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them because of their professionalism. In the last couple of years I have been working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process, explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow.”
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