Short answer
Choose the SIC code that most closely describes your main trading activity from the Companies House condensed list. You can record up to four. It is a statistical classification, but banks, lenders and insurers read it.
Company formation
What SIC code should I choose?
The SIC code describes your company's activity on the public register. How to choose one, why banks and lenders care, and how to change it.
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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Choose the SIC code that most closely describes your main trading activity from the Companies House condensed list. You can record up to four. It is a statistical classification, but banks, lenders and insurers read it.
01
Choosing accurately
02
Why it matters commercially
Choosing accurately
Pick the code matching what you actually do, not what sounds best. 62012 for business software development, 70229 for management consultancy, 47910 for online retail, 68209 for letting your own property. If nothing fits, 82990 other business support activities is the usual fallback, but overuse of generic codes looks evasive.
Up to four codes can be listed where activities genuinely span sectors. Adding unrelated codes speculatively is not helpful and can confuse underwriters.
Why it matters commercially
Banks use SIC codes in account opening and risk scoring, and certain codes trigger additional checks or refusals, particularly in finance, crypto, property and money service activities. Insurers and lenders use them too.
If a bank application is refused on activity grounds, check whether the recorded code actually reflects the business before assuming the decision is final.
Before you act
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted 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.
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Talk to a limited company accountant near you
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
What SIC code should I choose?: questions directors ask
How do I change a SIC code?
Update it on the next confirmation statement, or file one early to change it immediately.
Does the SIC code affect tax?
No. It has no bearing on corporation tax or VAT treatment.
What code is right for a dormant company?
99999 dormant company is the standard code.
What records are needed for what sic code should i choose?
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.
How much does help with what sic code should i choose cost?
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.
Can you take over what sic code should i choose from another accountant?
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.
Can what sic code should i choose be handled online?
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.
Which accounting software works best for what sic code should i choose?
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.
What tax deadlines matter for what sic code should i choose?
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.
Is this what sic code should i choose guidance personal tax advice?
No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.
Included approach
Organised, explained, on schedule.
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Check the current rules
Use official information as your reference point.
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.