UK Business Compliance Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
1. Annual Confirmation Statement
- Due: Every 12 months from your company’s incorporation date.
- Fee: £13 (online) or £40 (paper)
2. Annual Accounts Filing
- Due: 9 months after your company’s accounting year ends
- Who Prepares It: Your accountant or accounting service
Need help filing your accounts? Explore our Accounting & Tax Solutions.
3. Corporation Tax Returns
- Register within 3 months of starting trading
- Submit return: 12 months after your accounting period ends
- Pay tax: Within 9 months and 1 day of your year-end
4. VAT Registration and Returns
- Check if you need to register: gov.uk/vat-registration
5. PAYE & Employee Obligations
- Issuing payslips
- Reporting payroll to HMRC
Providing P60s annually
6. Maintain Statutory Records
- Register of directors and secretaries
- Register of shareholders
- Register of persons with significant control (PSC)
These must be kept up to date and made available for inspection at your registered office.
7. Data Protection Compliance (UK GDPR)
If you handle customer or employee data, you must comply with the UK GDPR and register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), if required.
- Learn more: ico.org.uk
8. Business Insurance Requirements
While not all types of insurance are mandatory, Employers’ Liability Insurance is legally required if you have staff. Other types (like public liability or professional indemnity) may be recommended based on your business type.
9. Industry-Specific Licences or Permits
Depending on your business activity, you may require industry-specific licenses (e.g. for food handling, financial services, or import/export). Use the UK government’s licence finder tool to check:
🔗 gov.uk/licence-finder
10. Stay Up to Date with Regulatory Changes
Laws and thresholds can change each tax year. As we move into 2025, businesses should review any updates from HMRC or Companies House to remain fully compliant.
How Vertex UK Helps with Business Compliance
Our services include:
- 📋 Annual returns and filings
- 💼 Bookkeeping and tax planning
- 🧾 PAYE and VAT registration
- 🏢 Registered office service
- 📊 Business consultancy for growth and compliance
Conclusion
Need help?
Contact Vertex UK today to ensure your business stays on the right side of UK law.
FAQs
UK business compliance checklist is a structured guide that outlines all the legal and regulatory obligations a company must meet to remain compliant, including tax filings, Companies House requirements, payroll duties, and data protection rules.
Yes, every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement (CS01) with Companies House at least once a year to confirm and update company details.
You must register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting any business activity, such as trading or advertising services.
Missing deadlines for tax returns or Companies House filings can lead to financial penalties, legal notices, or even company dissolution in severe cases.