Company & LLP formation
specialists in London

An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is a hybrid structure combining partnership flexibility with limited liability. Unlike a limited company, LLPs have no shareholders or directors – they have members. LLPs are tax-transparent (members pay Income Tax, not Corporation Tax), while limited companies pay Corporation Tax on profits. Limited companies suit businesses seeking investment or equity growth; LLPs are popular with professional practices (law, accountancy, medicine) where members want to participate in management.

You need a minimum of two members to incorporate an LLP. Members can be individuals or corporate bodies (other companies). At least two members must be designated members, responsible for statutory filings. If the number falls below two, the remaining member is personally liable for obligations incurred after six months. There's no maximum limit on members.

Companies House fees: £50 for online registration (standard service) or £78 for same-day (applications by 3pm). Paper filings cost £71 but take longer. Our formation packages include all Companies House fees, registered office address for a year, and professional document drafting – from £99 + VAT. We handle the entire process and advise on structure.

Online applications typically take 24–48 hours to process. Same-day service is available for an additional fee if submitted before 3pm. Postal applications can take 8–10 working days. We offer same-day incorporation for urgent requirements – your certificate issued within hours.

You need to complete form LL IN01 (application to register an LLP). This requires: proposed LLP name, registered office address, registered email address, details of all members (including which are designated), and People with Significant Control (PSC) information. An LLP agreement isn't legally required but strongly recommended to govern profit-sharing, decision-making, and member roles.

Your registered office must be a physical address in the UK (not a PO Box). It must be in the same jurisdiction where your LLP is registered (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). This address is public and receives official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC. We offer a registered office service using our London address for £49/year – mail scanned and forwarded to you.

Designated members have extra legal responsibilities including: appointing auditors (if needed), signing and delivering accounts to Companies House, notifying changes to membership or registered office, preparing the confirmation statement, and acting if the LLP is wound up. Every LLP must have at least two designated members at all times.

No – you need at least two members to incorporate an LLP. If you're a sole founder, a limited company may be more suitable (requires only one director/shareholder). We can advise on the best structure for your situation – many solo entrepreneurs start as a limited company and convert to LLP later if they take on partners.

Your LLP name must end with "Limited Liability Partnership" or "LLP". It cannot be the same as or too similar to an existing name on the Companies House index. Sensitive words (like "Royal", "British", "Chartered") require approval. You should also check the UK Intellectual Property Office trade marks register to avoid infringement. We handle name clearance checks before submission.

LLPs are tax-transparent – the LLP files a partnership tax return (SA800), but each member pays tax on their share of profits via Self Assessment. There's no Corporation Tax. Members are treated as self-employed for tax purposes. The LLP must register for VAT if taxable turnover exceeds £90,000. Corporate members pay Corporation Tax on their share. This structure can be tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers.

LLPs must file annual accounts with Companies House (within 9 months of year-end) and a confirmation statement annually. Small LLPs can file abbreviated accounts. You must also file a partnership tax return (SA800) with HMRC annually. Late filing penalties apply. We offer ongoing compliance packages to handle all filings – accounts, confirmation statement, and tax returns.

Every LLP must keep a register of People with Significant Control (PSCs) – anyone who controls more than 25% of the LLP. This includes individuals or legal entities with rights to share in surplus assets, voting rights, or significant influence. You must file PSC information with Companies House within 14 days of any change. We help you identify PSCs and maintain compliant registers.