Step-by-step guide to incorporation (paper IN01 form)
- Detailed screenshots and guidance for every box you need to complete
- Helps you to avoid mistakes in your application
- Clear and easy to understand
To incorporate a new company in the UK you need to apply to Companies House. This is done either by completing an online form via the GOV.uk website, or by completing a hard-copy paper form (known as an IN01 form).
This is a guide to completing and filing the paper IN01 form. However, in most cases, it will be cheaper and more efficient for you to apply to set up your new company online.
This ‘box-by-box’ guide offers detailed commentary on every page and every box you will need to complete on the paper IN01 form in order to set up a new company. If you do not complete the form properly, it can result in follow-ups or queries from Companies House. At best this means delays to setting up your new company. At worst it can mean that your application is rejected entirely. Mistakes can also cause you to set up a company in some way different to what you intended, which will cost time and money to put right.
You can also get this document as part of the Starting a company toolkit.
Q&A
When should I use this document?
You should use this guide to help you complete the paper IN01 form to set up a new company.
Note, in most cases, it will be cheaper and more efficient for you to apply to set up your new company online (see Setting up a company online).
What does this document cover?
This document contains detailed guidance to every box on every page you will need to complete on the paper IN01 form. The guide includes screenshots of the form to help you track your progress, and ensure you are inserting the correct information in the right places.
Why do I need this document?
This document can help you to avoid mistakes in your paper IN01 form. At best, these mistakes will result in queries from Companies House and delays to your application. At worst, errors can lead to you setting up your company incorrectly or with unintended mistakes. Errors you make when setting up your company cannot ever be removed from the register, and can only be corrected with subsequent filings. These corrective filings will show in your company’s public filing history, and will be visible to potential investors, buyers, customers and suppliers who may be carrying out due diligence on your business. It is therefore best to get things right first time.
Where can I find out more?
For detailed guidance on the process for starting a company, see Setting up a new company.
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