How to set up a limited liability partnership in the UK

Liability: Members are not personally liable for debts the LLP cannot pay.

Minimum capital: None

1. 1

   Check an LLP fits

   Two or more people or companies carrying on lawful business with a view to profit. Each member pays tax on their share of profits like an ordinary partnership but is not personally liable for the LLP's debts.

2. 2

   Choose a name ending 'Limited Liability Partnership' or 'LLP'

   It must not be the 'same as' or too like another name, offensive or use sensitive words without permission. Welsh equivalents are allowed for an LLP registered in Wales.

3. 3

   Agree an LLP agreement

   Set out profit sharing, who must agree decisions, members' duties and how members join or leave. It is not filed at Companies House; a solicitor can draft it or you can write your own.

4. 4

   Appoint at least two designated members

   Designated members sign and file accounts and the confirmation statement, notify changes and act if the LLP is wound up. If fewer than 2 are named, every member is treated as designated.

5. 5

   Verify each member's identity

   All LLP members must verify their identity (GOV.UK One Login or an authorised corporate service provider) and you give each member's Companies House personal code when registering.

6. 6

   Arrange a registered office and registered email

   An appropriate UK address in the nation where the LLP is registered (no PO boxes; a home address becomes public) and a private registered email address.

7. 7

   Identify people with significant control

   Provide PSC details or a statement that the LLP has none, plus the statement of compliance that the members carry on lawful business with a view to profit.

8. 8

   File form LL IN01

   Use commercial software (£100; same-day £156 if filed before 3pm Monday to Friday) or send the paper form with a £124 cheque. A formation agent can file for you; the agent's charge is extra.

9. 9

   Receive the certificate of incorporation

   Companies House issues the certificate once the application, name and fee are accepted.

10. 10

    Register with HMRC

    Designated members register the LLP for Self Assessment, and every member also registers individually. Register for VAT if sales are expected to exceed £90,000, and for PAYE if you employ staff.

• Form LL IN01 (Application to register a limited liability partnership)
• LLP agreement (recommended; not filed)
• Each member's details and Companies House personal code (identity verification); which members are designated
• Registered office address (appropriate UK address) and registered email address
• PSC details or a statement that there are none
• Statement of compliance (lawful business with a view to profit)
• Name approval evidence if the name contains a sensitive word
• Fee: £100 by software, or £124 cheque with the paper form

• Designated members register the LLP for Self Assessment with HMRC; every member also registers as an individual.
• Register for VAT if the LLP's sales are expected to exceed £90,000 a year.
• Register as an employer with HMRC before the first payday if you employ staff.
• Open an LLP bank account once the certificate of incorporation is issued.
• Make sure every member has verified their identity.
• Tell Companies House about changes to members, name, registered office, registered email or PSCs.
• Diarise the first accounts (due 21 months after incorporation if the first period is over 12 months) and the first confirmation statement.

• Confirmation statement at least every 12 months (£50 online), signed off by a designated member.
• Annual accounts to Companies House within 9 months of the accounting reference date.
• The LLP's partnership tax return and every member's own Self Assessment return by 31 January (31 October on paper); pay tax by 31 January and 31 July if on account.
• Keep the LLP agreement under review, and tell Companies House about membership changes.
• From 1 April 2028 accounts must be filed via commercial software (iXBRL) once the planned change is in force.