{"id":11606,"date":"2024-02-22T17:02:28","date_gmt":"2024-02-22T17:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11606"},"modified":"2024-11-08T09:54:09","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T09:54:09","slug":"when-to-convert-from-sole-trader-to-limited-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/when-to-convert-from-sole-trader-to-limited-company\/","title":{"rendered":"When should I convert from sole trader to limited company?"},"content":{"rendered":"            <div class='post-lastupdated'>\n                <strong>Last updated: 8 Nov 2024<\/strong>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p>Many new business owners get started as sole traders. It\u2019s the simplest structure to set up, there are fewer administrative and accounting requirements, and it suits the needs of countless entrepreneurs and freelancers. However, there are certain points at which it may be worthwhile converting from a sole trader to a limited company. In this article, we explore 7 indicators that can suggest it&#8217;s time for a change.<\/p>\n<h3>1. When you&#8217;re earning over a certain amount<\/h3>\n<p>To keep more of your profits, a good time to convert from a sole trader to a limited company is when your earnings start to pick up. There isn\u2019t a set amount, but it\u2019s usually when the potential tax savings outweigh the additional costs required to run a company.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Currently, you\u2019d need to be earning at least \u00a330,000-\u00a340,000 per year for it to be worthwhile switching to a limited company for reasons of tax efficiency. In this income range, you\u2019d see tax savings of between \u00a3500 &#8211; \u00a3960 per year before factoring in the additional costs and your allowable business expenses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The extra costs you\u2019ll incur from running a company (all of which are tax-deductible) are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintaining a non-residential <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/services\/registered-office-address\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">registered office address<\/a> &#8211; approximately \u00a340 per year<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Annual confirmation statement filing fee &#8211; \u00a334 per year<\/li>\n<li>Accountant\u2019s fees &#8211; from around \u00a3250 per year to prepare annual accounts or a tax return, or between approximately \u00a350-\u00a3250 per month for an all-inclusive bookkeeping and accounting package<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can use your home address as a registered office, which doesn\u2019t cost anything. However, the address details will appear on the public record, so this is not advisable.<\/p>\n            <div class=\"revolut_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/revolutbusiness.ngih.net\/daV2kQ\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/revolut_mobile.png\"\n                        alt=\"Revolut Business & Affiliates.\"\n                        class=\"revolut_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/revolut_desktop.png\"\n                        alt=\"Revolut Business & Affiliates.\"\n                        class=\"revolut_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n            \n<p>Hiring an accountant is also optional but highly recommended. You can use an accountant on a pay-as-you-go basis for things like year-end accounting, tax returns, and payroll services. However, pay-monthly packages that include bookkeeping, accounting, and tax-planning services usually offer better value for money.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Accountancy fees vary widely, depending on the size of the company, the complexity of business activities and finances, and the extent of services provided by the accountant.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Where do the tax savings come from?<\/h4>\n<p>Sole traders pay Income Tax on all of their profits above the \u00a312,570 personal allowance (for the 2024\/25 tax year). They also pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions (NIC). This means you could be paying as much as 40% Income Tax as a self-employed individual if you earn over \u00a350,270 a year, and 45% tax if you earn over \u00a3125,141 a year (Scottish Income Tax rates are higher).<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, limited companies pay Corporation Tax instead, and normally at a lower rate than Income Tax. Small companies with annual taxable profits of under \u00a350,000 pay the &#8216;small profits rate&#8217; of Corporation Tax at 19%<b>. <\/b>Those generating over \u00a3250,000 pay the main rate of 25%.<\/p>\n<p>                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/self-employed-sole-trader\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Self-employed and sole trader \u2013 are they the same thing?<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/sole-trader-or-limited-company-what-is-better-for-me\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Sole trader or limited company \u2013 which is better for me?<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-dividends\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">What are dividends?<\/span><\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n<p>In addition, companies with annual taxable profits between \u00a350,000 and \u00a3250,000 can apply for Marginal Relief. This provides a gradual increase to Corporation Tax rates &#8211; an option that\u2019s unavailable to sole traders.<\/p>\n<p>As a company director and shareholder, it\u2019s also possible to structure your personal income from the business in a more tax-efficient way. You can achieve this by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>paying yourself a small director\u2019s salary &#8211; usually up to the point at which you\u2019d be liable to Income Tax and\/or National Insurance contributions (NIC)<\/li>\n<li>taking the rest of your income as dividends &#8211; these earnings are taxed at lower rates than salary income and are not subject to NIC<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Having the flexibility to pay yourself in this way means you could pay less tax and National Insurance contributions on the same amount of money that you earn as a sole trader.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is also an annual tax-free dividend allowance, which is \u00a3500 from 6th April 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Our blog post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/pay-yourself-through-limited-company\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">paying yourself through a limited company<\/a> provides more detailed guidance on how much tax you would pay on a director\u2019s salary and shareholder dividends.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. When you want to boost your professional reputation<\/h3>\n<p>Another indicator that could suggest it\u2019s time to convert from a sole trader to a limited company is when you want to take your brand reputation to the next level.<\/p>\n<p>Operating as a limited company is often perceived as more credible compared to the sole trader model. When people see \u2018Limited\u2019 or \u2018Ltd\u2019 at the end of your company name, they associate it with security, reliability, and professionalism.<\/p>\n            <div class=\"hubspot_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/hubspot.sjv.io\/OrKdGZ\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/hubspot_mobile.png\"\n                        alt=\"Get Started With HubSpot's Free Tools.\"\n                        class=\"hubspot_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/hubspot_desktop.png\"\n                        alt=\"Get Started With HubSpot's Free Tools.\"\n                        class=\"hubspot_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p>This is because limited companies are regulated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/2006\/46\/contents\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Companies Act 2006<\/a>, and their corporate information is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">public register<\/a>. Should a customer or investor, for example, want to find out more about your company, they can check details like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Who owns and runs the business <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Where your registered office is<\/li>\n<li>Your company status (e.g. active or dormant)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Whether you have delivered your accounts and other statutory filings on time<\/li>\n<li>The nature of your business<\/li>\n<li>Your annual accounts<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This type of information about sole traders is not freely available. Also, where it might be provided, there\u2019s no way for people to know whether it\u2019s accurate.<\/p>\n<p>Being governed by legislation generally makes limited companies more trustworthy than sole traders, which can be highly beneficial for boosting your reputation.<\/p>\n<h3>3. When you want to protect your business name<\/h3>\n<p>As a sole trader, your business name isn\u2019t legally protected unless you pay for a trade mark or set up a dormant company with your sole trader name. This means that any other business can use the exact same name for its activities. If you want to protect your brand identity, it\u2019s time to convert to a limited company.<\/p>\n<p>Under the Companies Act 2006, no two company names can be the same or similar. This is because it could confuse the public and imply a connection between completely separate entities.<\/p>\n<p>So, when you convert to a limited company, it\u2019ll automatically be protected by the Act (provided that your business name is acceptable and available), preventing other companies from copying or resembling it in any way.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can check if your business name is available to register with our free company name checker on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Quality Company Formations homepage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>4. When you want to claim more business expenses<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Limited companies can claim a broader range of business expenses compared to sole traders. If you want to reduce your tax bill even more, then it could be time to change your business structure.<\/p>\n<p>Sole traders can claim tax relief on the following expenses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Office, property, and equipment<\/li>\n<li>Car, van, and travel<\/li>\n<li>Clothing (e.g. uniforms)<\/li>\n<li>Staff expenses<\/li>\n<li>Reselling goods<\/li>\n<li>Accountancy, legal, and other professional fees<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Marketing, entertainment, and subscriptions<\/li>\n<li>Training courses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Meanwhile, limited company owners can claim the following additional expenses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Professional costs of setting up your company (e.g. solicitor, accountant, or company formation agent fees)<\/li>\n<li>Staff events (e.g. Christmas parties)<\/li>\n<li>Bicycle mileage (for you or your staff)<\/li>\n<li>Business gifts for staff and clients (restrictions apply)<\/li>\n<li>Charity donations<\/li>\n<li>Employee eye tests and glasses<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/can-my-own-company-make-contributions-towards-my-pension\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Director pension contributions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While sole traders are entitled to many types of business expenses, companies qualify for a wider range of tax-deductible expenses and allowances. This means that by converting to a limited company, you can reduce your tax bill further and retain more of your profits.<\/p>\n<h3>5. When you want to seek new investment<\/h3>\n<p>If you need to raise capital to strengthen your business, it could be time to convert from a sole trader to a limited company.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s because a limited company structure considerably opens up your investment opportunities. You can find investors through various avenues (like crowdfunding and peer-to-peer finance), issue new shares, and receive small business grants.<\/p>\n            <div class=\"names_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/acn.ionos.co.uk\/aff_c?offer_id=3&amp;aff_id=8964&amp;url_id=309\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/242634_Domains_Banner-Cooperation_QCF_325x340_UK.png\"\n                        alt=\"FREE .co.uk Domain Name.\"\n                        class=\"names_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/242634_Domains_Banner-Cooperation_QCF_980x150_UK.png\"\n                        alt=\"FREE .co.uk Domain Name.\"\n                        class=\"names_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p>You could even find that you\u2019re eligible for a wider range of bank loans as a limited company owner. Lenders will perceive you as more credible and professional, which can often increase the number of products available to you.<\/p>\n<h3>6. When you want to limit your liability<\/h3>\n<p>As a sole trader, you\u2019re personally responsible for the entirety of your business finances. However, when you convert to a limited company, your personal liability is reduced.<\/p>\n<p>When you set up a company, you\u2019ll have to state how many subscribers (founding shareholders) it will have. These shareholders each agree to take at least one company share. After incorporation, you can issue more shares to existing and new shareholders if need be. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/extent-of-limited-liability-in-a-company\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">What is the extent of limited liability in a company?\u00a0<\/span><\/a>\n                    \n<p>Later down the line, should the company be unable to repay its debts or face legal action, that financial risk is spread amongst all shareholders. Each shareholder\u2019s liability is limited to the amount paid for their shares (plus any unpaid amount on any nil-paid or partly-paid shares).<\/p>\n<p>By converting from a sole trader to a limited company, you take on a calculated risk that you are comfortable with. If anything goes wrong, you\u2019ll have the peace of mind that your liability is limited and your personal assets are protected.<\/p>\n<h3>7. When you want to grow your business<\/h3>\n<p>A sole trader business is a one-man band. So, when you want to scale up or bring in business partners, it\u2019s worth forming a limited company. However, you still have the option to run a limited company by yourself as the sole shareholder (owner) and director of the business.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Introduce business partners<\/h4>\n<p>The limited company structure will allow you to take on other directors and sell shares in the business, helping you go from strength to strength. This level of flexibility can be incredibly advantageous.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, directors manage the company&#8217;s daily operations and complete a range of administrative tasks,<b> <\/b>while shareholders add financial backing and professional expertise in return for an equity stake.<\/p>\n<p>                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/sell-shares-in-private-limited-company\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Can I sell shares in a private limited company?<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/appoint-new-director\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">How do you appoint a new director to your company?<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/effective-succession-planning\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">7 tips for effective succession planning<\/span><\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that you\u2019ll no longer be the sole decision-maker if you bring in new investors and appoint additional directors. You\u2019ll share ownership and certain privileges with your new business partners.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>However, being a solo entrepreneur can be stressful and overwhelming. When you get to a stage where you need additional input, perspective, or investment, converting to a limited company can be beneficial. Business partners can help you make important decisions and work toward the goals that will keep your company growing.<\/p>\n<h4>Succession planning<\/h4>\n<p>As a sole trader, your business will cease to exist when you\u2019re no longer able to run it. Whereas, a limited company is its own legal entity, so it can live on despite changes in ownership or leadership.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This means that you can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>appoint other directors to run the business on your behalf &#8211; for example, if you want to take a step back from day-to-day duties or focus on another venture<\/li>\n<li>hand over the reins to your children or other successors when it\u2019s time to retire<\/li>\n<li>sell the business as a going concern<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When it comes to planning your own future and that of your business, converting to a limited company offers far more options and greater flexibility than the sole trader structure.<\/p>\n<h3>How to change from a sole trader to a limited company<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing from one business structure to another can be complicated. Generally, you need to follow these steps: <\/span><\/p>\n<h4>1. Register your company<\/h4>\n<p>The easiest way to do this is with the help of a company formation agent. Our expert team here at Quality Company Formations can guide you through the process and have your company registered in just a few hours. To get started, take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/formation-packages\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">formation packages<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/set-up-limited-company-4-steps\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">guide to setting up a company<\/a>.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>2. Tell HMRC that you&#8217;re no longer self-employed<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need to notify HMRC that your business structure has changed and you\u2019re no longer operating as a sole trader.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>3. Transfer your sole trader business<\/h4>\n<p>If you have any business assets (like property, machinery, or inventory), they need to be transferred to your new company. You may incur Capital Gains Tax (CGT) charges here, depending on the assets.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>4. Open a business bank account<\/h4>\n<p>This isn\u2019t a legal requirement, but we recommend opening a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/business-bank-account-company\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">business bank account<\/a> in your new company\u2019s name to keep your personal and professional finances separate.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>5. Notify stakeholders about the new business structure<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All stakeholders (including contractors, clients, suppliers, and lenders) must be notified that your legal business structure has changed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>6. Register for tax and PAYE<\/h4>\n<p>You need to register your limited company for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/how-corporation-tax-works\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Corporation Tax<\/a> within 3 months of starting to trade through this new structure. If you take on employees or decide to pay yourself a director\u2019s salary, you\u2019ll also need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/register-employer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">register as an employer<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-set-up-payroll\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">set up payroll<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This is just a summary of the main steps to changing your legal business structure. The process can be complicated, and there are several rules and requirements for each step, so we strongly advise that you seek professional assistance.<\/p>\n<h3>Thanks for reading<\/h3>\n<p>So, there you have 7 key signs that it might be a good time to change from a sole trader to a limited company. Both structures have pros and cons, so it\u2019s a decision that requires careful consideration based on your personal preferences and the needs of your business. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re still unsure, speak to an accountant for expert advice on whether to continue as a sole trader or set up a company. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions about setting up or running a company, leave a comment below or get in touch with our company formation team.<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"worldfirst_shortcode\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/portal.worldfirst.com\/register?region=UK&amp;affiliate_id=10378\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/WFT_BANNER_326x341.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\talt=\"Worldfirst - Pay and get paid in multiple currencies\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"worldfirst_shortcode-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/WFT_BANNER_980x150.jpg\"\n                    alt=\"Worldfirst - Pay and get paid in multiple currencies.\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"worldfirst_shortcode-desktop\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many new business owners get started as sole traders. It\u2019s the simplest structure to set up, there are fewer administrative and accounting requirements, and it suits the needs of countless entrepreneurs and freelancers. However, there are certain points at which it may be worthwhile converting from a sole trader to a limited company. In this&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":11776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[1231],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-company-formation","category-1231","description-off"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>When Should I Convert From Sole Trader to Limited Company?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We reveal the key indicators that could mean it\u2019s time to convert from a sole trader business to a limited company structure.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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