Last updated Mar 19, 2024 and written by Tom Richardson

Limited Company Formation: Do I have to start trading immediately?

No. Once you have formed a limited company you can leave the company dormant for as long as you wish. You don’t need to trade until you’re ready. Just ensure that:

• HMRC are notified of your trading intentions
• Annual returns are filed on time annually
• Dormant company accounts are filed on time annually

When you do start trading

Notify HMRC as soon as you have started trading. File annual returns and annual accounts when due (you will no longer be able file dormant company accounts).