Starting a business in the UK requires registering your company with Companies House. One of the key steps in this process is completing the IN01 form.

IN01 form is essential for private and public companies looking to establish themselves legally. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the IN01 form, including how to fill it out correctly, the required information, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is the IN01 Form?

The IN01 form is an official document used to register a new company at Companies House. It is required under Section 9 of the Companies Act 2006 and applies to both private limited companies and public limited companies.

This form provides Companies House with essential details about your company, including its name, registered office address, directors, and share capital. If you are forming a limited liability partnership, you should not use the IN01 form. Instead, you must complete form LL IN01.

How to Complete the IN01 Form

To successfully register your company using the IN01 form, you must provide accurate details in six key areas:

1. Company Name and Type

The first section of the IN01 form requires you to state your proposed company name. Before filling this out, you should use the Companies House name availability search to ensure your chosen name is not already in use. Additionally, certain words or phrases may require special approval.

You must also indicate the type of company you are forming. The options include:

• Private company limited by shares
• Private company limited by guarantee
• Private unlimited company
• Public limited company

Company Name Restrictions and Special Approvals

Certain words or phrases in a company name require special approval from Companies House because they may imply a particular status, function, or connection with a government or regulatory body. These are known as "sensitive words and expressions."

Examples include:

• Government-related terms: "British," "United Kingdom," "Parliament," "Government"
• Regulatory and professional terms: "Chartered," "Institute," "Trust," "Fund"
• Financial terms: "Bank," "Insurance," "Assurance," "Investment"
• Medical and healthcare terms: "Dentist," "Surgeon," "Pharmacy"
• Implying preeminence or official status: "Royal," "Authority," "Federation"

To use these words, you must provide supporting documentation or obtain written approval from the relevant regulatory body. You can check the full list of restricted words on the Companies House website.

2. Registered Office Address

Every company must have a registered office address to receive official correspondence. The address must be in the UK and within the jurisdiction where the company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).

This address will be publicly available on the Companies House register.

3. Articles of Association

The articles of association outline the rules governing the company’s operations. You can adopt standard model articles or provide custom articles.

If you choose to use modified articles, attach them to the IN01 form when submitting your application.

4. Directors and Secretaries

A private limited company must appoint at least one director, who must be an individual. A public limited company must appoint at least two directors, one of whom must be an individual. If you decide to appoint a company secretary, you must include their details in the IN01 form.

For each director, you will need to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth (only the month and year will be visible to the public)
• Nationality
• Occupation
• Service address (this is publicly available and can be the registered office address)
• Residential address (this is not made public)

5. Share Capital and Shareholders

If your company is limited by shares, you must provide share capital details in the form before submission. This includes:

• Total number of shares issued
• Value of each share
• Names and addresses of shareholders

Each shareholder (also known as a subscriber) must sign the IN01 form to confirm their agreement to take up shares in the company.

6. Statement of Compliance

The statement of compliance section confirms that all legal requirements for registration have been met. The statement must be signed by one of the subscribers or an authorised agent.

How to Submit the IN01 Form

You can submit the IN01 form in two ways:

• Online – This is the fastest method and costs £12.
• By post – This costs £40 and takes longer to process.

For postal submissions, send the completed IN01 form and the required fee to Companies House at the appropriate office for your jurisdiction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure faster processing and avoid rejections, be mindful of the following mistakes:

1. Duplicate Company Names Choosing a name that already exists is a common roadblock. Always thoroughly search the Companies House database to ensure your chosen name is unique and available. Slight variations or minor word changes that create confusion or infringe on existing trademarks can lead to rejection.

2. Invalid Registered Office Address A valid and accessible physical address must be provided within the jurisdiction where you are registering the company. Using a virtual office or a PO Box number might not be acceptable.

3. Inaccurate Director Details Providing incorrect or incomplete information about the company directors (names, addresses, contact details) can severely delay the registration process. Ensure all details are accurate and match official identification documents.

4. Missing Signatures The application requires signatures from all subscribers (the individuals who agree to purchase the initial shares in the company). Missing signatures will render the application incomplete and delay registration.

5. Failing to Attach Required Documents Depending on the specific type of company and the jurisdiction, certain documents are mandatory, including:

• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Proof of identity and address for all directors and shareholders
• Consent to act as director
• Proof of registered office address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)

6. Using Incorrect or Outdated Information Ensure all information provided, including company details, director information, and shareholding structure, is accurate and up-to-date. Any discrepancies can lead to delays, rejections, and potential legal issues later.

Whether you are forming a private limited company or a public limited company, understanding the IN01 form will help you stay compliant with UK business regulations.

For more details and the latest updates, visit the official Companies House website or consult a legal professional.