Get a practical first-year admin checklist based on your business type
Answer 4 questions about your business and get a checklist of the setup tasks, deadlines, and admin steps to review.
What you get
- A setup checklist based on your business type
- Key tax and compliance deadlines
- A simple bookkeeping and admin routine
- Bookkeeping basics if you need them
Based on HMRC and Companies House guidance. General information only - not professional advice.
Who this is for
- New sole traders in their first year of business
- New limited company directors in their first year
- People already trading who want to review common admin steps they may have missed
- Anyone who wants a practical checklist rather than general tax reading
What it covers
- HMRC registration steps and key deadlines
- Companies House obligations for limited companies
- Bookkeeping habits and record-keeping from day one
- Common first-year mistakes and when to get professional help
What it does not cover
- VAT registration or VAT returns (noted when relevant, guidance signposted)
- Payroll, CIS, or employee obligations
- Pension setup or workplace pension auto-enrolment
- Complex or multi-entity situations
How your result works
Answer 4 questions about your business structure, trading status, and setup situation. You get a checklist of the common admin steps and deadlines that apply to your situation, with notes on timing and priority. You can save your full checklist by entering your email.
Common questions
Does this confirm I have covered everything?
No. It covers the common setup steps for straightforward sole trader and limited company situations. Complex situations - employees, VAT, CIS, or multi-entity structures - may have additional requirements not covered here.
What if I have already started trading?
The checklist covers already-trading users and flags any deadlines that may already be approaching for your situation.
Can I save my checklist?
Yes. Enter your email when prompted to save your full result to your account.
Does it cover VAT?
It notes the VAT registration threshold and when registration becomes mandatory. It does not guide you through the VAT registration process or returns.
Does it cover employees?
No. If you have or plan to have employees, payroll and employer obligations are outside the scope of this checklist.
Want a more detailed setup plan?
View Business Setup RoadmapThis checker gives a general result based on your answers. It helps you understand what may apply and what to check next. It does not assess your full circumstances or provide professional advice.