Being a company director

Understanding your role as director of a limited company and your responsibilities to Companies House.

As a director, you’re legally responsible for running the company and making sure information is sent to Companies House on time. This includes:

You may need to file a company tax return to HMRC and pay Corporation Tax on profits.

You can hire a professional (for example, an accountant) to help manage your company, but you’re still legally responsible for your company’s records, accounts and performance.

The director information hub from the Insolvency Service offers guidance for new and existing directors on all aspects of how to run a company responsibly.

If you’re thinking of setting up a limited company and becoming a director, you need to understand the duties and responsibilities of this role.

As well as the day to day running of your company, you’ll need to file annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House every year. You must also report any changes to your company when they happen and keep up to date with any changes to UK company law.

In return for the benefits of limited liability, anyone who becomes a director or officer of a company will have some of their details made available to the public. It’s important to understand what personal information is publicly available on the Companies House register.

These videos show you how to file your Companies House information online.

Register for email reminders from Companies House. This service tells you when your company’s accounts and confirmation statements are due.