Are Sole Traders on Companies House?

If you're starting out in business as a sole trader, you might be wondering whether you need to register with Companies House. After all, Companies House is where all UK companies are listed, and many business owners assume that registering there is a legal requirement for anyone self-employed. But is that true for sole traders?

If you’re thinking about switching from sole trader to limited company, it’s important to understand what that transition involves. While incorporation gives you more flexibility with tax planning, added credibility and limited liability, it also introduces new filing requirements and obligations to Companies House. Our team of limited company accountants can help you make the switch smoothly, set up the right structure from day one, and manage everything from company formation to annual accounts and Corporation Tax. We’ll guide you through the differences so you can decide if incorporation is the right move for your business goals.

In this article, we explain whether sole traders appear on Companies House, what registration steps are actually required, and how being a sole trader differs from running a limited company when it comes to business records, visibility, and compliance.

What Is Companies House?

Companies House is the official UK government register of limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). It holds and publishes key company information, including directors, shareholders, registered office addresses, and filing history. All limited companies must register with Companies House and keep their records up to date annually.

But it is important to understand that Companies House only deals with incorporated businesses. That means sole traders are not usually listed there.

Are Sole Traders Listed on Companies House?

No, sole traders are not registered on Companies House and do not appear on its public register.

This is because a sole trader is not a separate legal entity from the individual running the business. Unlike limited companies, which have their own legal identity, a sole trader’s business activities are legally tied to the individual. As a result, there is no need to register with Companies House or file annual confirmation statements or company accounts.

How Do Sole Traders Register?

While sole traders do not need to register with Companies House, they do need to register with HMRC for tax purposes.

If you’re starting out as a sole trader, you must:

• Register for Self Assessment with HMRC

• Keep business records of your income and expenses

• Submit a Self Assessment tax return each year

• Pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your profits

This process is completely separate from Companies House, and your business details are not published on the public register.

Can Sole Traders Choose to Register a Business Name?

Yes, sole traders can operate under a business name instead of their own personal name. However, registering a business name does not mean you are incorporated or listed on Companies House.

You do not need to formally register your business name with any government body unless:

• You want to incorporate as a limited company, or

• You are applying for a trademark

You can check whether your desired name is already being used by a limited company by searching the Companies House register, but as a sole trader, you are not required to file anything there yourself.

What if a Sole Trader Wants to Appear on Companies House?

If you want your business to appear on Companies House, you will need to incorporate it as a limited company. This changes your business structure and brings additional legal and financial responsibilities.

As a limited company, you will need to:

• Register with Companies House

• File a Confirmation Statement and annual accounts each year

• Pay Corporation Tax on profits

• Keep director and shareholder records up to date

Many sole traders choose to incorporate when their business grows, when they want to limit personal liability, or when they need to boost credibility.

Real-World Example

Ali runs a mobile car valeting service as a sole trader under the name "Ali’s Auto Shine." He has registered with HMRC for Self Assessment, submits his tax return each year, and pays his tax and National Insurance on time.

If you searched Companies House for "Ali’s Auto Shine," you wouldn’t find it listed. That’s because Ali hasn’t incorporated the business, he’s a sole trader, not a company. However, if he decided to expand, take on employees, or protect his business name, he might choose to form "Ali’s Auto Shine Ltd" as a limited company and register it with Companies House.

Final Thoughts

Sole traders do not appear on Companies House because they are not legally required to register there. Instead, they register with HMRC for tax purposes and operate under their own legal identity. If you’re a sole trader, you won’t need to deal with Companies House unless you choose to incorporate as a limited company in the future.

If you're unsure whether remaining a sole trader is the right path, or you're considering forming a company for better tax efficiency or limited liability, it’s worth speaking to an accountant who can help you make the best choice for your business.

For many sole traders, keeping things simple is a top priority—but that doesn’t mean going it alone. Our small company accountant service is designed specifically for sole traders and self-employed professionals who want reliable support with bookkeeping, Self Assessment, allowable expenses and more. We’ll make sure you meet all your tax obligations with HMRC, advise you on the pros and cons of incorporating, and keep your finances organised so you can focus on running the business. Whether you’re just starting out or building momentum, we’re here to help you grow with confidence.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.

Read more about how to change shareholders on companies house.

You might also be interested in how to remove a director from companies house.