Advantages and Disadvantages of Sole Trader and Limited Company

The most important question to ask before you start forming your company is “Should it be a sole trader or a limited company?”. Your business needs should dictate your preferred company registration.

• Company income
• Projected business plans
• Tax implications
• Your industry/market
• customers/clients
• Independent accounting and bookkeeping requirements

We will explain both the advantages and disadvantages of each type, as well as what the registration process involves. This will help you determine whether your business is better suited to be a sole trader or a limited company.

What Is a Sole Trader?

If you are still in the early stages of your company’s creation, it will be easier to understand how to register a sole trader company.

A sole trader is basically a self-employed person. The simple answer to how to set up a company to be a sole proprietor is to register it with HMRC. But more later!

No matter how many employees the business employs, sole traders are responsible for all aspects of the business.

You and your business will not be legally distinguished as a sole trader. You will need to register for Self Assessment, file the annual Self Assessment tax return, and pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions on all taxable income.

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Advantages of Being a Sole Trader

The UK’s most popular choice for starting a business is to register as a sole trader. This is especially popular among those who are starting their first business. What is it that makes being a sole trader so attractive?

• Companies House does not require you to incorporate your business.
• There is no registration fee.
• It is relatively inexpensive to start a business as a sole trader.
• As sole traders can complete their accounts themselves, there are no accounting, bookkeeping, or filing requirements. Accounting costs will therefore be lower.
• Solo traders are fully owned and in control of their businesses.
• It is possible to make decisions quickly and efficiently without the need to work with others.
• The sole trader is entitled to all net profits
• The public record does not contain the personal or business details of sole traders.

Disadvantages of Being a Sole Trader 

These disadvantages can make it difficult to decide whether or not you want to register a company.

• Because there is no legal distinction between sole traders’ personal and business finances they will be liable for all business claims and debts.
• All business-related decisions are the sole trader’s responsibility.
• It is sometimes more difficult to raise capital.
• The entire income of a sole trader is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance.
• For lenders and larger businesses, the credibility of sole traders may not be as comforting as that of incorporated structures.
• Solo traders might feel smaller and less established than incorporated structures.
• Limited companies are more tax efficient than sole traders.
• It may not be possible to meet the requirements for statutory sick and maternity pay in sole trader enterprises.

Limited Company

A limited company is a business structure that is registered at Companies House. A limited company, unlike a sole trader, is an independent legal entity. The company holds the responsibility for its finances as well as debts. This is called “limited liability” and it allows the owners to have a lower financial responsibility for company debts.

Many limited companies are limited in shares and owned only by shareholders. However, some limited companies are limited in guarantee and owned by guarantors. A limited guarantee is preferred by non-profit organizations whose trading profits are not distributed among their owners.

One or more directors manage limited companies. The directors are not required to be owners. Limited companies must pay corporation tax on taxable profits. They also have to submit annual tax returns. By adhering to the 2006 Companies Act, they must comply with all reporting and filing requirements.

While limited companies may have additional administrative requirements, many business owners prefer this type of company structure because it is more tax efficient.

Advantages of Being a Limited Company

Many entrepreneurs find the credibility and legitimacy of a limited company appealing. These “advantages” of a limited company may convince you to choose it over sole trader registration.

• Limited companies are legal entities that are separate from their owners.
• A limited company provides limited liability; this means the personal finances /assets of shareholders/guarantors are protected over and above their agreement of investment/guarantee to the company.
• A limited liability exudes professionalism and credibility
• A limited company can be managed by just one person, but it is always perceived as a bigger and more established business.
• Limited companies can be more attractive to a wider variety of clients.
• With a limited company, it is often easier to raise capital from investors/lenders.
• It is usually easier to scale and grow a business when it is established as a company.
• Even if the original owners of the company are gone, a limited company can still exist.
• All taxable income is subject to corporation tax
• Tax efficiency is higher for limited companies.
• Directors may choose to pay themselves a mix of salary and dividends. This has better tax implications.
• You can sell shares to raise capital.

Disadvantages of Being a Limited Company

As you can see, it is important to make informed decisions when it comes to company formation. Here are some things you should be aware of before you start forming a limited company.

• While company registration isn’t difficult, it can be time-consuming. However, limited companies must be registered at Companies House.
• HMRC registration is mandatory for corporation tax purposes.
• It may be more costly to start a limited company.
• When choosing a company name, there are some restrictions.
• If you are a bankrupt or disqualified director, you cannot register a limited company.
• The registered office address must be located in the same area of the UK as the company’s incorporation.
• Directors, secretaries, subscribers, and People with Significant Control must provide a service address.
• The public record includes information such as the address of the registered office, the service addresses, directors, shareholders, and PSC details. It also contains financial activity, including filing history and financial activity.
• As accounting and filing tasks can be time-consuming in limited companies, sole traders are able to perform administrative tasks much more easily. An accountant might be necessary.
• A limited company cannot be sold or resold on a whim. You cannot pay yourself money unless the company has enough net profit.
• Money cannot be displaced from a limited company on a whim. Before doing so, the company must have enough net profit and certain procedures must be adhered to when paying yourself money.

Bottom Line

If you are ready to get start your business, then reach out to one of our amazing team members at Company Incorp. Call us today at +1-(617) 545-9902 or send a mail to anna@companyincorp.org and let us help you set up your new business.

companies, Limited Company, Sole Trader