1st Formations review: a strong choice when accounting matters as much as incorporation

My verdict

1st Formations deserves a place on the shortlist for founders who want a conventional formation agent, a choice of address services and a clear route into paid accounting support. Its most interesting proposition is the All Inclusive with Accounting package. The initial formation price is attractive, but the accounting commitment is the part that determines whether the offer represents good value for your business.

My overall recommendation across this comparison remains Tide for an eligible founder establishing a straightforward company and wanting a business account alongside registration. Tide’s low initial formation cost and conditional NEW200 promotion give it a compelling starting position. However, a founder already planning to appoint an accountant should look beyond the incorporation price. For that reader, 1st Formations offers a materially different service to a basic registration-and-banking bundle.

I would put 1st Formations ahead of the simpler options when the package matches an identified need for ongoing professional accounting. I would be more cautious if the attraction is simply the low advertised formation figure. A discounted registration linked to a twelve-month service commitment is a purchase of both services, and should be evaluated that way.

This is an editorial review of published services, prices and terms, rather than a claim that I incorporated a test company or personally measured support performance. Prices and offers were checked for this review in October 2026. The comparison includes selected providers rather than the entire market. Tide receives commercial prominence on this website; the recommendation is qualified by eligibility, service requirements and the limitations explained below.

1st Formations at a glance

What you are buying

A formation agent helps prepare and submit a company incorporation application. The legal registration itself is carried out by Companies House. A package can also include documents, addresses, reminders, introductory services and assistance after incorporation, but those additions should be understood separately.

With 1st Formations, the useful distinction is between buying a company registration and entering an ongoing service relationship. Someone choosing an ordinary digital package mainly needs an accurate application and accessible records. Someone choosing an accounting bundle also needs confidence about bookkeeping responsibilities, tax return preparation, deadlines, communication and the costs of growing beyond the original package.

That distinction changes the questions worth asking. “How quickly can I get my company number?” is relevant, but it is not sufficient for an accounting package. “Who prepares my year-end accounts, what records must I supply, and what happens if I register for VAT?” will have a greater effect on the business over the following year.

An agent cannot decide the commercial structure for you merely by presenting an online form. The number of shareholders, share rights, appointment of directors and division of responsibilities should reflect the business agreement. If two founders have different expectations about ownership or decision-making, completing the registration faster does not resolve that disagreement.

This is why I assess 1st Formations primarily as a service option rather than a collection of free extras. A well-matched package can remove useful administrative work. An oversized package can create recurring costs without improving the way the company operates.

The package range: start with your requirements

The published range includes digital formation, privacy-focused packages, broader all-inclusive packages and options aimed at non-residents or alternative company structures. The important first decision is which category matches the company you actually intend to create.

For a straightforward UK company limited by shares, a digital package may be sufficient if you already have a suitable registered office, understand the application and plan to arrange accounting separately. Privacy packages are more relevant when you need an address arrangement before your home address appears on the public register. An accounting bundle is relevant when you want incorporation and ongoing financial compliance considered together.

Non-resident, limited liability partnership and guarantee-company options should be treated as different service requirements, not as more expensive versions of a standard small-business package. The legal structure, eligibility, address arrangements and banking possibilities can differ substantially. The right comparison is between equivalent solutions for your circumstances.

I would avoid choosing a package merely because it contains the largest number of listed features. A domain name, a printed folder and an introductory consultation may be useful, but none automatically substitutes for a registered office, an accountant or advice on ownership. List the tasks you need completed, then match the package to that list.

A particularly useful exercise is to separate requirements into three groups: essential before incorporation, necessary during the first year, and optional improvements. Address privacy usually belongs in the first group. Accounts preparation belongs in the second. Printed presentation documents usually belong in the third. This keeps the buying decision focused.

The accounting offer: attractive entry price, meaningful commitment

The All Inclusive with Accounting package is advertised at £39.99 excluding VAT, with the provider covering the £100 Companies House incorporation fee. It is available to UK residents, subject to approval. The published offer includes an initial free month of accounting followed by eleven monthly payments of £49 plus VAT for the Simple plan, with a rolling monthly arrangement after the initial twelve-month period.

The accounting service is supplied by BSQ Accounting. That relationship matters because the formation purchase and the accounting engagement should both be understood. Check who contracts with you, which terms govern each service, and which team handles a problem after incorporation.

The introductory accounting payments total £539 excluding VAT. Adding the advertised £39.99 formation charge produces £578.99 excluding VAT. If VAT at 20% applies to both of those service charges as advertised, the corresponding total is approximately £694.79. That illustration excludes additional services, upgrades and any charges outside the specified bundle.

This calculation is not a criticism of the offer. Accounting is an ongoing professional service, and the proper question is whether the included work is worth its annual cost. The calculation simply prevents a £39.99 headline from being mistaken for the cost of the entire first-year arrangement.

Before proceeding, obtain an order summary showing the formation charge, accounting start date, minimum term, monthly amount, VAT, services included and any separate renewals. If the business will not start trading immediately, ask when the accounting subscription begins and whether the initial package still makes commercial sense.

What the accounting tiers mean in practice

The published Simple accounting plan starts at £49 plus VAT per month and includes year-end accounts and a company tax return, alongside specified software and support. Standard is advertised at £89 plus VAT and adds services such as VAT returns and defined payroll and personal tax coverage. Scale starts at £129 plus VAT, with broader support and higher allowances. The precise limits should be checked against the current engagement documents.

The practical difference between tiers is workload. A company issuing a handful of invoices may have a relatively simple accounting requirement. A business with employees, VAT reporting and several directors may need a wider service. Comparing the monthly figures without comparing the work included creates a misleading impression of value.

For a normal twelve-month period, before introductory discounts, £49 per month is £588 excluding VAT, or £705.60 at 20% VAT. The equivalent figures are £1,068 excluding VAT for £89 monthly and £1,548 excluding VAT for £129 monthly. These are arithmetic illustrations based on published monthly prices, not bespoke quotations.

I would ask for written confirmation of the tier recommended for the business and the assumptions behind that recommendation. In particular, identify the number of payroll recipients, personal tax returns, bank accounts and transactions covered. Confirm whether bookkeeping is included or whether the company must maintain an accurate ledger itself.

An annual accounts service can be good value while still leaving significant monthly work with the director. Understanding that division of labour is more important than finding the lowest monthly subscription.

Formation support and accounting advice are different services

A first-time founder may reasonably expect “support” to include any question that arises after incorporation. In practice, support can mean help using the formation portal, explanations of standard documents, assistance ordering another service, accounting guidance, or regulated professional advice. These are not interchangeable.

For example, asking where to download a certificate is an administrative support request. Asking whether a proposed share allocation creates tax consequences is a professional advice question. Asking an accountant to prepare a return from complete records is different again from asking them to reconstruct missing records.

Before buying, identify the questions most likely to arise in your business. A consultant working alone may mainly need bookkeeping guidance and a predictable year-end service. A retailer may need help with VAT, stock, payment processors and reconciliations. A company with several owners may need legal advice alongside accounting.

A good formation package can give you a sensible starting point without becoming your adviser for every business decision. I regard clear limits as a positive feature when they are explained before purchase. Vague promises of comprehensive help are less useful than a precise statement of what the provider will do.

Keep important advice and confirmations in writing. A short email confirming that a particular return is included can prevent a much longer disagreement when the deadline approaches. For material tax or ownership decisions, obtain advice appropriate to the circumstances rather than relying on a sales conversation.

Address services and home-address privacy

An address package can be one of the most valuable additions to company formation, particularly for someone working from home. The registered office is part of the company’s public information. A director’s service address is also distinct from the residential address supplied for official purposes.

The first question is whether you need a registered office, a director service address, a business correspondence address, or all three. The names sound similar, but the mail handled and the permitted uses can differ. A service that receives Companies House and HMRC letters may not accept customer correspondence, parcels or returned products.

Ask which people and entities are covered. An address service for one director may not automatically cover every director, shareholder or separate company associated with the business. If the team grows, the original package may need to change.

Privacy should be arranged before incorporation where possible. Replacing an address later does not necessarily remove every historic appearance of the original address from public records. That makes the initial choice more significant than an ordinary administrative preference.

The practical quality of an address service also depends on mail handling. Confirm whether letters are scanned, forwarded or held for collection; how quickly you are notified; whether postage costs extra; and what happens if your subscription expires. A prestigious address is of limited value if an urgent official letter does not reach the person responsible for responding.

What to prepare before starting the application

Before opening the form, agree the company name, intended business activity, registered office jurisdiction, directors, shareholders and ownership proportions. Have the relevant identity information ready and decide who will control the email account used for company administration.

The name should be checked for more than simple availability. A Companies House name search does not establish that a name is safe from a trade mark perspective or commercially distinctive. Consider your website domain, trading name and likely customer confusion before investing in branding.

For each director, ensure that the information is accurate and consistent with the identity documents. For each shareholder, confirm the intended number and class of shares. If you are using standard ordinary shares, understand what the allocation means for voting and ownership. Do not insert a convenient number simply to move through the form.

Consider people with significant control separately. The relevant reporting rules are based on control, not merely on who is described informally as the founder. A shareholder, corporate owner or other person may need to be considered depending on the structure.

Finally, prepare a short written summary of what the company will do. It will help with selecting the appropriate SIC code and explaining the business to a bank or accountant. Consistency between the incorporation application, bank application and accounting onboarding reduces avoidable follow-up questions.

Identity verification and company access

Companies House identity verification is an important part of the current registration process. A founder should establish whether verification will be completed directly through the government route or through an authorised provider, and what information the chosen route requires.

The Companies House personal code associated with identity verification is different from the company authentication code used for filing access. Treat both as important information, but do not confuse their purposes. A personal code relates to an individual; company filing access relates to the company.

If an accountant or agent will submit filings, agree how authority is granted and how access can be removed later. The director should retain a reliable record of the company’s key details rather than relying entirely on a provider portal.

Verification delays are not necessarily evidence of poor formation service. Differences in names, addresses, document quality or eligibility can require clarification. Start with clear documents and respond through the provider’s official channels. Do not send sensitive information in response to an unexpected message without verifying its source.

Where several people are involved, allow time for everyone to complete their part. A company application that is otherwise straightforward can be delayed because one director is unavailable or one owner has not supplied the necessary information. The fastest route is usually the best-prepared application, not the one started most urgently.

The application journey, step by step

The first stage is selecting the service package. At this point, focus on the inclusions and commitments rather than the order in which packages appear on the screen. Check whether the quoted figure includes the Companies House fee and whether VAT will be added.

The second stage is entering the company information. This is where decisions about the name, address, ownership and activity become formal application data. Review each section carefully, especially where another person has supplied information verbally or through a message.

The third stage is identity and compliance checking. The provider may need supporting documents or clarification before submission. If you have chosen accounting, there may also be a separate onboarding process covering the business, records and engagement terms.

The fourth stage is submission to Companies House. An agent facilitates the filing, but Companies House determines whether the application is accepted. A stated processing estimate should not be treated as a guarantee that the company will exist by a particular time unless an explicit service commitment applies.

The final stage is incorporation and handover. Download the documents, check the company number and registered information, save the order confirmation, and make sure you know which services have begun. If accounting is included, establish the first practical task: software access, bank connection, bookkeeping setup or an introductory meeting.

Documents: what they do and what they do not do

The certificate of incorporation confirms the company’s registration. It is useful evidence of the company’s existence, but it does not certify that the business has every licence, insurance policy or permission required to trade.

The memorandum and articles describe aspects of the company’s constitution. Standard documents can suit a straightforward company, but they should not be assumed to capture every agreement between founders. If you need bespoke rights, investment arrangements or restrictions on share transfers, obtain advice before relying on standard paperwork.

Share certificates record holdings, while company records help maintain an accurate picture of ownership and governance. Keep them aligned with what has actually been agreed and filed. A folder of documents becomes less useful if later changes are not recorded consistently.

Digital documents are normally more practical for day-to-day use than a presentation folder. They can be shared securely with an accountant, bank or adviser and backed up in more than one place. Printed copies may still be convenient, but I would not make them the deciding factor between providers.

Create a central company records folder from the beginning. Include the incorporation documents, service contracts, invoices, identity-verification information where appropriate, address renewal details and filing calendar. Good organisation costs little and reduces the chance that the company becomes dependent on one individual’s inbox.

Banking: an introduction is not an account approval

A formation provider may offer introductions to business banking services. That can be convenient, but the bank or account provider still makes its own eligibility and compliance decisions. Incorporation and account opening should be treated as connected but separate processes.

Before choosing a banking offer, consider how the company will receive and spend money. A business taking card payments has different needs from one receiving occasional bank transfers. International payments, cash deposits, accounting integrations and multiple users can all affect the suitability of an account.

A promotional reward is only valuable if the account works for the business. Check any spending requirement, funding requirement, application deadline and restrictions on combining promotions. Do not assume an offer shown through one formation provider can be combined with a different referral code.

This distinction is especially important when comparing 1st Formations with Tide. Tide’s proposition brings formation and its business account journey together. A conventional agent gives you a formation service and may introduce several banking options. Neither arrangement removes the need to assess account costs and eligibility.

The company should have a clear method for separating business transactions from personal spending. Whatever account you choose, provide the accountant with complete records and agree how bank feeds, receipts and reimbursements will be managed. Good banking administration helps the accounting package deliver its intended value.

Accounting onboarding: the questions that determine service quality

The most useful early accounting conversation is practical. Ask what you need to do each week or month, what the accountant will do, and how exceptions are handled. This turns a subscription description into a working arrangement.

For bookkeeping, establish who creates sales invoices, captures receipts, categorises transactions and reconciles the bank account. For payroll, agree when pay information must be supplied. For VAT, confirm the reporting timetable and who checks whether the business is approaching registration requirements.

Discuss the financial year end and the timing of the first accounts. A newly incorporated company’s first accounting period can create questions that differ from the normal annual cycle. The accountant should explain the actual deadlines applying to your company rather than leaving you to infer them from a generic calendar.

Ask how advice is delivered. Some packages may rely on messaging or email, while others include scheduled calls or access to a named accountant. The best arrangement depends on how you work. A concise written response can be more useful than a rushed call, but a founder with complicated questions may value direct discussion.

Finally, establish the escalation process. If a query affects a filing deadline or a significant business decision, you need to know how to flag its urgency. A service relationship works best when both sides understand what information is needed and when a response is required.

First-year costs: build a realistic budget

The first-year budget should separate incorporation, accountancy, addresses, banking and optional services. This makes it easier to compare 1st Formations with a cheaper formation provider plus a separately appointed accountant.

For the advertised accounting bundle, begin with the formation charge and the eleven paid introductory accounting months described earlier. Then add any services not covered by the chosen tier. These might include extra payroll work, additional personal tax returns, bookkeeping assistance, specialist advice or address renewals.

Do not automatically treat every advertised feature as a saving. A free service only saves money if you would otherwise have paid for it. A company that does not need a printed folder gains little from assigning a large value to one. By contrast, an address service may replace a cost you would genuinely incur elsewhere.

VAT should be considered consistently. A business unable to recover VAT needs to budget the gross amount. A VAT-registered business may have a different accounting treatment, but it still needs to manage the timing of cash payments. The invoice and your accountant’s advice determine the appropriate treatment.

The clearest comparison is a twelve-month total based on the same assumptions for every provider. If one quote includes year-end accounts and another only includes incorporation, the difference is a difference in scope. It should not be presented as proof that the more expensive provider is poor value.

Year two: where the real comparison becomes clearer

Introductory offers make the first year unusually attractive. The second year shows the underlying cost of the service relationship. For 1st Formations, that means checking the normal accounting subscription, address renewals and any other recurring support charges.

The end of a minimum term is also a useful review point. Ask whether the package still matches the business. A company that began with a few invoices may now need VAT returns or payroll. Another company may remain very simple and find that a lower level of support is sufficient.

Before switching providers, establish who will finish outstanding work. Moving an accounting subscription does not automatically settle responsibility for accounts covering the previous period. Agree the handover, records transfer and any final fees in writing.

Address services require a separate decision. If you stop paying for an address, the company may need to update its registered office and other public details. Do not cancel an address subscription without arranging an appropriate replacement and understanding what happens to incoming mail.

I would judge the offer over at least two years if the intention is to build an ongoing business. A good first-year price is welcome, but predictable renewal costs and a workable service relationship are more important than a small saving at incorporation.

Customer support: what can be assessed before purchase

Published contact options and service descriptions are useful evidence of how a provider intends to support customers. They are not the same as independently measured response times. This review does not claim to have tested a live support queue or submitted a difficult case.

You can still assess support before buying by asking a specific question. For example, describe your planned ownership structure and ask which package supports it, or ask whether a particular accounting task is included. A clear, relevant answer provides more useful information than a generic reassurance that support is available.

Look for consistency between the answer and the written terms. If a sales representative says a service is included but the package page is unclear, ask for that inclusion to be recorded in the order or engagement documents.

Public customer reviews can help identify recurring themes, but they should be read critically. A positive formation experience does not necessarily tell you how an accounting service performs a year later. A complaint about an unsuitable bank account may relate to a separate provider’s decision. The context of the review matters.

For a business buying ongoing accounting, support quality includes continuity, clarity and ownership of tasks. A quick reply is useful, but a reply that resolves the question and identifies the next action is more valuable.

Cancellation, refunds and changing your mind

Company formation is not a purchase that can always be reversed by cancelling an order. Before submission, there may be scope to amend or stop an application, depending on the provider’s terms and the work already performed. After incorporation, the company exists as a legal entity and may have obligations even if it never trades.

This is why the final application review matters. Check spelling, addresses, ownership and package selection before authorising submission. If you discover an error, contact the provider promptly and explain exactly what needs correcting.

Accounting subscriptions introduce a separate cancellation question. The introductory arrangement described here has an initial commitment, so do not assume that monthly billing means unrestricted monthly cancellation. Read the minimum term, notice requirements and treatment of work already completed.

Ask what happens if the accounting engagement is not approved or if the business turns out to fall outside the package scope. The order documentation should explain how the formation and accounting elements interact in that situation.

If a dispute arises, retain the package description, order confirmation, invoices and correspondence. A clear record makes it easier to identify what was agreed and to use the provider’s complaint process effectively. Do not rely on a saved headline price alone when the purchase includes several distinct services.

1st Formations versus Tide

Tide remains my overall recommendation for eligible founders who want straightforward incorporation alongside a business account. Its published £14.99 formation price, including the Companies House fee, is a strong opening proposition. The NEW200 promotion can provide up to £200 subject to separate eligibility, spending, funding and timing conditions.

The comparison changes when you need an accountant. Tide’s formation price does not replace a professional accounting engagement, and 1st Formations’ accounting price should not be compared as though it were merely a more expensive incorporation charge. Build the cost of the accounting service you actually need into both options.

A founder could choose Tide for formation and appoint an accountant independently. Another could prefer the convenience of the 1st Formations bundle. The better choice depends on service scope, total cost and the desired relationship with the accountant.

There are also structural considerations. Tide supports additional directors, but its published formation information includes a single-shareholder limitation. A company with multiple owners or bespoke requirements should confirm eligibility before selecting the Tide route. An agent with a broader range may be more suitable, subject to confirmation of the exact structure.

Compare Tide’s company formation offer and NEW200 terms. Treat any reward as conditional and compare the full service requirements before deciding.

1st Formations versus ANNA Money

ANNA is particularly relevant to a founder who wants company formation connected to everyday business administration and an app-based account. Its appeal is the relationship between registration, invoicing and ongoing tools. 1st Formations is more compelling when the priority is a conventional formation service with a clearly scoped accounting engagement.

The distinction should not be reduced to “app versus accountant”. Both businesses offer more than one service, and the actual package determines the experience. The question is which tasks you want to perform yourself and which you want another party to undertake.

For ANNA, examine account tariffs and any conditions attached to the formation subsidy. For 1st Formations, examine the accounting commitment and the scope of the selected tier. Those continuing costs are likely to matter more than the difference between the introductory registration figures.

A founder who enjoys managing invoices and records in an app may value ANNA’s approach. A founder who wants a professional service responsible for defined year-end work may prefer the accounting bundle. Neither choice removes the director’s responsibility to provide accurate information and keep the company compliant.

My recommendation is to compare a representative month of activity and a complete year of compliance work. This makes the decision concrete and avoids choosing a provider based on a feature that sounds appealing but will rarely be used.

1st Formations versus Mint, Rapid and Your Company Formations

Mint, Rapid and Your Company Formations all give readers reasons to consider a specialist agent. Their packages differ in how they combine basic registration, addresses, support and additional services. The useful comparison is between equivalent bundles, not just the cheapest headline on each homepage.

Mint is worth examining if you want an agent-led service with several support channels and a choice of broader packages. Rapid presents a relatively clear progression from basic formation to privacy and additional administrative services. Your Company Formations has a very low advertised professional fee for its entry package and a wide range of company types and upgrades.

For someone already committed to paid accounting, 1st Formations’ accounting-linked offer deserves specific attention. For someone with an existing accountant, that same bundle may add a commitment they do not need. In that case, compare the ordinary digital or privacy packages instead.

Small differences in formation fees should not dominate a decision involving annual addresses or accounting. A few pounds saved on registration can be outweighed by one renewal charge, an unnecessary subscription or an extra service that another provider includes.

Ask each shortlisted provider for the same specification. For example: one UK company limited by shares, two directors, a specified ownership structure, registered office, two service addresses and a clearly defined accounting requirement. Comparable quotations produce a much fairer decision than promotional package names.

Three founder scenarios

A solo consultant who wants an accountant from the start

For this founder, 1st Formations can make sense if the Simple plan covers the actual work required. The key questions are whether bookkeeping remains the director’s responsibility, whether payroll is needed, and whether any personal tax work is included. The first-year accounting commitment should be budgeted from the outset.

Tide may still be the less expensive formation route, but the consultant must then add a separate accounting quote. The decision turns on the combined cost and quality of the accounting arrangement, not the incorporation fee alone.

Two founders planning investment

This business should prioritise ownership arrangements, share rights and professional advice. A standard online package may be insufficient if the founders need bespoke articles, an investment agreement or different share classes. Confirm the formation scope before paying and obtain legal advice where appropriate.

The accounting service may be useful after incorporation, but it does not automatically resolve the legal design of the company. The correct sequence is to agree the structure, confirm that the provider can implement it, and then arrange the ongoing compliance services.

A side project with uncertain trading plans

A founder testing an idea may prefer a basic formation route and separately arranged support when it becomes necessary. An annual accounting commitment can still be reasonable, but it should be a deliberate choice rather than an accidental consequence of selecting a cheap introductory package.

Before incorporating at all, consider whether the company is needed now. An inactive company can still have filing obligations. Starting the legal structure earlier than necessary may create administration before the business has meaningful revenue.

A practical handover checklist after incorporation

Once the company is registered, verify the public details and download the incorporation documents. Confirm that the registered office and service addresses match the services purchased. If something is wrong, address it promptly rather than assuming it will be corrected automatically.

Next, complete banking and accounting onboarding. Establish who has access to the accounting software, how receipts will be captured and how the first transactions should be recorded. If the founder has paid formation costs personally, ask the accountant how to record that payment correctly.

Create a filing calendar based on the company’s actual dates. Include accounts, confirmation statements, tax obligations and any payroll or VAT reporting that applies. Add service renewal dates separately so that a commercial subscription is not confused with a statutory deadline.

Make sure the company controls its essential contact details. A business email account should remain accessible if an employee, adviser or co-founder leaves. Store recovery information securely and avoid making one person’s private account the only route to important records.

Finally, record the division of responsibilities. A simple note stating who handles bookkeeping, who approves filings and who monitors official correspondence can prevent tasks from falling between the director, agent and accountant.

Ongoing duties the formation package does not erase

A limited company has continuing responsibilities after registration. These commonly include maintaining records, filing accounts and confirmation statements, dealing with company tax and updating relevant company information. The exact requirements depend on the company’s circumstances and activity.

The confirmation statement is not the same as annual accounts or a company tax return. It confirms specified company information and has its own filing process and fee. A package that includes help with one obligation should not be assumed to include the others.

Similarly, VAT registration assistance is different from preparing VAT returns. Payroll registration is different from running payroll each pay period. These distinctions are especially important when comparing all-inclusive packages whose feature lists contain several administrative services.

Directors remain responsible for ensuring the company meets its duties even when an agent or accountant performs the work. That does not mean doing everything personally. It means appointing suitable support, supplying accurate information, reviewing important filings and checking that deadlines are met.

A well-chosen service makes those responsibilities easier to manage. It should create clarity about the work being done, rather than giving the impression that incorporation has removed the need for continued attention.

Questions to ask before ordering

Ask which package supports your ownership structure and whether any bespoke requirements change the price. Ask whether the Companies House incorporation fee is included and how VAT is applied to the order.

For accounting, request the minimum term, normal monthly price, introductory discount, cancellation notice and full service scope. Ask which activities trigger an upgrade or extra fee, and whether there are limits on transactions, payroll recipients or personal tax returns.

For addresses, ask which mail is accepted, which directors are covered, how correspondence is delivered and what renewals cost. Confirm the process for leaving the service without missing official mail.

For support, ask how to raise an urgent query and who will handle accounting questions after the formation stage. If you are moving from another accountant, ask what information must be transferred and who completes outstanding work.

These questions are not an obstacle to buying. They are the quickest way to establish whether the package is right for you. A clear answer can justify paying more; an unclear answer is a reason to investigate before making a commitment.

Frequently asked questions

Is 1st Formations cheaper than registering directly?

Some promotional packages can have an initial service price below the direct Companies House incorporation fee because the provider covers that fee. However, the accounting-linked offer includes an ongoing commitment. Compare the total required spend and services, not just the first payment.

Does the accounting package mean I can ignore bookkeeping?

No. You need to establish who maintains the records and what information the accountant expects. Preparing accounts from complete records is different from performing all bookkeeping. The engagement terms should make that division clear.

Can I use my own accountant?

Compare an ordinary formation package if you already have an accountant. Before choosing an accounting-linked discount, check whether its conditions require the associated service. Paying for two overlapping arrangements is unlikely to be good value.

Will an address package make me anonymous?

No. Address services can help keep a home address out of specified public fields, but they do not remove legal disclosure requirements or make company ownership anonymous. Confirm the scope and arrange privacy before filing where possible.

Can a non-UK resident use the advertised accounting deal?

The particular accounting-linked offer reviewed here is stated to be for UK residents, subject to approval. Non-residents should look at the relevant package and obtain confirmation about formation, address and banking eligibility rather than assuming the same offer applies.

Is the company ready to trade immediately after incorporation?

Incorporation establishes the company, but trading may also require an appropriate account, insurance, licences, contracts or sector-specific permissions. The certificate is one part of business setup, not approval for every activity.

Does paying monthly mean I can leave at any time?

Not necessarily. The introductory accounting arrangement has a stated initial term. Payment frequency and cancellation rights are separate matters. Read the contract before committing and keep a copy of the terms applying to your order.

Should I choose 1st Formations or Tide?

Choose Tide first for consideration if you fit its formation criteria, want its business account and value the low initial cost and conditional NEW200 offer. Consider 1st Formations particularly closely if you need a broader agent service or an accounting package that matches your expected workload.

My final recommendation

1st Formations is a credible choice for a founder who wants company formation connected to defined ongoing accounting support. Its strength is the ability to buy more than registration, provided the package is matched carefully to the business.

The main caution is equally clear: the attractive accounting-linked formation price should be assessed alongside the initial subscription commitment, VAT, service limits and renewal costs. A realistic first-year budget is the basis for a good decision.

Tide remains this comparison’s overall winner for eligible straightforward founders wanting formation and banking together. 1st Formations earns its place as a strong alternative when the accounting relationship or wider formation requirements are the deciding factor.

View 1st Formations’ accounting package or compare Tide’s NEW200 formation offer. Check the final order and current terms before proceeding.

Sources and verification notes

Reviewed in October 2026. Prices and availability can change. Provider statements about support and processing are not presented as independently tested results.

• 1st Formations: All Inclusive with Accounting
• 1st Formations: accounting service and tiers
• 1st Formations: package range
• Tide: company registration
• Tide: NEW200 partner offer
• GOV.UK: setting up a limited company
• GOV.UK: company addresses
• GOV.UK: identity verification
• GOV.UK: people with significant control
• GOV.UK: confirmation statements
• GOV.UK: annual accounts

About the author

Sam Bennett · Company Formation Offers

Sam researches the full cost of each provider: government fees, VAT, account eligibility, transaction charges, address renewals, subscriptions and the conditions behind cashback and referral rewards. Every review is built from the provider’s own published terms, pricing pages and help articles, with a dated research record and a clear line between published evidence and third-party customer feedback.

Writes for Company Formation Offers on provider reviews. Reviews assess published evidence and do not claim an independent whole-market rating. Full profile