How to issue or transfer company shares

1. Check the articles and any shareholders’ agreement for limits or procedures
2. Respect existing shareholders’ pre-emption rights (offer them first) or get a waiver
3. Pass the required resolution to allot
4. Issue share certificates and update the register of members
5. File form SH01 (return of allotment) at Companies House within one month

Issuing shares brings the money into the company — useful for bringing in an investor or a new working shareholder.

1. Buyer and seller complete a stock transfer form (J30)
2. If the price is over £1,000, pay Stamp Duty at 0.5% to HMRC and get the form stamped
3. The company approves the transfer as the articles require
4. Update the register of members and issue a new certificate
5. Report the change on the next confirmation statement (no separate CH form)

Transfers move money to the seller, not the company — the route for buying someone out or bringing a family member into the shareholding.

Why share splits matter for dividends →

• PSC changes — crossing 25% makes (or unmakes) a person with significant control, which must be filed
• Dividend rights — new shareholders share in future dividends; different share classes can be used for flexibility
• Tax — gifting or selling shares can trigger Capital Gains Tax and, between spouses or to employees, other rules; take advice on anything non-trivial

How share changes affect PSCs →

The paperwork is easy to get slightly wrong — and share history matters years later when you sell or restructure. We handle allotments, transfers and the register updates, and flag the tax. Call 0114 327 1480.

Confirmation statement filing →