Should Startup Owners Use a Separate Bank Account for Their Business?

If you own a business, there is no legal requirement to use a separate business bank account. However, having a different bank account that you can use solely for your business’ income and outgoings can be beneficial. You should use a separate bank account for your business for many reasons. These include easier tax compliance and potential contractual obligations. This article will explore why business owners should use a different bank account for their businesses. 

What is a Business Bank Account? 

A business bank account is simply a bank account that business owners use for their business. It is separate from their personal finances. You would direct all your business’ income to this account and ensure all of your business’ expenses come from this account. If you have employees, you can also run payroll from this account. 

Why Should Startup Owners Use a Business Bank Account?

1. Ease and Tax Compliance

There is no legal requirement in the UK for business owners, such as sole traders, to use a separate bank account for their businesses. However, using a different account can ease the bookkeeping process. As a business owner, you will probably spend a significant amount of time preparing your tax returns. Separating your personal and business finances by opening a different bank account for your business can save you time on bookkeeping. 

A separate bank account can help you and your business comply with tax requirements more efficiently. You will be able to see business income and outgoings in one place, simplifying your bookkeeping and accounting tasks, such as tax return preparation. 

2. Running a Limited Company

If your business is a limited company, it is a separate legal entity from you. As a result, your personal assets should be separate from those of your business. You should have a different business bank account to distinguish your business finances from your non-business finances. This is not a legal requirement, but it is advisable. 

3. Bank Requirements

Your bank may require you to use a separate account for your business. The terms and conditions of your personal bank account may state that you are not allowed to use it for business purposes. If this is the case, you will be contractually obliged to use a different account for your business.

4. Linking the Account to Accounting Software

If you use software to manage your accounts, you may be able to link your business bank account to it. The bank account will sync with your accounting software and save you the time you would otherwise have spent managing your finances manually. 

5. Credit Rating

Having a business bank account can establish a credit rating for your business. A good credit score can allow you to access finance opportunities, such as business loans, that would otherwise be unavailable. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Opening a Business Bank Account?

Personal banking is often free. Business bank accounts, however, can cost you. A bank might ask you to pay fees to open a business account and monthly account fees to keep it running. You may also incur deposit and withdrawal fees. 

Additionally, opening a business bank account means you have an extra account to manage. Another account can mean you spend more time managing your banking. Although, on balance, you will likely save more time on tax return preparation than you will spend on handling multiple bank accounts.  

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Key Takeaways

A business bank account is a bank account you use for your business. It is separate from your personal finances. The law does not require business owners to use a different bank account for business purposes. However, keeping your business finances organised and distinct from your personal banking can prove beneficial. Benefits of opening a business account and using it solely for business-related purposes include:

• bookkeeping and accounting ease; 
• it can be easier for you to comply with tax regulations; 
• it ensures compliance with existing banking agreements; and
• you may be able to link accounting software with your business account. 

If you need legal advice relating to your business, our experienced startup lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.