How to Add a New LLP Member: 2026/27 Checklist

Updated for 2026/27. An LLP can admit a new member at any time if the required consent is obtained and the appointment is documented and reported. In LLP law the correct term is “member”, although people often say partner.

Check the LLP agreement first

The agreement should state who approves a new member, the voting threshold, required capital, profit rights, management authority and admission procedure. If the agreement does not address admission, statutory default rules generally require the consent of all existing members.

Who can become a member?

An individual or a corporate body can generally become an LLP member. The person must genuinely agree to membership and the LLP should complete identity, sanctions, conflict, regulatory and source-of-funds checks appropriate to its activities. Professional LLPs may have qualification or regulator restrictions.

Step-by-step admission checklist

1. Carry out due diligence. Confirm identity, eligibility, conflicts, financial standing and any professional approvals.
2. Agree commercial terms. Record capital contribution, profit and loss share, drawings, voting, duties and start date.
3. Obtain member consent. Follow the LLP agreement and document the resolution.
4. Sign an accession or revised agreement. Make the new member legally bound by the current terms.
5. Receive capital and update accounts. Record whether money is capital, a loan or another contribution.
6. Complete identity verification. Every individual LLP member must verify their identity before appointment. Obtain the member’s 11-character Companies House personal code and confirm verification in the filing.
7. Notify Companies House. File LL AP01 for an individual or LL AP02 for a corporate member, normally within 14 days. File online where possible; the current LL AP01 requires the individual member’s personal code.
8. Update tax and operational records. Add the member to allocation schedules, bank authorities, insurance, licences and internal registers.

Information needed for an individual member

The filing normally requires the member’s name, service address, country or state of residence, date of birth details and whether they are designated. Residential-address information is handled separately and is not ordinarily displayed in full on the public register. Follow the identity-verification process in force at the appointment date.

Information needed for a corporate member

The LLP needs the corporate name, registered or principal office, legal form, governing law and relevant registration details. Additional identity or officer information may be required under current corporate-member rules. Overseas entities and regulated structures require particular care.

Designated member status

Decide whether the incoming person will be a designated member. The LLP must maintain at least two designated members. Designated members have extra responsibility for accounts, confirmation statements, Companies House changes and insolvency procedures.

Profit and tax from the joining date

The agreement should explain how profit is allocated around admission. A time-apportionment may be used, but performance, client responsibility or another commercial basis may be agreed. The tax allocation must match the LLP return and member statements.

An individual member is generally self-employed, but the salaried-member rules may treat them as an employee where all statutory conditions are met. Review disguised salary, significant influence and capital contribution before finalising fixed remuneration.

Capital contribution

Record the amount, payment date, ownership and repayment rules. Capital can affect voting, retirement payments, lender covenants and the salaried-member test. It is not the same as buying company shares, because an LLP has members’ interests governed by its agreement.

PSC implications

A new member may become a person with significant control if they meet the relevant ownership, voting, appointment or significant-influence tests. Review and update PSC information within the applicable time limits rather than waiting for the next confirmation statement.

Banking, insurance and client matters

Update bank mandates and authority limits, professional indemnity insurance, engagement letters, websites and regulator records. The LLP should decide whether the new member can bind it immediately and communicate restrictions internally. Client consent may be needed in regulated or confidential work.

Example

An LLP admits Priya as a member on 1 October 2026 with a £25,000 capital contribution and a 20% profit share from that date. The members approve and sign an accession deed before admission, the LLP files LL AP01 by 15 October, updates its PSC assessment and reflects the part-year allocation in its 2026/27 partnership return.

Common mistakes

• Calling someone a member before the agreement and consent are complete
• Missing the Companies House notification deadline
• Failing to bind the member to confidentiality and exit terms
• Confusing capital, loans and purchase payments
• Ignoring salaried-member or PSC rules
• Letting profit statements differ from the LLP tax return

Use the official Companies House LLP forms and guidance on running an LLP. See our guide to LLP agreement terms before drafting the accession.

Frequently asked questions

Can an LLP add a member without unanimous consent?

Only if the existing agreement provides another valid approval mechanism. Otherwise, statutory defaults generally require all members’ consent.

Must the new member contribute capital?

Not always, but the agreement, tax status, commercial expectations and lender requirements should be reviewed.

When does membership start?

The agreed legal admission date controls; Companies House should then be notified within the required period.

This guide is general information and does not replace legal, tax or regulatory advice.