Limited liability partnerships

What makes a limited liability partnership permissible?

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a permissible donor if it is:

  • registered as an LLP at Companies House
  • carrying on business in the UK

How do you check permissibility?

You should check the register at Companies House, using the free Webcheck service at companieshouse.gov.uk.

How do you check if a limited liability partnership is carrying on business in the UK?

You must be satisfied that the LLP is carrying on business in the UK. The business can be non-profit-making.

Even if you have direct personal knowledge of the LLP, you should check the Companies House register to see if:

  • the LLP is in liquidation, dormant, or about to be struck off
  • the LLP’s accounts and annual return are overdue

An LLP may still be carrying on business if it is in liquidation, dormant or late in filing documents, but you should make extra checks to satisfy yourself that this is the case.

For any LLP, you should consider looking at:

  • the LLP’s website
  • relevant trade, telephone directories or reputable websites
  • the latest accounts filed at Companies House

If you are still not sure if the LLP is carrying on business in the UK, you should ask for written confirmation of its business activities from the LLP’s directors.

What do you need to record? 

You must record:

  • the name as it is shown on the register 
  • the LLP’s registered office address
Last updated: 21 November 2023