A company registered address is a legal requirement for all UK limited companies.
It serves as the official address of your company and is publicly available on the Companies House register. This address is crucial as it is the primary location for receiving official correspondence and legal notices.
Legal Requirements for a Registered Address
According to the Companies Act 2006, every UK limited company must have a registered address. This address must be a physical location, not a P.O. Box, and must be situated in the same country where the company is registered – England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Functions of a Registered Address
The registered address serves several important functions:
- It is the official address for receiving correspondence from Companies House, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and other government agencies.
- It is the location where legal notices and court documents can be served.
- It is a matter of public record, meaning it is available for anyone to view on the Companies House register.
Choosing a Registered Address
When choosing a registered address, you have several options:
Home address: Some company directors use their home address as the company’s registered address. While this is a cost-effective option, it does mean your home address will be publicly available, which may raise privacy concerns.
Business premises: If you have a physical business location, this can also serve as your registered address. However, if you move premises, you’ll need to update your registered address.
Third-party service provider: Many companies opt to use a third-party service provider’s address as their registered address. This can provide a level of privacy and professionalism, but there will be a small cost involved.
Changing a Registered Address
If you need to change your registered address, you must notify Companies House promptly. The change is usually processed within a few days, but it’s important to ensure all relevant parties are informed to avoid missing crucial correspondence.
Registered Address vs Trading Address
It’s important to distinguish between a registered address and a trading address. The registered address is the official address of the company, while the trading address is where the company conducts its business. They can be the same, but they don’t have to be.
Privacy Considerations
Given that the registered address is publicly available, privacy can be a concern, especially for home-based businesses. Using a third-party service provider’s address can help maintain privacy.
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