If you run a limited company in the UK, you need to have a registered office address. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter? In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about registered offices, including how to keep your personal address private.
What is a registered office address?
A registered address is the official address of your limited company, which is displayed on public records at Companies House. It’s where HMRC and Companies House send important letters about tax deadlines, compliance requirements, and legal notices. Matt tells us more:
What are the requirements of a registered office?
A registered address for a business must be:
- A real, physical location (not just a PO Box)
- Based in the UK
- Kept up to date
Can I use my home address?
Yes, you can use your home address—but this means it will be publicly available on Companies House records. For many directors, this is a privacy concern.
How can I keep my home address private?
If you don’t want your home address to be publicly listed, you can use a registered office service. At QPS, we offer a service that allows you to use our address instead of your own.
- Keeps your home address private
- Ensures all official mail is handled correctly
- Helps accountants stay informed about deadlines
Why is a registered office important?
- Compliance: You must have a registered office to legally operate your limited company.
- Privacy: Using a registered office service can protect your personal address from being publicly available.
- Efficiency: Having your accountant receive key documents directly means they can help you stay on top of deadlines.
How to set up or change your registered address
If you’re forming a new company, you’ll provide your registered office address during registration. If you need to change it later, you must:
- Notify Companies House online
- Update HMRC and any other relevant authorities
- Ensure the new address is in the same UK country as the previous one (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
Need help setting up your registered office?
At QPS, we offer a registered office address service to keep your details private and ensure you never miss an important deadline. Get in touch with us today to find out more!
