New Rules for Registered Office Addresses: Need to Know

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Companies incorporated in the United Kingdom must always use an “appropriate address” as their registered office address. These changes came into force on 4 March 2024 after the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act) made reforms in Companies House.

In the new reforms, companies can no longer use a PO Box as their registered office address. However, they can still use a third-party agent’s address (virtual office address) if it meets the conditions for an appropriate address.

In this article, we will explain what an ‘appropriate address’ is, the implications of using an inappropriate address, and the steps to take to change your registered address.

Post Contents

What is an ‘appropriate address’?

An ‘appropriate address’ for a registered office is one that meets specific criteria set by Companies House in the UK. The address must be:

Physical location: The address must be a physical address within the UK, in the same country or jurisdiction where your company is incorporated.
Accessible: The address must be accessible to the company and its directors. It should be a place where documents sent to the registered office can come to the attention of someone acting on behalf of the company.
Acknowledgment of delivery: Documents sent to the address should be acknowledged for delivery. This means there should be a way to verify that the company received the documents.
No PO Box: As of March 4, 2024, you cannot use a PO Box as your registered office address. However, you can use a third-party agent’s address if it meets the appropriate address criteria.
Compliance: Companies without an appropriate registered office address could face being struck off the register.

Companies can use either a residential or non-residential (commercial) address as their registered office, as long as it satisfies the above conditions and you have permission to use it for this purpose.

What are the differences between a registered address and a default address?

A registered address is an official address of a legal entity (such as a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership), whereas a default address refers to the common or standard location where correspondence or packages are delivered.

Companies House uses a default address if they decide that a company’s existing registered office address is being used without the appropriate approval.

A registered address must be a physical address where the company can receive official correspondence from other businesses, clients, investors, governments, and tax authorities. The default address is typically the usual address used as the norm or regular point of contact.

A default address is not a legal requirement.

Can I use a virtual address service as my registered office address?

Using a virtual address as your registered office address is a more viable option than your residential address.

A virtual address is a location where the company’s mail is received on its behalf and services that require you to provide address information like limited company formation. Virtual addresses are accessed and managed remotely.

Essentially, it’s a physical address that allows your company to receive business mail while maintaining privacy and security.

The address you choose will appear on the public register at Companies House.

With a London virtual address, you can separate your business and personal affairs enhancing your business presence with a professional address.

A virtual business address also meets the legal requirements for a registered business address.

When it comes to your business you must create a great first impression for your prospective customers. Business addresses are located in prestigious locations that could make a huge difference in how you are perceived by a potential customer.

What are the consequences of using an inappropriate address as a registered office?

Using an inappropriate address as a registered office can have several consequences for a company:

Legal non-compliance: Companies are legally required to maintain a valid registered office address so failure to do so can result in non-compliance with company law.

Risk of missing important documents: Official correspondence, legal notices, and government communications are sent to the registered office. An inappropriate address may lead to missing critical documents, such as tax notifications or court summons.

Potential striking off: If Companies House determines that a company’s registered office address is invalid or inappropriate, they may strike off the company from the register. This means the company ceases to exist legally.

Reputational damage: Using an inappropriate address (e.g., a PO Box) can harm a company’s reputation. Clients, investors, and partners may view it negatively.

Financial penalties: Companies House can impose financial penalties for non-compliance. These penalties can escalate if the issue persists.

How to change your registered office address

If your current address is not appropriate you can change it quickly and easily following these steps.

Review the company’s articles of association to check for any restrictions

Pass a board resolution of the directors to authorise the change of address or seek shareholder approval, if required under the articles.

Provide notice to Companies House by filing form AD01 online or by post within 14 days

If you file online and the registrar approves the new address, it should be effective within 24 hours. It depends on Companies House processing times on the day. The registrar will then update the public record accordingly and provide the new address details to HMRC.

What happens if Companies House has moved your registered address to the default address?

If the register has moved your registered office to a default address, you will need to submit form AD01 by post.

BusinAssist can help you notify Companies House of your registered office address changes. On behalf of your company, we can submit Form AD011, and submit it to Companies House.

If your company has directors, we can help draft a board resolution authorising the change of address.

We also provide advice on selecting an appropriate new address that will be in the same region or jurisdiction where your company is registered. We offer Cheap UK virtual office services that you can purchase and use as your registered office address.

For more information, contact us at info@businassist.com.

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