GOV.UK Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Explained
By the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), contractors deduct 20% from registered and 30% from unregistered subcontractors as advance tax payments.
Key Takeaways
- The primary purpose of your registered office address is to receive official correspondence from HMRC, Companies House, or any other UK government agency.
- UK company law requires limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships, along with other LTD companies, to maintain a registered office in the UK.
- Your preferred address must be a physical location and not a P.O. Box.
What Is a Registered Office Address?
A registered office address is the official address of a company registered with Companies House in the United Kingdom. It is a legal requirement for all types of UK-incorporated limited companies, including private limited companies (LTDs), public limited companies (PLCs), limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
The registered address is where official government correspondence, such as letters and notices from Companies House and HMRC, are sent. It acts as the official point of contact for statutory mail, legal notices, and other official communications related to the company’s registration and compliance with regulatory requirements.
While the registered office address must be a physical location within the UK jurisdiction, it does not necessarily need to be the company’s primary place of business. Companies can use a separate address solely for official purposes, even if their operational activities are elsewhere.
Can I use a virtual business address as my registered address?
Usually, no. Using a virtual address as your official correspondence address isn’t feasible. Most virtual address services don’t offer the necessary facilities to handle statutory mail. Thus, unless explicitly stated otherwise by your chosen service provider, you won’t be able to designate your virtual business address as your registered address. However, you can use Your Company Formations virtual address as your business address service.
New Company Law Requirements for Registered Office Address for a Limited Company
In the Economic Crimes and Corporate Transparency Act, 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House introduced new requirements for company registered office addresses effective March 2024 as follows –
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Be in the same UK country or jurisdiction where the company is registered
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Be a physical address, not a P.O. Box
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You can change the address at Companies House as many times as you want as long as it’s in the same UK jurisdiction where the business was registered.
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The company’s details will be available to the public in the Companies House register, along with other company details.
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You can use your residential address as your official correspondence address if you have no privacy or security concerns.
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Display the registered office address on business correspondence, such as letters and the business website.
See also: New 2024 Companies House Requirements for Registered Office Address
Our registered office service includes free national and international mail forwarding. With your office address in the heart of London, you’ll gain immediate access to a vibrant business community, contributing to your company’s growth and success.
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How a Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership Can Update their Registered Office Service Address
When a limited partnership (LP) or limited liability partnership (LLP) needs to update its records to reflect a new registered office address, the process involves submitting the necessary forms to Companies House. For a limited partnership, the appropriate form to use is LP6, which enables the business to formally record any changes to its details, including the registered business address. The completed form can then be submitted to Companies House by post.
LLPs can use form LL AD01c to record changes in details, including the registered office address. The completed form can be submitted either by post or by Webfiling.
How to change your company’s registered office address with Companies House
To change your registered office address with Companies House, you’ll need a web filing account and your company’s authentication code ready. Before submitting, ensure the new address details are accurate and meet legal standards. Companies House will approve the change once they process the request.
To make the change –
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Visit the Find and update company information page on the Companies House website.
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Locate your company and click on the ‘file for this company’ tab.
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Follow the instructions provided on the page.
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Enter your new building name or number and postcode. You can either find the address or manually input it.
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Submit your changes.
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Companies House will promptly send you a confirmation email.
Remember to update your company’s address on your website, order forms, receipts, and business cards to ensure consistency.
If you purchased your registered office address through us, follow the change of address process below in your online company manager.
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Log in to Your Online Company Manager.
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Navigate to ‘My Particulars.’
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Locate the addresses section and click the “Edit” button with the pencil icon next to the registered office address.
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Click on “Select” in the “Choose Another” section.
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The “New Address” section will expand and reveal your current address. Scroll down and once again click on “Choose Another.”
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The section will expand, revealing your recently used addresses. At the end of this list, click on “Add New Address.”
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Now, enter the new address details in the pop-up window.
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Finally, click Submit Address.
Your updated information will then be forwarded to Companies House for processing.
What is the difference between a registered office address and a director service address?
The registered office address is designated for receiving statutory correspondence directed to the company, whereas the director service address is used for statutory letters on the director’s role.
See the table below for key differences.
| Difference | Registered Office Address | Director Service Address |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Used to receive statutory letters addressed by the company name. | Used to receive statutory letters related to the director’s role. |
| Requirement | Legal requirement during company registration. | |
| Public Availability | Publicly available on the Companies House register. | |
| Location requirements | It must be a physical location in the same part of the UK where the business was initially incorporated. | It can be anywhere in the world. |
Read also: Director’s Service Address – What You Need To Know
Can I use a home address as my registered office?
Yes. Every limited company must have a registered office address in the same country where the business was registered, which can be a residential or non-residential address. However, before you use your home address, it’s crucial to weigh the implications. The address will be publicly available on the Companies House register, potentially compromising your privacy and security. Opt for our fully inclusive company formation package instead and receive a complimentary registered address to safeguard your privacy and elevate your professional image!
Which company provides the best Central London registered office address service?
Discover the most prestigious London street address with Your Company Formations. Situated in the exquisite EC1 district. Our address places your business at the epicentre of London’s bustling financial hub.
Use our address and enjoy the prestige of having your company in one of the world’s most sought-after business districts. You will also have access to exclusive virtual and in-person networking events tailored to businesses in this prime location.
The convenience of accessing suppliers, customers, and stakeholders makes managing your correspondence easier or more cost-effective.
Read also: Do I need a registered office address for my company?
Do I need a registered Office Address for Company Formation?
Absolutely! A registered business address is legally required when submitting your application for company formation. A limited company or LLP is a separate legal entity from its members, and the registered address is a crucial component of this distinct identity. Beyond that, this address is the designated location for receiving statutory correspondence from government agencies, underlining its vital importance for your business operations.
Can I use a virtual office address as a trading office address?
Yes, you can! Our virtual office address allows businesses to establish a professional presence in a prime location without needing physical office space. Companies can use the address for official communications, meetings, and correspondence, providing credibility and prestige. A company trading in different locations in the UK or abroad can have multiple business addresses to establish a point of contact for each location.
With our virtual office service, businesses can enjoy the benefits of a London office without the associated costs of renting traditional office space. Additionally, our virtual office UK solution often includes mail handling and forwarding services, ensuring businesses never miss essential correspondence.
How can you register your business with a prestigious address in London?
Looking to register your company with Companies House with an address in a prestigious London location? It’s simple! Visit Your Company Formations and choose our fully inclusive package, or click the ‘Get Started’ link below.
Remember, you must provide a registered office address; other requirements are outlined in our company formations checklist.
What are the differences between Covent Garden, WC2 address, and Shoreditch EC1?
| Aspect | Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London (WC2) | City Road, Shoreditch, London ( EC1) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Central London, West End | City of London, Old Street/Shoreditch |
| Atmosphere | Vibrant, cultural, and tourist-friendly. More focused on entertainment and retail. | Business-focused, tech-centric. Commercial, tech companies, startups. |
| Nearby Landmarks | Covent Garden Market & Royal Opera House. | Silicon Roundabout, & Boxpark Shoreditch. |
| Networking opportunities | Tourists, cultural events | Tech events, innovation centres. |
| Accessibility | Well-connected, busy | Modern infrastructure, co-working spaces |
| Perceived business image | Festive, cultural and creative | Innovative, tech-savvy |
Thanks for the article! It was helpful learning about registered office address. This info will help in better management of my own business.