Here’s what you need to know before deciding which address to use

All companies listed on Companies House are required to have at minimum 3 addresses, which must be physical addresses:

Registered office address – public

Director’s correspondence address – public

Director’s home address – private

What Are These Addresses Used For?

The directors residential address is linked to HMRC, and it is important that this address is always up to date.

The correspondence address will be the official location where both HMRC and Companies House will post correspondence to company directors.

The registered address could be your head office, your trading address, or as is more typical, your accountants address. This is ideal for keeping your accountant in the loop, and a good choice if you do not have a physical business location or operate from home.

All addresses provided must meet the following criteria:

• A physical address in the UK (PO Boxes are not accepted).
• Located in the same part of the UK where your company is registered. For example, a company registered in Scotland must have a registered office in Scotland.
• An ‘appropriate’ address, meaning someone relevant to the company must be available to receive mail and ensure it is brought to the attention of the company.

It is important to note that should you arrange that your accountant receives all mail, it is ultimately your responsibility, as the director, to respond and meet deadlines.

Should You Use Your Accountant’s Address as Your Company’s Registered Office?

Alternatively, by using your home or business address you gain:

• Immediate Access to Mail – You see everything as it arrives with no additional delays
• Centralised Mail Management – If your business already receives mail at your office or home, keeping all correspondence in one place can be easier to consolidate.

Using your accountant’s address as your registered office can offer valuable benefits, but it’s not without drawbacks. Before deciding, consider:

• How hands-on you want to be with official mail.
• Whether your accountant is reliable with time-sensitive documents.
• If the added cost and dependency fit your business operations.

Stop Companies House from providing your personal details

Yes, if your business draws negative attention, harassment or retaliation towards your staff, you can apply to have employees’ personal details removed. You can also apply for yourself personally if you are concerned about, or have been a victim of intimidation, violence or fraud.

• Applying as an individual and director for a UK company – you’ll need to send supporting documentation, i.e. a crime or incident number

• Applying as the company, a lender to the company, or accountant or solicitor acting on behalf of the company – for those who are at risk of intimidation or violence due to the sector of business

More information along with the forms can be found: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/removing-your-home-address-from-the-companies-house-register