{"id":5308,"date":"2017-04-20T12:14:35","date_gmt":"2017-04-20T11:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualityformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5308"},"modified":"2024-01-30T10:13:48","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T10:13:48","slug":"what-is-a-service-address-in-a-limited-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-a-service-address-in-a-limited-company\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a service address in a limited company?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you register a company or limited liability partnership, you must include a service address for each director, secretary, subscriber (shareholder\/guarantor), person with significant control (PSC), and LLP member. The nominated address will serve as the individual’s statutory contact address for the delivery of official correspondence and legal notices from Companies House, HMRC, the courts, and other government agencies.<\/p>\n A Central London Service Address - for only \u00a326.00 per year<\/span><\/a>\n \n

Do I need a service address?<\/h3>\n

If you are a company director, secretary, subscriber, person with significant control<\/a>, or LLP member, you are legally required to have a service address to enable the delivery of official government mail in relation to your role in the company. You must provide this information when you join the company or LLP, whether that is during incorporation or afterward.<\/p>\n

Shareholders (of companies limited by shares) and guarantors (of companies limited by guarantee) only have to provide a service address to Companies House if they become members during the company registration process or if they are also PSCs in the company. In all other instances, there is no need for members to provide any address information.<\/p>\n

What type of address can I use as a service address?<\/h3>\n

You can use almost any type of address you want. This can include a non-UK address, as long as you are authorised to use it and it is a physical postal address that can be easily accessed during normal business hours and where mail can be signed for when required. PO Box Numbers are therefore unsuitable.<\/p>\n

You may use your home address, business premises, the company\u2019s registered office address<\/a>, your accountant\u2019s or solicitor\u2019s office, or a professional service address, or a virtual office from a company formation agent or address provider.<\/p>\n Choosing a SIC code for your limited company<\/span><\/a>\n \n

While you can use your home as this address, it is advisable to use a non-residential address where possible. This is because your service address will be available to the public. A commercial address will enable you to protect your own privacy and that of your family, which can help you avoid unsolicited marketing mail being delivered to your home. It will also create a more credible and impressive professional image.<\/p>\n

I rent my home – can I use it as a service address?<\/h3>\n

Due to the fact that your service address will be a matter of public record, you must seek permission from the owner of the premises before providing it as a service address or using it for any other business-related purpose. Most tenancy agreements include provisions preventing tenants from using their rented premises for such purposes. If you’re in any doubt, you should contact your landlord for confirmation before using your home as a service address.<\/p>\n

Does my service address need to be in the UK?<\/h3>\n

No. Unlike the registered office, service addresses do not need to be in the UK. You can use any address in any country, as long as you have permission to use it and it is a physical postal address where mail can be easily delivered and signed for during normal business hours.<\/p>\n

Is a service address the same as a registered office?<\/h3>\n

No. A service address and a registered office address are two completely different requirements. However, it is common for the same location to be used for both purposes.<\/p>\n