In the UK, every registered company must have a registered office address. It is the official address where Companies House, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and other authorities may send statutory documents and official correspondence. It is the official address where UK government bodies send important statutory documents and official correspondence. Businesses may need to change their registered address for many reasons. Changing the address correctly and accurately is essential to avoid missed communications or potential penalties. But how to change registered office address?
This guide explains how you can change your registered office address, the step-by-step process of updating the address with Companies House, and the legal requirements involved.
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What is a Registered Office Address?
A company must have an official registered office address, which is displayed on the Companies House public register. This address is used as the company’s official address for receiving statutory communications and formal documents.
UK government bodies such as Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may send important correspondence to the registered office address. For example, they can send official notices, legal documents, filing reminders, and other government communications.
Why Would a Company Change Its Registered Office Address?
Before discussing how to change registered office address, let’s understand why a company changes its registered address. A company may decide to change its registered office address for several reasons, such as:
Moving Business Premises
If a company moves to another property, it may need to update its registered office address. This is because official communications from Companies House, government bodies, and other authorities can reach the correct location.
Changing Registered Office Providers
Companies that use formation agents or registered office address providers may need to update their registered office address when changing service providers.
Improving Privacy
Many business directors, especially those working from home, choose to use a professional registered office address service. This helps them keep their residential address private from the company’s public records.
What are the Requirements for a New Registered Office Address?
Before you learn how to change registered office address, it is important to understand the requirements. So, before changing the registered office address, you should ensure that the new address is an appropriate physical address under Companies Act requirements and is located in the same part of the UK in which the company was incorporated.
Furthermore, you should ensure that you can receive official documents and communications. You should also ensure that you have the right to use the address. Generally, Companies House does not require proof of ownership when you make a standard registered office change. However, you must have the right to use the address, and your lease, tenancy agreement or service contract may contain restrictions on using the property as a registered office.
How to Change Registered Office Address with Companies House?
A company can change its registered office address, provided the new address is in the same part of the UK in which the company was incorporated and meets Companies House requirements.
Changing a registered office address is quick and easy and includes notifying Companies House using the required filing procedure. It can be done online, and there are no fees. However, you will need your email and authentication code.
Approve the Change Internally
The company directors should approve the change in accordance with the company’s internal procedures and its articles of association.
Update Company Information Page
The next step in how to change registered office address is to go to the “Find and update company information” page. Then you need to enter the company name or officer name. Find the company and click on the “File for this company” tab and follow the instructions.
Or go to the Companies House online service, find your company and select the option to file changes for the company. Follow the instructions to enter and submit the new registered office address.
Find and Complete form AD01
Submit form AD01 to inform Companies House of the change to the registered office address. If you file using paper form AD01, you will need to provide details of the company’s new registered office address, including the building name or number, street and postcode.
Update Company Records and Notify Relevant Organisations
Online filings are generally processed quickly, and Companies House may send a confirmation email once the change has been registered. The new registered office address does not officially take effect until Companies House registers the change.
Once the registered office address is changed, you should update the address on your website, order forms, receipts, and business cards.
For more detailed guidance on how to change registered office address, read Companies House’s official blog.
Do I Need to Tell HMRC When I Change Address?
If you are changing your company’s registered office address, you generally do not need to tell HMRC separately because Companies House automatically updates HMRC.
However, you must update Companies House within 14 days, and you should manually update HMRC if you have a separate business/postal address.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Registered Office Address?
There is no statutory filing fee for changing a company’s registered office address directly through Companies House. However, an accountant, company formation agent or registered office provider may charge a separate fee if they handle the change for you. However, if you choose to use a third-party service, then you may have to pay fees.
How Long Does It Take to Change Registered Office Address?
Understanding how to change registered office address often includes how long the process takes. Usually, changing a registered office address online takes only a few minutes to submit, although the time taken for Companies House to register the change can vary. Under Companies House rules, you must notify Companies House within 14 days of the change taking place. This is the deadline for notifying Companies House; it does not mean that the address becomes effective 14 days after submission. The change takes effect when Companies House registers it.
Your new registered office address does not take effect until Companies House registers your notice. Online filings are generally processed more quickly. However, processing times may vary depending on Companies House workloads.
Important: Even after the new registered office address has been registered, documents may still be validly served at the previous registered office for 14 days from the date the change is registered. Make sure arrangements are in place to monitor the old address during this period.
How Do I Change My Registered Address With HMRC?
Companies often wonder how to change registered office address with HMRC. After changing your company’s registered office address, you should review your HMRC records to ensure any separate business or correspondence addresses and contact details are correct. The registered office change itself is normally passed from Companies House to HMRC, but other HMRC communication details may need to be updated separately. Therefore, you may need to update HMRC records to ensure you receive important tax correspondence and notifications without delay.
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The Bottom Line
Knowing how to change registered office address is crucial for every UK company. Whether you are relocating, protecting your privacy, or changing registered office providers, updating your registered office correctly ensures you remain compliant with Companies House requirements.
You need to follow the correct steps, notify the relevant authorities, and update your business records to complete the process quickly and avoid missing important legal correspondence. Keeping your registered office information accurate helps your company remain compliant and ensures that important statutory correspondence reaches the right place.
If you are struggling to change your registered office address, seek professional help. At MicroEntityAccounts, we help you manage administrative and compliance responsibilities.
Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article is general in nature; it does not intend to disregard any professional advice.
