Registered office and service address

The company's official address, and the one directors give personally. Both public.

What it means

Every company must have a registered office in the UK where official correspondence is sent, and each director has a service address. Both appear on the public register.

Why it matters

Using a home address puts it permanently on a public register, and historic filings are not removed when it changes.

What it looks like in practice

A registered office service costs very little and keeps the home address off the record. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act tightened the rules — a registered office must now be an "appropriate address" where documents can be acknowledged.

What to watch out for

PO boxes, which are no longer acceptable as a registered office. And failing to update it, where statutory mail goes somewhere nobody reads.

Where to get proper advice

Companies House guidance. Most accountants offer a registered office service.