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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have compiled a list of generic FAQs to answer the most common questions plus some package specific questions if you scroll down the page.
Virtual Office and Mail Forwarding Questions
A virtual office enables a company to have a business location, without having to invest capital in an actual physical office. So no equipment, IT, furniture, rent, rates and utility costs to pay for. We provide you with the mailing address at a considerably cheaper cost that renting it yourself.
Depending on which service you select you can use the address for official government mail or for your customers and suppliers, and on your company stationery, including websites, emails and invoices.
We can also provide you with a virtual telephone number which can either match your office address location, a national telephone number (0800, 0845 etc.) or any other local number you may want.
Depending on which service you select you can use the address for official government mail or for your customers and suppliers, and on your company stationery, including websites, emails and invoices.
We can also provide you with a virtual telephone number which can either match your office address location, a national telephone number (0800, 0845 etc.) or any other local number you may want.
We are a real office - bricks and mortar, rather than a PO Box Company or mailbox location.
We currently offer two addresses for the registered office address service, which is in Polegate, located in Sussex and also in Central London, EC1.
I-Support has been in business for over 11 years and is supervised by HMRC ( MLR Reg No.XFML00000118313) and the London Local Authority (053372) to offer mailbox and virtual office services and we are committed to protecting your personal information, registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ZA047462). We do not pass your details onto any third parties for marketing purposes.
Anyone requesting a mailing address either with I-Support, or any other mailing address provider, have to provide ID to prove their identity and current address. This is a HMRC requirement, to prevent money laundering. We are required to know who are clients are, where they are having their mail forwarded to and how they are using our services. All ID provided is solely used for identification purposes, we use online verification software, which will leave a soft imprint on your credit history, as we are only checking your identity rather than your credit rating. We do not provide your personal details to marketing companies, we may however be required to pass on your details to the Police, trading standards and HMRC if they are carrying out an investigation on you.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering regulations and the London Local Authority Act 2007, we need to know who we are doing business with. We therefore request ID of proof of identity (driving licence/passport) and proof of address (utility bill/bank statement - less than 3 months old). UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering regulations and the London Local Authority Act 2007, we need to know who we are doing business with. We therefore request ID of proof of identity (driving licence/passport) and proof of address (utility bill/bank statement - less than 3 months old). UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
We have 2 types of clients - business and individuals. Businesses in the UK or from overseas can apply, so they could be limited companies, sole traders or charities. Individuals who need a mailing address can also apply to use our Sussex address.
Only UK residents can apply for the Registered Office Address, so if you are living overseas or want mail sent overseas, we would recommend applying for the International Business Address, this provides you with the registered office address, directors address and a UK business address for your day to day business correspondence.
No, our address should not be used to register for VAT. When registering for VAT they ask you to provide your business address (place of supply), i.e. the address where you take orders, send invoices, send goods or provide services. This is so, should they wish to inspect your VAT accounts/books, HMRC know where they are keep. You will not be able to keep any accounts/financial books at our office, so the address should not be used for this purpose. If you are unsure please speak to a tax accountant for professional advice.
Once your application has been submitted we will check your ID, and if all is ok, approve your account. It can take less than 1 hour, in most cases, if during business hours it is less than 15 minutes. In order to speed up your application we always suggest you have your identification documents pre-scanned. During your application you can upload your identification into your online account.
You can decide to have a monthly or annual payment. Registered Office Address services are only available as an annual payment. This covers your company for one year from the payment date.
Of Course, we always happy to hear from you.
We have a team of client advisers that can provide you with the information you require. Just call us between 9-5 Monday - Friday, or our live chat is on if you have a quick question .
We have a team of client advisers that can provide you with the information you require. Just call us between 9-5 Monday - Friday, or our live chat is on if you have a quick question .
This is totally your decision, you can decide to have mail sent via post or scanned and emailed - or both. You can also decide on how often post is forwarded.
No one likes nasty surprises so we are upfront regarding our prices and we do not charge additional fees ontop of our advertised prices unless we feel that you are getting excessive amounts of mail for we have to arrange couriers, repackage any parcels, special deliveries etc.
We will always endeavour to contact you first.
We will always endeavour to contact you first.
Yes, no costs to you but you will need to send us proof of the new address so that we continue to abide by the Anti-Money Laundering rules and regs.
We have a specific page dedicated just to our registered office address, it has a comprehensive FAQs section which should answer all your questions.
Virtual Office
A virtual office enables a company to have a business location, without having to invest capital in an actual physical office. So no equipment, IT, furniture, rent, rates and utility costs to pay for. We provide you with the mailing address at a considerably cheaper cost that renting it yourself.
Depending on which service you select you can use the address for official government mail or for your customers and suppliers, and on your company stationery, including websites, emails and invoices.
We can also provide you with a virtual telephone number which can either match your office address location, a national telephone number (0800, 0845 etc.) or any other local number you may want.
Depending on which service you select you can use the address for official government mail or for your customers and suppliers, and on your company stationery, including websites, emails and invoices.
We can also provide you with a virtual telephone number which can either match your office address location, a national telephone number (0800, 0845 etc.) or any other local number you may want.
In order to speed up your application we always suggest you have your identification documents pre-scanned. During your application you can upload your identification into your online account. Once your application has been submitted we will check your ID, and if all is ok, approve your account. It can take less than 1 hour, in most cases, if during business hours it is less than 15 minutes.
I-Support is supervised by HMRC ( MLR Reg No.XFML00000118313) and the London Local Authority (053372) to offer mailbox and virtual office services and we are committed to protecting your personal information, registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ZA047462). We do not pass your details onto any third parties for marketing purposes.
Yes, anyone requesting a mailing address either with I-Support, or any other mailing address provider, have to provide ID to prove their identity and current address. This is a HMRC requirement, to prevent money laundering. We are required to know who are clients are, where they are having their mail forwarded to and how they are using our services. All ID provided is solely used for identification purposes, we use online verification software, which will leave a soft imprint on your credit history, as we are only checking your identity rather than your credit rating. We do not provide your personal details to marketing companies, we may however be required to pass on your details to the Police, trading standards and HMRC if they are carrying out an investigation on you.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering regulations and the London Local Authority Act 2007, we need to know who we are doing business with. We therefore request ID of proof of identity (driving licence/passport) and proof of address (utility bill/bank statement - less than 3 months old). UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
We require proof of your identity. Photocard - such as driving licence or passport.
Proof of address - a utility bill or bank statement, which is less than 3 months old.
UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
Proof of address - a utility bill or bank statement, which is less than 3 months old.
UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
We currently offer two addresses for the registered office address service, which is in Polegate, located in Sussex and also in Central London, EC1.
Companies House and HMRC have no preference as to where your company is based. They are only concerned that the address is real and can send official communication to you.
Many companies seek central London addresses, for which you will pay a higher price as the operating costs are higher.
Where you choose to locate your registered office is purely down to whether or not your customers/clients etc. would prefer and the image you are trying to portray. If you trade online, many customers do not care where you are based - as long as the price is right and they will get their goods on time.. Our clients offering services, i.e. consultancy type work may prefer a London address to attract customers.
You should be aware that some mail forwarding providers are using other mail forwarding companies addresses, and will add on an additional charge to effectively arrange this for you.
There is nothing wrong with this, if it saves you time, but remember if there is a problem you really want to be able to speak to someone at the address and you may find it more cost effective to locate the actual address owner and use them directly.
If you are using the address for a registered office, the company should be licenced by HMRC to offer these services.
Companies House and HMRC have no preference as to where your company is based. They are only concerned that the address is real and can send official communication to you.
Many companies seek central London addresses, for which you will pay a higher price as the operating costs are higher.
Where you choose to locate your registered office is purely down to whether or not your customers/clients etc. would prefer and the image you are trying to portray. If you trade online, many customers do not care where you are based - as long as the price is right and they will get their goods on time.. Our clients offering services, i.e. consultancy type work may prefer a London address to attract customers.
You should be aware that some mail forwarding providers are using other mail forwarding companies addresses, and will add on an additional charge to effectively arrange this for you.
There is nothing wrong with this, if it saves you time, but remember if there is a problem you really want to be able to speak to someone at the address and you may find it more cost effective to locate the actual address owner and use them directly.
If you are using the address for a registered office, the company should be licenced by HMRC to offer these services.
We have 3 options in most of our services
Scan - all your mail is received an electronically scanned and either uploaded to your account or emailed direct into your inbox - you can choose up to 2 email addresses. The costs of the scans is included in your monthly or annual fee - however, we do operate a fair use policy, so we will provide up to 20 scans per month. We may ask for additional fees if we are scanning excessive mail amount. We will shred any mail if you have this service - if you require the hard copies please select the Post+ option.
Post - your mail can be put into an envelope and forwarded direct to your chosen forwarding address. We can send this daily, weekly, or monthly - first or second class - the choice really is yours. We request a mailing deposit so that we can forward your mail. If your forwarding deposit is running low we will contact you to request a top up.
Post+ - this is a combination of scanning your mail and then posting this onto you as described above. You can decide via your online dashboard if you want us to shred the mail.
Scan - all your mail is received an electronically scanned and either uploaded to your account or emailed direct into your inbox - you can choose up to 2 email addresses. The costs of the scans is included in your monthly or annual fee - however, we do operate a fair use policy, so we will provide up to 20 scans per month. We may ask for additional fees if we are scanning excessive mail amount. We will shred any mail if you have this service - if you require the hard copies please select the Post+ option.
Post - your mail can be put into an envelope and forwarded direct to your chosen forwarding address. We can send this daily, weekly, or monthly - first or second class - the choice really is yours. We request a mailing deposit so that we can forward your mail. If your forwarding deposit is running low we will contact you to request a top up.
Post+ - this is a combination of scanning your mail and then posting this onto you as described above. You can decide via your online dashboard if you want us to shred the mail.
No, our address should not be used to register for VAT. When registering for VAT they ask you to provide your business address (place of supply), i.e. the address where you take orders, send invoices, send goods or provide services. This is so, should they wish to inspect your VAT accounts/books, HMRC know where they are keep. You will not be able to keep any accounts/financial books at our office, so the address should not be used for this purpose. If you are unsure please speak to a tax accountant for professional advice.
Yes, but you will need to send us proof of the new address.
You should notify us by logging into your online I-Support account and changing your address within your profile. This will notify us that your forwarding address has been changed.
We will also require you to upload a scan of your change of address proof – this could be a bank statement, utility bill, council tax demand which clearly shows your name and new address.
Please contact us if you have any questions via live chat, phone or Contact Us page.
You should notify us by logging into your online I-Support account and changing your address within your profile. This will notify us that your forwarding address has been changed.
We will also require you to upload a scan of your change of address proof – this could be a bank statement, utility bill, council tax demand which clearly shows your name and new address.
Please contact us if you have any questions via live chat, phone or Contact Us page.
The choice is yours, you can decide to set up a mandate to pay for your services monthly or annually so that you dont have to log into your account each time to pay due invoices.
If you choose not to pay via mandate, we will contact you 1 month before the renewal date to check if you still require our services and you can renew easily via your own online dashboard.
We contact you via email so please ensure that your contact details are up to date, especially if you change email addresses.
Sometimes our emails end up in junk/spam folders, please make sure that, if you can, white list our emails in your email server.
If you choose not to pay via mandate, we will contact you 1 month before the renewal date to check if you still require our services and you can renew easily via your own online dashboard.
We contact you via email so please ensure that your contact details are up to date, especially if you change email addresses.
Sometimes our emails end up in junk/spam folders, please make sure that, if you can, white list our emails in your email server.
You can decide to have a monthly or annual payment. Registered Office Address services are only available as an annual payment. This covers your company for one year from the payment date.
We are a real office, rather than a PO Box Company or mailbox location.
Our staff can answer your enquiries via the phone lines or live chat during the day, Monday to Friday. The business does operate 7 days a week and can answer any email enquiries at any time, but obviously, this can take longer after 5pm or during weekends.
We manage all the office locations and we do not have any partnership or referral scheme operating with any other provider.
We do this to ensure that if there are any issues can be resolved straight away, rather than be a go between with our customers and other providers.
Our staff can answer your enquiries via the phone lines or live chat during the day, Monday to Friday. The business does operate 7 days a week and can answer any email enquiries at any time, but obviously, this can take longer after 5pm or during weekends.
We manage all the office locations and we do not have any partnership or referral scheme operating with any other provider.
We do this to ensure that if there are any issues can be resolved straight away, rather than be a go between with our customers and other providers.
Of Course, we always happy to hear from you.
We have a team of client advisers that can provide you with the information you require.
For companies that are already incorporated we can assist you with changing you details at Companies House.
Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Contact us via Live Chat or the contact us page on this website.
Outside office hours, we are always available via email or the contact us page.
We aim to reply to all enquiries straight away during the day and within the hour after hours. If it is during the night, we will get back to you the following morning.
We have a team of client advisers that can provide you with the information you require.
For companies that are already incorporated we can assist you with changing you details at Companies House.
Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Contact us via Live Chat or the contact us page on this website.
Outside office hours, we are always available via email or the contact us page.
We aim to reply to all enquiries straight away during the day and within the hour after hours. If it is during the night, we will get back to you the following morning.
Business Address
By providing a UK mailing address/virtual office in Sussex and London it can help new start-ups and more established businesses to reduce their costs. So there are no additional expenditure on renting office space, especially in Central London, insurances and office furniture. We are aware of how difficult it can be to start up a business. For this reason, we have tried to make our virtual office services as simple as possible and as cost effective as we can. So you can concentrate on developing and building your business.
I-Support Business has a wide range of clients. From new start up limited companies, sole traders to individuals, many choose us because they are starting up, trying to reduce their overheads by moving out of existing offices and working from home. Or, they have been using other virtual office service providers and realised that we are cheaper and can provide the same if not a better level of customer service and mail forwarding options. We have clients that are local to our offices but many are also based throughout the UK and in fact all over the world, in about 46 countries at the last count.
We provide a flexible mail forwarding solution, from a basic registered office address to a complete business mailing solution. This enables companies to use our address for official government organisations and departments, like HMRC and Companies House, and also with banks, customers and suppliers.
Our flexible virtual office service also allows you to have your mail scanned or posted. The frequency of how often this occurs is totally in your control. We provide free forwarding of any official mail with our registered office address service. For London clients it is scanned and emailed and for our Sussex Clients, normally it is posted but if you would prefer it to be scanned, we can amend your account and we will also ensure that all your confidential information is shredded afterwards. You can also purchase a Directors Service Address with the registered office. All the Directors can use the address on the Companies House register. Our mail forwarding/virtual address services allows you to choose to have your mail sent daily, weekly or monthly. This will depend on the urgency of your mail and you can easily notify us if you wish to change how often your mail is forwarded.
Many business owners work from home, and a large number of internet retailers which utilise a fulfilment service do not require an office or workspace. By having an "office address" it can give your customers a more professional image. Plus an established address can increase confidence in your business product or service. In terms of privacy, you may not wish to publicise your home address online. Our Sussex & London mailing address service will ensure that you never have to use your, or any company directors, address on company stationery, website or online directories.
I-Support Business has a wide range of clients. From new start up limited companies, sole traders to individuals, many choose us because they are starting up, trying to reduce their overheads by moving out of existing offices and working from home. Or, they have been using other virtual office service providers and realised that we are cheaper and can provide the same if not a better level of customer service and mail forwarding options. We have clients that are local to our offices but many are also based throughout the UK and in fact all over the world, in about 46 countries at the last count.
We provide a flexible mail forwarding solution, from a basic registered office address to a complete business mailing solution. This enables companies to use our address for official government organisations and departments, like HMRC and Companies House, and also with banks, customers and suppliers.
Our flexible virtual office service also allows you to have your mail scanned or posted. The frequency of how often this occurs is totally in your control. We provide free forwarding of any official mail with our registered office address service. For London clients it is scanned and emailed and for our Sussex Clients, normally it is posted but if you would prefer it to be scanned, we can amend your account and we will also ensure that all your confidential information is shredded afterwards. You can also purchase a Directors Service Address with the registered office. All the Directors can use the address on the Companies House register. Our mail forwarding/virtual address services allows you to choose to have your mail sent daily, weekly or monthly. This will depend on the urgency of your mail and you can easily notify us if you wish to change how often your mail is forwarded.
Many business owners work from home, and a large number of internet retailers which utilise a fulfilment service do not require an office or workspace. By having an "office address" it can give your customers a more professional image. Plus an established address can increase confidence in your business product or service. In terms of privacy, you may not wish to publicise your home address online. Our Sussex & London mailing address service will ensure that you never have to use your, or any company directors, address on company stationery, website or online directories.
As a sole trader, you should apply for the Business Address Service. You are not a limited company and will be not be incorporated at Companies House, therefore you do not need to apply for any of our registered office services. The business address allows you to use the address for your clients, customers, banks and suppliers and on invoices, website and stationery. If you trading in goods and are using the address as a return address, we would recommend you use our Sussex address. This is the I-Support administrative address and therefore staff are available to sign for or receive your packages. If you have a lot of signed for letters, we would also recommend the Sussex address. The London address is solely for letters, no signed for packages or deliveries can be received. Do call us before you apply, if you have any questions.
Yes - Establishing a trademark etc. is part of your business mail, The IPO (Intellectual Property Office) can send out certificates with up to 50 pages, and as such, we would therefore recommend, if you need to use the address with the IPO, apply for the Business Address with the Post+ Forwarding Option
A sole trader does not need a registered office and as it is not a Limited Company, will not have any Directors. Therefore, this is not the best solution - you should choose the Business Address option. This is specifically for sole traders to use with their customer, suppliers and banks. If in the future you decide that your company wishes to become a limited company we can easily update your services to the All-Mail Package.
This is totally your decision, you can decide to have mail sent via post or scanned and emailed - or both.
When you sign up for the Business Address you will be initially asked how often you want your mail forwarded (daily, weekly, monthly) and whether you want it sent 1st or 2nd class. You can change this at any time, just contact us via email or phone to make the amendments. For example, if you are going away and want us to hold your mail for a few weeks, that is not a problem.
Complete our online application and upload the necessary identification into your online account. We carry out an online verification of the details that you provide.
Once the verification comes back positive we will then arrange approval for you to use our services. This usually is within an hour during office hours. On weekends and after hours it can take a bit longer but usually same day.
We recommend you have all the ID scanned ready to upload before you start to complete the application form.
We require ID for all directors that own 25%+ of the company. ID is also required for anyone of significant control, who may not be actual directors of the company.
Once the verification comes back positive we will then arrange approval for you to use our services. This usually is within an hour during office hours. On weekends and after hours it can take a bit longer but usually same day.
We recommend you have all the ID scanned ready to upload before you start to complete the application form.
We require ID for all directors that own 25%+ of the company. ID is also required for anyone of significant control, who may not be actual directors of the company.
You can use the address as a contact address for customers. suppliers or banks. The address can be displayed on your website, letterheads and emails, as well as any online directories. Please make sure you list the places the address is being used, if in the future you no longer need to use our services you will have to change the address.
By having the one address ensures that all your business mail is received in one place.
By having the one address ensures that all your business mail is received in one place.
No, our address should not be used to register for VAT. When registering for VAT they ask you to provide your business address (place of supply), i.e. the address where you take orders, send invoices, send goods or provide services. This is so, should they wish to inspect your VAT accounts/books, HMRC know where they are kept. You will not be able to keep any accounts/financial books at our office, so the address should not be used for this purpose. If you are unsure please speak to a tax accountant for professional advice.
No one likes nasty surprises so we are upfront regarding our prices and we do not charge additional fees ontop of our advertised prices unless we feel that you are getting excessive amounts of mail for we have to arrange couriers, special deliveries etc.
We will always endeavour to contact you first.
We will always endeavour to contact you first.
Unfortunately, the address can NOT be used at HMRC for the Directors Personal Tax/Self Assessment. Please remember that your companies tax affairs are separate to the tax affairs of the Directors/sole traders or business owners. Self Assessment is for your own personal tax and nothing to do with the business. Please do not use the address as a contact address for your own tax at HMRC.
Registered Office Address
A sole trader does not need a registered office and as it is not a Limited Company, will not have any Directors. Therefore, this is not the best solution - you should choose the Business Address option.
You can only use the address at Companies House and HMRC, it is used as your contact address at Companies House and may also be used by the Directors as their service address. The address can not be used as a correspondence address for your customers, suppliers or contacts. If you need to use the address elsewhere we recommend you apply for the business address.
No, our address should not be used to register for VAT. When registering for VAT they ask you to provide your business address (place of supply), i.e. the address where you take orders, send invoices, send goods or provide services. This is so, should they wish to inspect your VAT accounts/books, HMRC know where they are keep. You will not be able to keep any accounts/financial books at our office, so the address should not be used for this purpose. If you are unsure please speak to a tax accountant for professional advice.
Only UK residents can apply for the Registered Office Address, so if you are living overseas or want mail sent overseas, we would recommend applying for the International Business Address, this provides you with the registered office address, directors address and a UK business address for your day to day business correspondence.
UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLP's) are legally required to have a UK registered office. The company secretary (if you have one) is responsible for establishing and maintaining it. It is the formal and official address of the company. It does not have to be the place where the business trades.
Companies House and HMRC will always write to a companies official address.
The address must be effective, it must be genuine and able to accept mail on behalf of the company. When an address is found to be ineffective Companies House may take action against the company. If a letter is sent to the registered address it should be accepted.
Companies House, HMRC will send notices and reminders which are posted to companies to remind them of their statutory duties. This includes notices to file accounts, annual returns, and to submit tax returns. It is also the address at which legal notices are officially served.
Companies House and HMRC will always write to a companies official address.
The address must be effective, it must be genuine and able to accept mail on behalf of the company. When an address is found to be ineffective Companies House may take action against the company. If a letter is sent to the registered address it should be accepted.
Companies House, HMRC will send notices and reminders which are posted to companies to remind them of their statutory duties. This includes notices to file accounts, annual returns, and to submit tax returns. It is also the address at which legal notices are officially served.
What mail is sent to the registered office?
Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs send several notices each year. They are usually reminders, request for payments or notification of a late or non payment.
We would highly recommend you sign up for Companies House e-reminders service.
Please note that we do not forward letters from any other departments, organisations or companies unless you also have our mail forwarding/trading address service
From HMRC
CT41G – Corporation tax new company details (for newly registered companies)
CT600 – Corporation Tax Forms
Reminder to file your corporation tax and payment forms
From Companies House
Notice to file accounts
Notice to file the annual return
Authentication codes for new companies
Occasionally other government notices
Plus Late filing penalty notices, strike off action warnings, letters of advice etc if you do not file documents on time.
We have noticed in the last few years that HMRC are using debt collectors more often to collect any unpaid or overdue amounts.
If you do receive any penalty notices we would recommend dealing with them as quickly as possible.
Please note that it is not our responsibility to remind you of filing deadlines etc, it is a Director’s responsibility, we can not be held responsible for you missing any of your deadlines.
Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs send several notices each year. They are usually reminders, request for payments or notification of a late or non payment.
We would highly recommend you sign up for Companies House e-reminders service.
Please note that we do not forward letters from any other departments, organisations or companies unless you also have our mail forwarding/trading address service
From HMRC
CT41G – Corporation tax new company details (for newly registered companies)
CT600 – Corporation Tax Forms
Reminder to file your corporation tax and payment forms
From Companies House
Notice to file accounts
Notice to file the annual return
Authentication codes for new companies
Occasionally other government notices
Plus Late filing penalty notices, strike off action warnings, letters of advice etc if you do not file documents on time.
We have noticed in the last few years that HMRC are using debt collectors more often to collect any unpaid or overdue amounts.
If you do receive any penalty notices we would recommend dealing with them as quickly as possible.
Please note that it is not our responsibility to remind you of filing deadlines etc, it is a Director’s responsibility, we can not be held responsible for you missing any of your deadlines.
In order to change a registered office address for a company registered in England and Wales, you need to notify Companies House in Cardiff using Form AD01 for companies and Form LLAD01 for Limited Liability Partnerships.
There are a number ways to do this
Manual Filing of a Change of Registered Office Address
Print and complete form AD01 and send by post to Companies House in Cardiff on completion send to Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3UZ.
Complete
• your company name in full,
• your company number,
• the new address, and
• the signature of a company officer.
This should be signed by a company director or secretary.
The postal application to change a registered address is normally accepted within approximately 5 working days. Your address will not be officially changed until it has been entered into the Companies House database.
Please Note - If your company is registered for the PROOF scheme at Companies House, paper documents will be rejected.
Electronic Filing of a Change of Registered Office Address
Companies House is keen to encourage businesses to use Webfiling - which is an electronic filing service.
• Filing online saves you time – as you can file directly from your PC.
• There is less chance of rejections due to in built checks and pre-populated data.
• You receive an automatic email acknowledgement.
If you haven’t already registered for this service, you will be required to complete an online registration.
Once completed, you can complete the AD01 form electronically and is usually all completed within an hour.
Companies House uses the Post Office address database to verify addresses.
To avoid delays please ensure you are using the correct details including full post code on all forms and documents sent for registration.
During your Annual Return
If you use Webfiling, you can also amend your details (registered ofice and director details) when you prepare your annual return.
Your annual return must include:
details of the directors and company secretary, if it has one
what your company does - including its standard industrial classification (SIC) codes
the type of company it is, eg private or public
the registered company address
the ‘single alternative inspection location’ (SAIL) - the address where records are kept if not at the registered address
You may also need to include:
a ‘statement of capital’ if your company has shares
details of shareholders, if required and depending how long since you last reported on them
If you sign up for our services and use webfiling, we will change the registered office address for you for a small fee.
You just need to provide us with your authenication codes and company number and we'll notify you when it's been done, usually within 20 mins.
There are a number ways to do this
Manual Filing of a Change of Registered Office Address
Print and complete form AD01 and send by post to Companies House in Cardiff on completion send to Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3UZ.
Complete
• your company name in full,
• your company number,
• the new address, and
• the signature of a company officer.
This should be signed by a company director or secretary.
The postal application to change a registered address is normally accepted within approximately 5 working days. Your address will not be officially changed until it has been entered into the Companies House database.
Please Note - If your company is registered for the PROOF scheme at Companies House, paper documents will be rejected.
Electronic Filing of a Change of Registered Office Address
Companies House is keen to encourage businesses to use Webfiling - which is an electronic filing service.
• Filing online saves you time – as you can file directly from your PC.
• There is less chance of rejections due to in built checks and pre-populated data.
• You receive an automatic email acknowledgement.
If you haven’t already registered for this service, you will be required to complete an online registration.
Once completed, you can complete the AD01 form electronically and is usually all completed within an hour.
Companies House uses the Post Office address database to verify addresses.
To avoid delays please ensure you are using the correct details including full post code on all forms and documents sent for registration.
During your Annual Return
If you use Webfiling, you can also amend your details (registered ofice and director details) when you prepare your annual return.
Your annual return must include:
details of the directors and company secretary, if it has one
what your company does - including its standard industrial classification (SIC) codes
the type of company it is, eg private or public
the registered company address
the ‘single alternative inspection location’ (SAIL) - the address where records are kept if not at the registered address
You may also need to include:
a ‘statement of capital’ if your company has shares
details of shareholders, if required and depending how long since you last reported on them
If you sign up for our services and use webfiling, we will change the registered office address for you for a small fee.
You just need to provide us with your authenication codes and company number and we'll notify you when it's been done, usually within 20 mins.
Every company needs to maintain a registered office, even those that are dormant or are currently not trading, so that Companies House and HMRC can send their official correspondence.
You run the risk of being removed from the Companies House register and further action being taken against the company or Directors if you ignore their correspondence.
A Dormant Company does not have to display their Company Name at the Registered Office Address.
You run the risk of being removed from the Companies House register and further action being taken against the company or Directors if you ignore their correspondence.
A Dormant Company does not have to display their Company Name at the Registered Office Address.
No, the registered office is for Companies House and HMRC mail only. Establishing a trademark etc. is part of your business mail, rather than to do with the running of your business. The IPO (Intellectual Property Office) can send out certificates with up to 50 pages, and as such, we would not be able to offer it as free with the registered office. Therefore, if you need to use the address with the IPO, apply for the All Mail package.
Yes, company officers can use the registered offices address as their service address on the public register. This is included with the price and service. The price covers all the companies Directors, so that their home address are shielded from public view.
No – only HMRC and Companies House are included in the registered office service
Any bank statements received will be returned to sender, so please make sure that they are aware of your mailing address.
If you require an address for you customers, suppliers or bank mail you can apply for our separate mail forwarding service, which can also be provided at low costs but a deposit is required to cover postage costs..Re
Any bank statements received will be returned to sender, so please make sure that they are aware of your mailing address.
If you require an address for you customers, suppliers or bank mail you can apply for our separate mail forwarding service, which can also be provided at low costs but a deposit is required to cover postage costs..Re
Yes, you can use any address in the country that your company is registered. However, be very careful about using your home address and would advise against this, as your personal home address will then become publically available on the Companies House website. Companies House also provide this information to many other companies, so would be public on many business info websites. Once it has been used as a registered address you can not remove it from the files.
This service is only available to companies that are either registered or planning to be registered in England and Wales. If your Company Registration Number starts with either SC (Scotland) or NI (Northern Ireland) you will be unable to use this service. If you are unsure you can check on the Companies House Company Search webpage.
The Directors Service address allows you to use the address at Companies House, as a correspondence address, so that Companies House can write to you at the registered office address and prevents your home address from becoming public. Unfortunately, the address can NOT be used at HMRC for the Directors Personal Tax/Self Assessment. Please remember that a limited companies tax affairs are separate to the tax affairs of the Directors. Self Assessment is for your own personal tax and nothing to do with the business.
International Business
This is totally your decision, you can decide to have mail via post or scanned and emailed then sent by post.
When you sign up for the International Address you will be initially asked how often you want your mail forwarded (daily, weekly, monthly) - it is always sent by airmail. You can change this at any time, just contact us via email or phone to make the amendments. For example, if you are going away and want us to hold your mail for a few weeks, that is not a problem.
When you sign up for the International Address you will be initially asked how often you want your mail forwarded (daily, weekly, monthly) - it is always sent by airmail. You can change this at any time, just contact us via email or phone to make the amendments. For example, if you are going away and want us to hold your mail for a few weeks, that is not a problem.
If you live overseas, you can apply to use our services, however we will require all your identification to be certified or notarised. The Money Laundering Regulations and our licence from HMRC require us to "Know our Client", for people in the UK we have access to online verification of someone identity, however for those living overseas we are unable to verify documents and establish their identity. So, we ask that all documents are certifed/notarised.
Unfortunately, the address can NOT be used at HMRC for the Directors Personal Tax/Self Assessment. Please remember that your companies tax affairs are separate to the tax affairs of the Directors/sole traders or business owners. Self Assessment is for your own personal tax and nothing to do with the business. Please do not use the address as a contact address for your own tax at HMRC.
Individuals
This is totally your decision, you can decide to have mail sent via post or scanned and emailed - or both.
When you sign up for the Individual Address you will be initially asked how often you want your mail forwarded (daily, weekly, monthly) and whether you want it sent 1st or 2nd class. You can change this at any time, just contact us via email or phone to make the amendments. For example, if you are going away and want us to hold your mail for a few weeks, that is not a problem.
When you sign up for the Individual Address you will be initially asked how often you want your mail forwarded (daily, weekly, monthly) and whether you want it sent 1st or 2nd class. You can change this at any time, just contact us via email or phone to make the amendments. For example, if you are going away and want us to hold your mail for a few weeks, that is not a problem.
For people travelling, we would recommend that we scan your mail. You can receive it via email the same day it arrives at the office. You can also add the mail storage options - where we can also retain the original copies that we can forward to you by post either when you are back in the UK or have a more permanent address overseas.
We are not just solely focused on businesses. We have a great many individual clients, that use our address because they are based overseas, either permanently or temporarily. They may also wish to maintain an address in the UK for their personal mail. In order to save postage costs for sending international mail, we usually post out customers mail weekly or monthly or for urgent tax mail we can also scan mail. We also have a number of clients that are based in the UK that move around alot for work so want to have a fixed address rather than having to notify family and friends each time they move. Although this service can be called an accommodation address, it does not mean that you can use the address to claim benefits or register to vote at this address.
We require proof of your identity. Photocard - such as driving licence or passport.
Proof of address - a utility bill or bank statement, which is less than 3 months old.
UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
Proof of address - a utility bill or bank statement, which is less than 3 months old.
UK based clients ID are electronically checked. If we are unable to confirm your identity, you are required to provide certified copies. Non UK clients need to provide certified/notarised ID. Certified/Notarised copies are signed by a professional person or authority.
If you have all the correct identification and details, it can take up to 15 mins during office hours. We can only approve your application once we have the identification and have verified them, if you have not provided all the details we require this can delay the approval. If you apply outside office hours there approval will take longer than 15 mins.
If you change your mail forwarding address we will require need proof of that address, something that connects you to the address.
Please note that the address may NOT be used to register personal vehicles, DVLA will usually reject applications. nor as the contact address for parking/speeding fines. Any mail we receive will be returned to sender.
if you have the post or post+ option, we can accept parcels for you. We will contact you to discuss how best to forward these on. There are additional charges for parcels, to arrange courier or complete any customs paperwork
if you have the scanning service we are unable to forward any post or packages to you. If you think that you will get parcels or will want to get hard copies of your mail please choose the post+ service, this includes scanning and posting of your mail.
if you have the scanning service we are unable to forward any post or packages to you. If you think that you will get parcels or will want to get hard copies of your mail please choose the post+ service, this includes scanning and posting of your mail.
If you choose the scan or post+ option we will scan your mail free of charge, please note that we do operate a fair use policy - so allow up to 20 scans per month. If we have lots of mail on a regular basis we may have to consider charges to scan any additional mail.
Virtual Office Sign Up In 4 Easy Steps
1
Select a business or personal package, mail forwarding options and the length of the service term - Monthly or Annual.
Proceed to checkout
2
Register an account and start your application by providing your company and/or personal details, you can also add additional services.
Payment Processed - by Direct Debit or Card
3
Add Directors/People and Upload ID. We recommend having all your ID ready before you apply. Confirm mail forwarding details.
Submit for Approval
4
We carry out online verification checks on everyone’s details in your application.
If all ID checks are OK you are approved.
We hope that the website contains everything you need to know, but if you are unsure or have a question, please do contact us.
CONTACT US
If there is something you wish to discuss please either request a call back or if it is more urgent please do phone us and speak to one of our customer service advisers, who will be able to assist you.
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Local No's:
+44 (0) 1323 484542
+44 (0) 207 060 7082
Alternatively you can click on the live chat facility below.
If you want to leave us a message or have a specific question please complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.