Selecting an appropriate address for your company’s registered office is one of the initial steps in setting up a limited company in the UK. While some may choose their accountant’s address for this purpose, there are several reasons why this might not be the ideal choice. Let’s explore why this may not be the best option.

Disadvantages of using an accountant’s address as a registered office

Opting to use your accountant’s address as your registered office might seem practical, especially since important tax notices and filing reminders from HMRC will be sent there.

However, it’s important to remember that your accountant is not legally responsible for your company’s statutory filing and reporting obligations. Even if you pay them to handle and submit your accounts and tax returns, the ultimate responsibility and liability for these requirements rest with you, the company director.

What is register Office Address?

Using your accountant’s address as your registered office comes with several disadvantages and risks. It’s crucial to consider these factors when choosing the best address for your company.

1. Loss of control

You relinquish control over access to your government mail. Important statutory correspondence from Companies House, HMRC, and other government agencies will be delivered and opened by your accountant or their staff.

This means you won’t see the mail yourself or be aware of its contents and timing. As the company director, it’s essential to retain full control over and access to all statutory company mail.

2. Not mail handlers

Accountants are not professional mail handlers, and managing your company’s statutory mail may not be their primary concern. This lack of focus could lead to mistakes, which might be costly for you and your company.

3. Not all mail is relevant to your accountant

Not all mail delivered to your company’s registered office will be relevant to your accountant’s work. This creates a risk that other crucial correspondence could be overlooked, potentially leading to missed filing reminders, legal notices, and important compliance updates, which could have serious consequences for you and your company.

4. Reliance on a third party

Relying on your accountant to remind you of filing deadlines, reporting obligations, and other director responsibilities is highly risky. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure these duties are met, so it’s crucial to manage and track this information yourself to prevent vital tasks from being overlooked.

5. Lack of independence

If you decide to switch accountants, you’ll also need to update your registered office address with Companies House. This change must be reflected on your website and all business stationery, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

6. A costly service

Regardless of what your accountant suggests, using their address as your registered office isn’t a free service. Accountants charge high hourly rates for their professional expertise, and handling your mail will be factored into their fees, even if it’s not explicitly itemized.

Benefits of a modern registered office service with digital mail handling

Using a professional registered office offers the advantage of a modern digital mail service. With HopeTex Registered Office Address Service, you can benefit from a range of advantages tailored for limited companies registered in England and Wales.

1. Professional service

All statutory company mail sent to your registered office is managed by a dedicated, professional team. Their sole focus is to receive, process, scan, and forward your important mail efficiently.

2. Immediate access

Your official government mail is accessible online through your secure customer portal, available anytime and from anywhere. All official correspondence from HMRC, Companies House, and other government agencies is emailed to you on the same day it is received at our office.

3. Retain control

You retain full control of your statutory correspondence, eliminating the risk of penalties, fines, or reputational damage from overlooked mail. There’s no dependence on your accountant or their staff to handle or notify you about important matters, ensuring that you stay fully informed and in control.

4. Independence

You maintain clear professional boundaries and practical independence from your accountant. Should you choose to switch accountants or handle your own bookkeeping in the future, there’s no need to change your registered office address.

5. Cost-effective option

You’ll only pay accountancy fees for specialized accounting work and advice, not for mail handling—significantly less than the hidden costs typically included in an accountant’s fees for registered office and mail-handling services.

6. Corporate image

You’ll gain the prestige and professional credibility of a notable, central address, regardless of where your business is physically located. Associating your company with a prestigious address helps you project a superior corporate image to customers, partners, suppliers, and other professional contacts.

Unlike an address tied to your accountant’s location, a central London address on the Companies House register offers a more impressive and universally accessible presence.

7. Continuity

You can use our address as your registered office, service address, and business address. This consolidates all your mail into one location, managed by a dedicated mail team, and accessible through a single online portal.

Making the best choice for your limited company

As a limited company director, you are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with government notices and reminders—your accountant does not share this obligation. If your accountant fails to meet statutory requirements or neglects to inform you about important mail, you have no recourse.

You must personally review all government correspondence addressed to your company. Therefore, it’s essential to retain full control and immediate access to this crucial mail.