Starting a business can raise all sorts of questions. For example, you might be unsure about the differences between trading addresses vs registered addresses. For example, if you’re a limited company or a sole trader, you’ll want to know about the benefits of one or the other.

This article will explain the differences between company-registered addresses vs trading addresses, what the legal requirements are for each, and examples of when you’ll need to use them.

What is a trading address?

A trading address, or business address, is the location where you carry out business activities. Typically this is a factory, warehouse or office where you conduct the everyday operations of delivering your business’s products or services to customers.

If you run an online or remote business, your trading address might be the location where you store products, an office where you work or a virtual office that handles your mail.

Companies looking to grow their presence in a new location can rent a business address anywhere in the world.

This will give your organisation a virtual presence in a major town or city without your team having to work there, though any trading conducted there will be subject to the tax and business laws of that country.

Importance of a business address

It’s important to register a business address to:

• Give to your suppliers and customers for non-official correspondence
• Help you build trust and legitimacy with your customers, suppliers or stakeholders
• Have contact information you can include on your marketing materials
• Keep your business post separate from your personal post
• Help you establish a local business presence

When to use a trading address

You’ll need your trading address for:

• Bank correspondence, such as statements and notices
• Client correspondence, such as invoices and letters
• Supplier correspondence, such as utilities and materials bills
• VAT registration and self-assessment tax returns

What is a registered address?

A registered address, or registered office, is a business’s legal address. When it comes to business addresses vs registered addresses, the registered address is the one you’ll use for official communications such as tax returns or public accounts.

Some online business owners use their home addresses as their registered addresses. However, it's important to note that registered office addresses are often publically available.

To keep official correspondence separate and maintain privacy, many business owners choose not to use their home addresses.

Renting a mailbox is an alternative way to protect your home address without having to pay for or use an office. Remember that a virtual PO box can’t be a registered address, though PO boxes for business can be useful as a central company mailbox.

Importance of a registered office

Having a registered office is important because it can:

• Be the mailbox for all official business correspondence
• Appear more professional to clients, suppliers and investors
• Maintain your privacy and keep your home address out of the public eye
• Filter out junk mail

When to use a registered address

You’ll need a registered address for:

• Limited company formation and any self-assessment tax returns required
• Inclusion on your website, letters, and invoices

Trading address vs registered address: what is the difference?

When it comes to choosing between registered office addresses vs business addresses, there is an important legal distinction to note.

Legal distinctions

By law, businesses must include their registered address in their letters and invoices. In contrast, there are no legal requirements as to where businesses need to show their trading address.

Often, the trading address is used for unofficial correspondence such as marketing materials while the registered address is used for official documents like invoices and tax returns.

This is a key difference between registered addresses vs trading addresses, though in many cases businesses choose to use the same details for both.

How our virtual office packages can help

Businesses looking for a virtual business address will find many benefits with our virtual office rent packages. These packages include:

• A virtual mailing address for business: With our virtual postal mail service, you don’t need a physical address for business mail. We’ll handle your organisation’s post and forward it to any nominated address.
• Professional call management: Our receptionists will answer calls in your company name, transfer calls to you or take messages for you.
• Access to our global business lounge network: You’ll be able to drop into our comfortable lounges to work and meet clients when you travel. You can also sign up for access to meeting rooms and five days of office space every month.

Regus makes it easy to work your way. With a virtual office address, you can position your business wherever you like in the world. Get started and search our virtual office space locations.

FAQs

Is a trading address the same as a registered address?

No. A trading address is where a business carries out its main activities.

A registered address is a business’s legal address that’s used for government or official communications. This address might not be the main site of business activity. In some cases, businesses use the same details for both.

Can I use my home as a registered or trading address?

Yes. In the UK, the law allows you to use your home address as your registered or trading address. However, if you’re a limited company, this address will then be made publicly available on Companies House.

To keep your home secure, it's recommended that you use a separate business address.

Is a trading address the same as a business address?

Yes. You might hear the terms ‘trading address’ and ‘business address’ used interchangeably.

Can I change my registered or trading address?

Yes. In the UK, you can change your registered address or trading address whenever you like. The process is simple and it takes around 24 hours for the registry to update. To change your address, you must:

• Notify Companies House
• Change your address (the details must be in the country your business operates in)

Do I need a registered business address?

Yes. Under the law, every limited company in the UK must have a registered business service address. Sole traders must also provide a business address when they register as self-employed.

Can you use a virtual address as a trading address?

Yes. Any business can use a virtual address as a trading address. Choosing a virtual working space package means you can get a professional address in a town or city of your choice.

What address can I use for an online business?

You can use a virtual address to receive correspondence for your online business. This address can give your business a professional image and credibility while keeping your business post separate from your personal post.

Is a trading address the same as a billing address?

Sometimes. Your trading address is the location where your business operates. Your billing address is the address registered with your bank.

You can use your trading address for your billing address, but you don’t have to.

Do I need a business address as a sole trader?

Yes. You will need to provide a business address when you register as a sole trader. This address could be your trading address, home address or virtual business address.