Did you know that from 4 March 2024, there will be new rules for limited companies with a registered office?
The rules are fairly simple, but must be adhered to.
What are the new rules?
Put simply, the company now needs an 'appropriate address' as their registered office. Previously, limited companies were allowed to hold a registered office address that was little more than an PO Box, but from 4 March 2024, this will have to change.
Companies will also need to provide a registered email address to Companies House.
Finally, all companies incorported from 4 March 2024 will need to confirm that they're forming the company for lawful purposes.
What is an 'appropriate address'?
An appropriate address is one where:
Recorded delivery documents can be accepted with an acknowledgement of delivery
The documents should be able to be attended by a person acting on behalf of the company.
What can I do?
Well, you can do one of two things. You can:
Change your address to a more appropriate address that meets the criteria
Use the address of a third-party agent address (if they meet the conditions of the appropriate address)
What happens if I don't comply?
Companies that don't comply can be struck off the register. Simple.
They have 28 days in wich to provide an address, and if Companies House don't receive evidence to suggest that they've done this, then the striking off process will begin.
Why do I need to provide a registered email address?
This is for the sole purpose of allowing Companies House to communicate with you about your company, and will not be published on the public register.
Any existing companies will have to provide this when they file their next confirmation statement.
Statement of lawful purpose
All new companies incorporated from 4 March 2024 will have to confirm that they're forming the company for a lawful purpose.
They'll also need to confirm that the comany has plans to carry out lawful activities in the future.
Why?
Good question. All companies on the register have a duty to operate in a lawful way, and Companies House may take action against any company that is not acting lawfully.
Existing companies will also have to confirm this, and will do so when their next confirmation statement is due.
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