Protecting Privacy by Removing Your Home Address from the Companies House Register
In today’s digital age, privacy is a paramount concern for many, particularly for business owners who initially registered their home addresses as their company’s official address. This address then becomes publicly accessible via the Companies House register, potentially leading to privacy issues. At Uniwide Formations, we understand the importance of maintaining your privacy and provide guidance on how to remove your home address from the Companies House register effectively.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Address Removal
The Companies (Disclosure of Address) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 provides the legal basis for removing your home address from public documents and the public register at Companies House. This option is available for both active and dissolved companies. However, it’s crucial to note that the registered office address or SAIL address, if it is your home address, cannot be removed post-incorporation.
The Importance of Not Using Your Home Address
Companies House mandates the disclosure of certain addresses, which then become part of the public record. To avoid privacy issues, it’s advisable not to use your home address for your company’s registered office or correspondence address. Many business owners opt for third-party address services, which offer an alternative address for receiving official correspondence, thereby keeping their home address off the public record.
Alternatives to Using Your Home Address
If you operate your business from home and wish to keep your home address private, consider using a service address provided by a company formation agent or accountant. These services ensure that your official correspondence is handled professionally and that your privacy is maintained.
Who Can Request the Removal of Their Home Address?
Under the specified regulations, you can request the removal of your home address from the public register if you are or were:
- An officer, PSC (person with significant control), subscriber, or member of a company, LLP, SE, or eligible Scottish partnership.
- An officer or permanent representative of an overseas company.
Steps to Remove Your Home Address
To initiate the removal of your home address, you must complete and submit Form SR01, titled ‘Application under section 1088 by an individual to make an address unavailable for public inspection’. A fee of £30 is applicable per application. The form requires detailed information, including:
- Your full name and any former names.
- Date of birth.
- Current correspondence address.
- Email address.
- The home address you wish to remove.
- A new service address if applicable.
Detailed Process for Submitting Form SR01
Form SR01 is not just about filling out your details; it also involves specifying which public documents should have your address removed. You can identify these documents by reviewing your company’s filing history on the Companies House website. Each document removal also attracts a fee of £30.
Where to Send Form SR01
Once completed, the form should be signed and sent to the Registrar of Companies at their designated PO Box in Cardiff. Payments can be made via cheque or postal order. Given the complexities involved in filling out Form SR01 accurately, many business owners prefer using the services of a company formation agent like Uniwide Formations to handle this process efficiently.
After Submission: What to Expect
Upon submitting Form SR01, Companies House will send an acknowledgement letter. The review process may require additional information, and a decision typically follows within five days. If successful, your home address will be removed from the specified documents and will no longer be visible on the public register.
Additional Privacy Measures
Beyond removing your address from the Companies House register, consider applying for exemptions to prevent your address from being shared with credit reference agencies. Directors and PSCs can apply for a ‘Section 243 Exemption’ or a ‘Section 790ZF Exemption’, respectively, if they can demonstrate a genuine risk of harm.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Privacy
Removing your home address from the Companies House register is a crucial step towards protecting your privacy as a business owner. By utilising a service address and ensuring careful handling of sensitive information, you can maintain privacy and security. For detailed guidance and assistance with the application process, visit our guide on removing your home address from the Companies House register.
