A registered office is the official location of a company listed in the government agency that regulates business activities. Different jurisdictions have varying requirements for the registered office, but it is necessary for companies to provide official contact information as part of the registration process. In the US, each state’s business statute outlines the registration process and defines the type of contact information that will qualify as a company’s registered office. Some states require a registered agent accessible at the office location, but corporate services companies can act as a registered agent and office for a business for a fee.
The registered office is the official location of the company listed in the government agency that regulates business activities. Some jurisdictions require that the company’s principal place of business be designated as the registered office. Other jurisdictions allow any physical location to be used as long as there is a registered agent who can receive correspondence on behalf of the business. Some jurisdictions require a registered address rather than a registered office, allowing businesses to use a PO Box to meet the requirement.
Most countries require new companies to register with a government agency to obtain the legal authority to do business in a specific jurisdiction. This allows the government to control many aspects of commercial activity and protects the public from any unscrupulous practices. As part of the registration process, companies provide official contact information that becomes part of the public record, so that the government or its customers can contact a responsible party in the event of a compliance issue or legal action. The corporate headquarters mailing address is the official contact information every business must provide.
The definitions of registered office differ depending on the jurisdiction. Business registrations are usually authorized under a specific law, which will indicate what type of office will meet the requirement. The law may require a business to use the address of its principal place of business, or it may require any physical location that can receive mail, with or without a person who will act as registered agent.
In the US, for example, business registrations are authorized under state law. Each state’s business statute outlines the registration process and defines the type of contact information that will qualify as a company’s registered office. Some states require a business to use an operating location. Others allow companies to use any physical location, such as an owner’s home or a board member.
Some US states require a registered agent accessible at the office location, even though the office need not be a business location. Anyone can act as a registered agent, including a business owner, but states that allow business records to be handled in this way also have a sector of corporate services companies that will act as a registered agent and office for a business for a fee. This allows a business to register in a state without having to open an office to meet contact requirements.
Asset Smart.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
