Do you Need a Business Address for a Sole Proprietorship? [What to Know]

Wait. Do you need a business address if you're a sole proprietor? In short, yes. But that doesn’t mean you need a physical location. Whether you operate a home-based business or you run a remote company, a virtual business address can provide you with exactly what you need to stay in compliance with local laws. To learn how to change a business address from physical to virtual, then keep reading.

Benefits of a virtual business address

If you’re running a business out of a private home, it might be tempting to use your personal address as your business address. While there is no legal issue in doing so, listing a home address can present an unprofessional image, cause zoning issues, and even pose privacy risks. Using a business address will eliminate these issues. 

A virtual business address is the best of both worlds for entrepreneurs—it gives you a permanent address as well as the flexibility to run your business from anywhere. In addition to giving you a commercial address, virtual business addresses and offices come with attractive features such as mail handling and forwarding, lobby directory, registered agent services, and meeting rooms. 

How to change a business address in 4 easy steps

When you first consider entering the virtual office world, it may feel difficult to know where to start. However, making the switch is surprisingly easy when learning how to change a business address from physical to virtual.

Step 1: Select a virtual address service provider 

You have options, so take time to find a company that suits your business needs. Look for a subscription-based virtual business address and office that fits within your budget, gives you access to the professional services you require, and is located in an area that suits you. 

Step 2: Choose an address

One amazing perk about working remotely is your business address can literally be anywhere in the world. If you want meeting spaces or mail pick-up, it will work best to choose a location near you. If you require services such as reception or mail forwarding, then you're free to choose a location pretty much anywhere as long as there's a virtual office. 

Step 3: File and update business documents

Once you’ve secured your virtual business address, it's time to update your documents and contracts in as many places as possible. The specific tax, postal, and other legal forms you'll need to update and re-file will vary based on your location and the governing laws there. 

Step 4: Redirect physical mail to your new business address

Once your address is changed, it's time to redirect your business mail to your new one. At minimum, plan to contact your clients, vendors, and suppliers with your updated information, and expect it to take a few months for all of the updates to take effect. This is why mail forwarding is so important!

Following these simple steps for how to change a business address can make switching to a virtual office quick and easy so your business can continue running smoothly.

About Robyn Roste

Robyn Roste is a professional writer living and working in Abbotsford BC Canada. Her personal blog about freelance writing(http://robynroste.com) is listed in The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2020 by The Write Life.