Do I Need a Separate Correspondence Address for My TikTok Business?

Separate correspondence address for TikTok business is a common question for UK creators and sellers turning side-hustles into real revenue. The short answer: you can use your home address in many cases, but there are strong legal, privacy, and professional reasons to use a distinct business or “service” address—especially if you operate a limited company or sell via TikTok Shop.

What the law says in the UK

Sole traders. You don’t have to register a separate business address with the government. However, UK e-commerce rules require you to display a geographic address where customers can contact you—on your website/online store or other sales channel (e.g., a link from your TikTok profile). See the Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 for the transparency and pre-contract information you must provide.

Limited companies. If you run your TikTok business through a company, you must have a registered office shown on the public register. From 4 March 2024, Companies House requires an “appropriate address”—PO Boxes are not allowed. You may use a third-party agent or virtual office if it meets the “appropriate address” criteria (mail can be delivered, acknowledged and brought to someone’s attention). See Companies House guidance here and GOV.UK company address rules here. Directors can also use a separate service (correspondence) address to keep their home off the public record—see this GOV.UK guidance.

How TikTok Shop treats addresses

If you sell through TikTok Shop UK, you’ll need several addresses: contact details for customers, a returns address for refunds, and an operational/warehouse address if you use fulfilment. Check TikTok Shop’s policies (returns and refunds) in the TikTok Seller University here. Using a dedicated returns or service address helps protect your privacy and keeps customer communications tidy.

When a separate correspondence address makes sense

• Privacy: You don’t want your home address on invoices, emails, website footers, or public records.
• Professional image: A business address looks more credible to brands and customers.
• Compliance hygiene: It’s easier to meet e-commerce information rules and TikTok Shop requirements with a single, consistent address.
• Scalability: If you switch to a company later, you can keep using the same service/registered office address.

Acceptable options for your TikTok business address

1. Your home address (OK for many sole traders, but consider privacy and safety).
2. Service/virtual office address that qualifies as an “appropriate address” (mail can be received and acknowledged). This is valid for registered offices from March 2024 provided it meets Companies House criteria—PO Boxes alone do not. See the official summary of changes here.
3. Warehouse/returns address if you use 3PL or fulfilment; ensure it’s staffed to receive returns and customer letters (consistent with TikTok Shop policy).

Practical checklist to stay compliant

• Display your geographic address in your website footer/contact page (or from your TikTok bio via Link-in-Bio to a page that shows it), to satisfy e-commerce rules.
• Invoices and order confirmations should show your business name and correspondence address (and company number/VAT where applicable).
• If incorporated: use a registered office that meets the “appropriate address” test; directors should use a service address to keep their home private.
• Returns: provide a clear returns address and window in line with Consumer Contracts Regulations and TikTok policy.
• Avoid PO Boxes as your company’s registered office—no longer permitted from 4 March 2024.

Bottom line

While you can run a TikTok business from home, a separate correspondence address is the smarter move for privacy, professionalism, and compliance. Sole traders can adopt a reliable service address for public-facing materials. If you form a company, ensure your registered office is an appropriate address under the new 2024 rules and keep a distinct director service address off the public record. Put simply: one clean, consistent business address across your TikTok Shop, policies, invoices, and website equals fewer headaches and happier customers.