Can You Use a PO Box for an LLC Address in NY? Understanding Address Requirements for LLCs and EINs

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Legal and Business Address Limitations

For privacy reasons, I don’t want to list the LLC Filer address as my home address since anyone can look that up. Can I register a personal PO Box at my post office and use this? Depends where you’re talking about using this. For IRS and state purposes they need to know where you are physically conducting business. Your PO Box will not suffice for that.

In general, an LLC can’t use a PO Box or virtual address as its business address or registered agent’s address. The address will usually need to be a physical street address in the state where the LLC is being formed. However, all states allow an LLC to register a mailing address. This is where the Secretary of State (or similar state agency) sends official correspondence. Some people use registered agent services to provide the address when they establish corporations outside of New York.

Using a PO Box for an LLC address can provide convenience and help protect privacy, but there are practical issues. Many banks require a physical street address to open a business bank account. Businesses must have a physical location listed as well, and the USPS requires businesses to use a PO Box for mail if their physical address does not receive mail delivery. According to New York law, businesses can use virtual office addresses, but the address must still be where the business operates. Certain types of regulated businesses may have additional requirements for their physical address.

EIN and Business Banking Considerations

Can I use a P.O. Box for my EIN number? An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses operating in the United States. It is used for tax purposes, such as filing returns, paying taxes, and opening business bank accounts. The IRS allows businesses to use a mailing address for their EIN application if they do not have a physical location.

Address Options For Your EIN

  • EIN Physical Address VS Mailing Address: The physical address is the physical location of the business, while the mailing address is where the business receives its mail. A PO box address is not allowed, but you can use a mailbox with a commercial street address. You can also use the address of your registered agent, home, lawyer, or even CPA.

To open a business bank account, you need to assign a physical address to your business. According to federal banking regulations, PO box addresses don’t count. When using the address of a shared office space, always include the full name of your business and the full address, including any box or suite number.

In most cases, it is acceptable to use a virtual office address as your business address on your Articles of Organization, as long as it is not a P.O. Box. You will receive a fixed street address, allowing you to use it on your incorporation documents.

Official and Mailing Addresses

The BLS mailing address is:

NJMVC – Business Licensing Services Bureau
225 E. State St., P.O. Box 170
Trenton, NJ 08666-0170
  • What are the hours of operations for BLS?
    BLS’ office hours are weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Using Alternate Addresses

You can get a personal PO Box to separate business and personal mail. Visit the USPS site and search for PO Boxes near you. Sign up for Street Addressing to use the street address with your PO Box number. Apply online or in person.

USPS, UPS, FedEx and Amazon cannot place packages in a PO Box. To receive courier deliveries, sign up for Street Addressing. Use the following format:

  1. Put the recipient’s first and last name on the first line.
  2. Indicate the PO Box number by writing “PO Box” and the number.

If you opt for a store address for customer mail or virtual PO Boxes, complete form USPS 1583 and a change of address to forward mail.

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