Ex-partner wants to register his business to my UK address

[blair1310]

My ex-partner will be working abroad for the foreseeable future. He wants to register his business to my home address so that he can claim all of his travel back to the UK (mostly to spend time with our daughter) as business expenses and thus save some money on taxes. I'd like to oblige, but I don't really like the idea of saying officially that my home is where his business is based when it's not. I'm also worried in case it's illegal and might cause problems in the future. Does he have any other options besides relying on me? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[malvolio]

Bad idea, IMHO. It's not legal inasmuch as he is making a false declaration in order to gain a tax advantage; assuming of course he doesn't actually live there with you. And you of course would be acting as an accessory if you know about it (which it seems you do...).

His option is to get his own home address in the UK. It need not be all that luxurious, just different to yours...

[Lance]

My ex-partner will be working abroad for the foreseeable future. He wants to register his business to my home address so that he can claim all of his travel back to the UK (mostly to spend time with our daughter) as business expenses and thus save some money on taxes. I'd like to oblige, but I don't really like the idea of saying officially that my home is where his business is based when it's not. I'm also worried in case it's illegal and might cause problems in the future. Does he have any other options besides relying on me? Any advice would be much appreciated.

most accountancy firms allow you to use their address as the business registered address. Which is exactly what he's asking for, but almost certainly not going to be any good for the tax evasion he wants to do. The business registered address has got nothing to do with travel expenses.
He could of course just claim travel expenses from your address, immaterial of where the business is registered. It's still fraudulent tax evasion and if you know he's doing it then you are part of a criminal conspiracy.

Just say No.

[northernladuk]

My ex-partner will be working abroad for the foreseeable future. He wants to register his business to my home address .

At this point I've read enough. Don't do it. He's your ex already so mixing any more business with pleasure won't be good. Flat no from me, particularly because the accountants option is so easy and standard practice.

[ladymuck]

I wouldn't do it. Registered office services are available from accountants and other sources.

[SueEllen]

My ex-partner will be working abroad for the foreseeable future. He wants to register his business to my home address so that he can claim all of his travel back to the UK (mostly to spend time with our daughter) as business expenses and thus save some money on taxes. I'd like to oblige, but I don't really like the idea of saying officially that my home is where his business is based when it's not. I'm also worried in case it's illegal and might cause problems in the future. Does he have any other options besides relying on me? Any advice would be much appreciated.

It is nice that you get along for your daughter's sake but this is too much. He's your ex for a good reason and if he wants a free UK business (or other UK address) he should use one of his own relations e.g. parents, sibling.

Apart from this possibly causing future personal issues have you considered that your ex could run up debts under the business name particularly with HMRC/foreign taxman? Why should you and your daughter end up with threatening letters, bailiffs coming round and then having to prove to the bailiffs that the stuff you or your daughter have isn't nothing to do with him or the business?