What Is a Virtual Office?
A Virtual Office provides you with a real physical business address (with a Suite number) without requiring you to lease physical space. You can use it as your official business address and receive scanned copies of all mail delivered to that address.
Unlike a P.O. Box, a Virtual Office address is a real commercial building address, making it suitable for opening bank accounts, receiving IRS correspondence, and more.
Why Do You Need a Virtual Office?
A Virtual Office is especially valuable in the following situations.
- Bank Account Opening: U.S. banks require a physical business address. A Virtual Office address paired with a Virtual Lease Agreement enables remote bank account opening.
- IRS Correspondence: Safely receive IRS letters including EIN confirmations and tax notices at your business address.
- Professional Image: Present a professional business address to clients and partners.
- Business License: Some states require a physical in-state address for business license applications.
- Privacy Protection: Using a professional address helps reduce exposure of your personal home address on public records.
Virtual Office vs Registered Agent: Understanding the Difference
These are legally different address types. Understanding the distinction between these two services is essential.
| Feature | Virtual Office | Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Business address and mail receiving | Legal document receiving |
| Address Type | Commercial address with Suite number | Legal service address only |
| Use Cases | Banking, IRS, clients, business license | Service of process, state notices |
| Legal Requirement | Optional | Required for entity formation |
| Auteur Pricing | $79/month | $149/year |
For more details on Registered Agents, see our Complete Guide to Registered Agents.
What's Included with Auteur Virtual Office?
- Suite Address: A dedicated Suite number at a real commercial building.
- Unlimited Mail Scan: All mail received at your address is scanned and delivered digitally.
- Virtual Lease Agreement: An official lease agreement that can be used as address verification for bank account applications.
Available States
Auteur's Virtual Office service is currently available in the following 21 states.
How to Use Your Virtual Office Address
Your Virtual Office address can be used for various business purposes.
- IRS Filings: List it as your business address on EIN applications, tax returns, and other IRS forms.
- Banking: Submit as your business address when opening bank accounts. Pair it with the Virtual Lease Agreement for a smoother process.
- Clients and Partners: Display on business cards, websites, and contracts as your professional business address.
Note: A Virtual Office address cannot be used as a Registered Agent address. You will need a separate Registered Agent service.
What Is a Virtual Lease Agreement?
A Virtual Lease Agreement (VLA) is a formal lease document for your Virtual Office address. It serves as proof that the address is legitimately used for business purposes.
The VLA is important because U.S. banks require proof of your business address when opening a business account. For virtual offices that do not have utility bills, the VLA serves as the key supporting document.
For more details on opening a bank account, see our U.S. Bank Account Guide.
How Much Does It Cost?
Auteur's Virtual Office service is $79/month. This includes a Suite address, unlimited mail scanning, and a Virtual Lease Agreement. Learn more about our Virtual Office service
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use my Virtual Office address as my Registered Agent address?
No. These are legally different address types. A Registered Agent must be designated separately. Auteur offers both services.
Q. Can I use a U.S. Virtual Office from Korea?
Yes. You can use a U.S. Virtual Office while residing in Korea. All mail is scanned and delivered digitally, so no physical visit is required.
Q. What is the difference between a P.O. Box and a Virtual Office?
A P.O. Box is a post office mailbox and is generally not accepted for bank account opening or business registration. A Virtual Office provides a real commercial Suite address that is accepted by banks, the IRS, and for business licensing.
Q. Can I receive original mail instead of scans?
Yes. You can request forwarding of original mail after scanning. Forwarding costs vary depending on the size of the mail and shipping method.