Company Guides

What is a Company Authentication Code / WebFiling Authentication Code?

The authentication code is a six-digit alphanumeric code issued by Companies House to limited companies. It serves as a company’s official digital signature and indicates authorisation to file online on behalf of a business.

Businesses use it to file on the following Companies House platforms —

• Companies House using WebFiling
• Find and update company information
• third-party software by a company formation agent

How do you get an authentication code sent to your company's registered office address?

To get your code, register for WebFiling and follow the steps below.

• Sign in to WebFiling.
• Select either 'Your companies' or 'File for a company'.
• Enter the company number and select where the company was registered.
• Select 'Help with authentication code', then 'I do not have an authentication code'.

Companies House will post to your company’s registered office and take about 5 working days to arrive. For privacy and security reasons, Companies House will not send your code to an email ID or tell it to you over the phone.

However, if you incorporated your company through a formation agent, you’ll most likely have the code immediately after incorporation through their online client account.

How do you request an authentication code from Companies House to be sent to a director’s home address?

In response to the impact of COVID-19, Companies House set up a service that allowed company directors to request authentication codes to be sent to their home address instead of the registered office.

To use the service, all you have to provide is —

• the company number
• to sign in to or create a Companies House account, which is different from a WebFiling account

You cannot use this service if the company:

• has filed a document online in the last 30 days
• is not based in the UK
• is not a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP)
• is dissolved

It takes around 5 working days for an officer to receive an authentication code at their home address.

How to use your code to file online using the webfiling service

You need your Companies House authentication code for all electronic filings through the WebFiling service, including —

• Notice of change of company name
• Change of company details, including confirmation statements and return of allotment of shares
• Appoint a new director or company secretary, or termination.
• Change of registered office and SAIL address
• Annual account filings include changes in accounting reference dates and dormant accounts.

To file, change, or update your company information online, you'll need your:

• email address
• password
• company registration number
• authentication code

It's faster and cheaper to file online since paper form filing fees are higher, and it can take weeks before you get an acknowledgement that a document has been received and approved. However, the online filing process has built-in checks to decrease errors and associated rejections.

You’ll need the code for any of the following official electronic filing channels —

• Companies House WebFiling
• Find and update company information
• third-party software filing service courtesy of an accountant or the agent who formed your company.

To use third-party software, you’ll need to set up an online filing account to get a presenter ID and presenter authentication code.

See also: How to File a Confirmation Statement With Companies House.

How to change your code

You can change the company authentication code as many times as needed to something more memorable but not obvious.

If you suspect an authorised person might know the code or if your company management structure has changed, follow the steps below.

Please note the change will take effect immediately. Therefore, it is important to notify anyone who files on your behalf.

How to cancel your code

To cancel your code, log in to the web filing service and follow the steps to change the code. Once you get to step 6, click to tick the box "I wish to cancel the company authentication code."

As soon as you cancel the authentication code, you can no longer file documents electronically with Companies House. You will have to submit paper filings instead.

If you wish to resume electronic filing, you will need to request a new authentication code from Companies House, which will be sent to your company's registered office address.

What to do when you have lost your company authentication code

If you find yourself in the situation of having lost your company authentication code, follow these steps to request a new one:

• Sign in to WebFiling.
• Select either 'Your companies' or 'File for a company'.
• Enter the company number and select where the company was registered.
• Select 'Help with authentication code', then 'I do not have an authentication code'.

It's important to note that if you previously had an authentication code, Companies House will send you a reminder rather than issuing a new code.

How to protect your authentication code and company details

To protect your company authentication code and other company’s details, it is essential you do not disclose it to any unauthorised person. Consider the following tips for enhancing the overall security of your company.

• Keep people on a need—to—know basis—Access to your company's sensitive information, including the authentication code, should be on a need-to-know basis. If you are working with an agent, ensure they also have a strict disclosure policy governing how they’ll handle your code. 
• Do not disclose your code through unsecured channels. Avoid responding to telephone or email requests for your code from unauthorised persons. There are reported cases of fraudsters posing as Companies House and requesting the code through the phone or email. Ignore such requests. 
• ‍Change it regularly — Over time, your company’s authentication code may become vulnerable due to breaches or leaks. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a consistent schedule of changing the code to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

What is Companies House Webfiling

Webfiling service is a free online portal that enables business owners to submit statutory documents directly to the government in compliance with their filing requirements.  

You can use it to file the following documents (GOV.UK links) —

With the multiple filing requirements, the advantage of using the online platform is that it's quicker than filing out paper forms. Submitting is instant, and built-in checks help users avoid errors and rejection.

How do I create my Company Webfiling Account?

To create your Companies House online profile, follow these steps —

How do I use the Company Authentication Code for Online Filing and Update Company Details?

The authentication code is a 6-digit alphanumeric code issued to each company. The code is used to file information online and is the equivalent of a company officer’s signature.

You’ll need an authentication code to file your information online via webfiling or a third-party software.

See also: Companies House Company Authentication Code for Webfiling

How to get your company authentication code

To request your code, create an account or sign in to Companies House WebFiling and follow the instructions. Your code will be sent by post to your company’s registered office - it can take up to 5 days to arrive. If your company already has a code, they’ll send you a reminder.

How to use the WebFiling and Protected Online Filing (PROOF) Service

PROOF is a free service designed to protect your company from unauthorised changes by preventing the filing of certain paper forms changing the following details —

• changes to your registered address
• changes to your officers (appointments, resignations, or personal information)
• changes to your company name by special resolution

According to Companies House, there are about 50 to 100 cases of corporate identity fraud every month, which include fraudsters hijacking companies by changing the details of their directors and registered offices.

How to Sign Up for Email Reminders for key filing deadlines

The Companies House e-mail reminder service sends you alerts whenever your company's annual accounts and confirmation statements are due. 

As you subscribe for the alerts you can — 

• choose up to 4 people to receive a notification (including an accountant, formations, or company secretarial agent)
• file your document immediately from a link within the alert
• receive reminders more conveniently
• avoid late filing penalties by filing your accounts on time
• use less paper, contributing to saving the environment

To set up, follow the steps below 

1. sign into your online service account: https://idam-ui.company-information.service.gov.uk/ 
2. Select ‘Activate e reminders’ from your company overview screen.
3. Select ‘Add an e mail address’.
4.  Enter your e mail address (a maximum of 4 for each company).
5.  Follow the link in the email from Companies House to validate your e mail address.

How to File Your Company's Confirmation Statement and Other Forms or Documents

Your statement must be submitted to Companies House within 14 days of your due date.

Once you’ve logged into your online filing account, click on the “file confirmation statement” on your company overview screen. 

On the screen that loads up next, you can change the date of your next statement and report if your company has admitted to trading on a market. 

Click on “next” after you’ve made the necessary adjustments. On this page, you can now verify that the information Companies House holds about your business is correct and up to date.  

See also: How to File a Confirmation Statement With Companies House

How to Use the Find and Update Service for Company Filings

In addition to the Web Filing, you can also use the Find and Update Company Information Service accessible through https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/

As the name suggests, it is a portal for finding information and uploading certain information to the Companies House register.

Using the platform, you can search for a company by name, registration number, or officer. By selecting the link to a company of interest, you should be able to access information such as 

• the registered address
• current and resigned officers
• date of incorporation

You’ll also be able to view the filing history and download accounts and confirmation statements if available.

Once you surface a company name, you’ll get the option for filing for that particular company. To access your Find and Update Company Information account, you cannot use your webfiling credentials. Instead, you must sign in with a Companies House email ID and password. 

To sign up, you’ll need to register with an e mail address, where an activation mail will be sent.

A limited company can only file abridged or full accounts and a change to a registered office using the find and update company information service. There are plans to add filings for — 

• other types of accounts
• confirmation statements
• officer appointments
• changes to the company details

Let's dive into what happens when you receive a notice from Companies House about your company facing a possible strike-off.

What Is a Compulsory Strike Off?

It is a term used to refer to an action taken by Companies House to remove a company from its register so that it is formally dissolved and ceases to exist. Companies flagged for strike-off are usually not actively trading or consistently fail to meet legal and regulatory responsibilities such as filing accounts or confirmation statements. 

How does the compulsory strike off process work?  

The Registrar of Companies will mark a company for compulsory liquidation for the following reasons. 

• Failing to comply with statutory filing requirements — One of the top reasons the Registrar may forcibly strike off a company is failure to comply with filing requirements such as confirmation statements and accounts. Beyond being struck off companies and its directors may face serious consequences, including potential criminal or personal liability charges for non-compliance.
• Not actively trading and failing to comply with dormant company requirements — If a company is not actively trading and fails to meet the requirements of a dormant company, it exposes itself to the risk of being struck off. 
• Absence of a director — When a company's sole director resigns or is removed by a shareholder vote, leaving the company without directors, it makes it eligible for strike off.
• Failure to notify the Registrar about a change in their registered office address — Neglecting to inform the registrar of a change in your registered office address can cause the company to be struck off. 

However, if you fulfil all of your legal obligations and have reason to believe that the strike-off notice is unfair, you can send an objection application to Companies House. If your reasons are viable and you provide satisfactory evidence, the process will be discontinued. 

For any company that fulfils any of the above conditions, the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland may initiate the process of striking them off the register as follows — 

1. Companies House inquiry

The process starts with Companies House sending letters to inquire about the business's current trading status and giving them 14 days to respond. In the absence of a reply, a follow-up letter with identical inquiry is issued, granting an additional 14 days for a response.

2. Issuance of a first gazette notice for compulsory strike

If the company fails to respond to the second letter of inquiry, Companies House issues a notice published in the Gazette in London, Edinburgh, or Belfast—depending on the geographical location of the company’s registered office. 

The primary purpose of this notice is to declare their intention to strike off the company formally. It serves a dual role: providing management with an opportunity to take corrective measures and allowing creditors (including HMRC or former employees owed) the chance to raise objections. 

Remember, the strike-off implies that the company will cease to exist, preventing creditors from pursuing and collecting outstanding payments.

3. Second Gazette Notice

If there is no response to the first notice, a second notice is published, providing a final opportunity for any concerned party to correct or object to the closure.

4. Dissolution and Cessation of Business

If there are no objections and the company officials take no action, the company is removed from the register and ceases to exist.

5. Asset Forfeiture

The Crown may claim assets, such as cash, machinery, or buildings, under the 'bona vacantia' (meaning ownerless goods) principle.

Directors may face an investigation into potential misconduct that led to the strike-off. If wrongdoing is found, it could lead to disqualification and even personal liability for company debts.

What Is Voluntary Strike Off?

According to section 1000 of the Companies Act 2006, a voluntary strike off is a process initiated by company directors to remove the company from the register and essentially close it down. It happens when a company is no longer in active business, and directors are happy for the company to close. 

A business that fulfils the following conditions is eligible for voluntary strike off —

1. During the three months before the application for voluntary strike-off, the company should not have conducted any business transaction.
2. The company must have kept its name the same within the last three months.
3. It should be financially stable and not at risk of liquidation.
4. There should be no outstanding agreements with creditors, e.g., a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), to avoid unresolved issues hindering the voluntary strike-off.

If the entity meets the above criteria, it must ensure that — 

• All tax and debt liabilities have been addressed and settled for a clean financial record before closing.
• The company in question should make its employees redundant and pay their final wages if applicable. HMRC should also be informed that the company is no longer an employer.
• Business assets should be appropriately distributed among shareholders according to the company's structure and agreements.
• It filed its final annual accounts and Company Tax Return with HMRC to provide a formal record of the company's last trading period and impending closure. 

In essence, meeting the eligibility criteria for voluntary strike off allows the company to wind down its operations systematically. Ensuring the resolution of financial and employee-related matters, proper asset distribution, and finalising the necessary documents with HMRC contribute to a smooth and legally compliant closure process.

A copy of the strike off application needs to be sent within seven days to the following parties potentially impacted by the liquidation so that they do not object —

• Members/shareholders
• Creditors
• Employees
• Managers or trustees of any employee pension fund
• Directors who did not sign the application form

The request for the company's strike-off will be publicised as a notice in the local Gazette if the form has been accurately filed. After two months without objections, the company will officially be off the register. Subsequently, a second notice will be Gazetted to confirm the official closure of the company.

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary strike off?

How can a company avoid compulsory strike off after receiving a request to strike?

If you want to avoid an involuntary strike-off, send an objection application to the Registrar of Companies as soon as possible. To make and submit it, you’ll need - 

• To sign in to or create a Companies House account;
• Details of the company facing the strike off; and
• Evidence to support the objection, for example, invoices showing the company is still trading or owing a debt. These documents must show the company's full name and be at most six months old. 

Furthermore, the company should ensure that all their annual accounts and confirmation statements are filed on time. If you need extra time to get your filings in order, please communicate with Companies House. 

When can creditors object to a compulsory strike-off?

Creditors and concerned parties, including shareholders, can object to a strike-off after the issuance of the first gazette notice. The gazette notice serves as public notification about the Registrar of companies intent to be strike it off the register.

Why would a company compulsorily be struck off the register?

A company is usually subject to involuntary strike-off from the register when it fails to meet statutory requirements, including the timely submission of accounts and confirmation statements. The directors, shareholders, and external creditors like suppliers and HMRC have a two month window to raise objections against the application. If no objections are presented, the company will be struck-off from the register, leading to its dissolution.

What do I do after Getting the Gazette First Notice for Company Strike Off from Companies House?

Once you receive the first notice, you have two to three months to rectify the situation. Here are steps to consider —

1. Determine the reason for the strike off — To remedy the situation, address the reason behind the notice, which may involve submitting your filings or proving that you are still operational.
2. Apply for suspension — If you need more time to remedy the reasons behind the strike-off notice, prepare and lodge a suspension application to Companies House.
3. ‍Address outstanding issues — Clear any fees and taxes and update your filing requirements to stop the process from proceeding to the next step.

Can I stop a compulsory striking off notice?    

Yes. You can halt a compulsory striking off notice directed at your company by resolving the underlying issues specified in the notice.

You can also apply to object to a company being struck off using a Companies House account if, for instance, it's indebted to you. Have the company details and documentation demonstrating that the company is still actively trading or has outstanding arrears. 

FAQs 

What if my company is insolvent?

If you want to close your company but it is insolvent, do all you can to avoid a compulsory strike-off, which will have negative consequences. Instead, you can opt for —

• Creditor’s Voluntary Liquidation (CVL), which involves appointing an insolvency practitioner to liquidate assets and distribute them proportionally to outstanding creditors. 
• Company Voluntary Agreement between the company and its creditors allows it to continue trading under the supervision of an insolvency practitioner and pay its debts over time. 
• Pre-packed Administration - The company can continue to trade under a pre-packed administration, which entails negotiating a sale of the company's assets before formally entering administration. By doing so, the business can swiftly transition to new ownership, potentially preserving jobs and ongoing operations.

Compulsory strike off consequences - What if I have assets in my company?

In the event of a compulsory strike-off, company assets will not remain under your control, nor will they be distributed according to the company's plans. These assets will be released to the Crown. It's essential to be aware of this consequence, as it emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing the compulsory strike-off notice and considering alternative options to safeguard your company's assets.

What are my options following a request to strike off?

Suppose a third party has forcibly struck your company off the Companies House register. In that case, you have the following options: if you – 

• Have no outstanding arrears obligations and all assets have been realised simply allow the process to run its course. 
• Believe the strike off is unjust, or the details are incorrect, you’ll need to prepare and submit a suspension application and engage the registrar for it to be discontinued. 
•  What to embrace the strike off but have assets and unpaid obligations, best pursue a voluntary liquidation. 

How can I restore a company to the Companies House register?

Depending on the circumstances, there are two main ways to restore a dissolved company: administrative restoration and restoration by a court order. 

1. Administrative restoration 

You can only apply if the — 

• Person or entity seeking the restoration was a director or shareholder
• Company was struck off the register and dissolved by the Registrar of Companies within the last 6 years
• Company was trading at the time it was dissolved

You apply for administrative restoration by sending to the Registrar a — 

• Completed application for administrative restoration (form RT01)
• Cheque for £100, payable to ‘Companies House’
• Any outstanding documents, such as accounts or confirmation statements
• Any filing fees or penalty payments

if your company had assets, a waiver letter from Bona Vacantia.

If your application has been successful, your company will be restored as soon as the registrar sends you a confirmation letter.

If your application is refused, you might be able to:

• apply for a court order to have your company restored
• get a discretionary grant (if you were a shareholder and need to claim some money back)

2. Court order restoration 

You may be able to apply for a court order to restore a company if you:

• Did business with them
• Was an employee
• They owed you money at the time of the closure
• Were responsible for their employee pension fund
• Have shared or competing interest in land
• Were a shareholder or director when it was dissolved

To apply for a court order restoration in England and Wales, download and fill Form N208.

For assistance in completing Form N208, access guidance notes from the HM Courts and Tribunals service. 

Next, you’ll need to find the company’s registered office and send the completed form to their nearest bankruptcy county court. Contact the Royal Courts of Justice if you need clarification on the appropriate court.

Include the following with the application:

1. A £280 court fee (cash, postal order, or cheque made payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’)
2. A witness statement incorporating the supporting details specified in section 4 of the Treasury Solicitor’s Guide to company restoration.

In Scotland:

Apply to the Court of Session if the paid-up capital of the company's shares exceeds £120,000.

For other companies, apply to the local sheriff's court. Subsequently, serve a ‘petition to restore’ on the Registrar of Companies in Scotland and any additional entities as directed by the court.

In Northern Ireland:

Submit an ‘originating summons’ to the Royal Courts of Justice using the address below.

Send a copy to the Registrar of Companies in Northern Ireland and a supportive witness statement.

Upon acceptance of the claim, the court will issue an order to restore the company. Forward this order to the Registrar of Companies. Once received, the Registrar will proceed with the restoration of the company.

Consequently, take the following steps to pursue outstanding payments:

• Obtain a ‘judgment’ from the court, specifying the debt amount, interest, and costs.
• Issue a statutory demand.

File a winding-up petition.

What Is a Company Registration Number (CRN)

A company registration number comprises 8 numbers or 2 letters followed by 6 digits. It is issued by Companies House to identify limited companies in the UK. 

Sometimes, it may also be referred to as a company number, Companies House number, incorporation number, or business registration number. 

What Is the Format of a Company Registration Number

A CRN can take several forms depending on the jurisdiction of your company formation or the type of company you incorporate. See the table below for details.

Table notes: *While the Northern Ireland Limited Liability Partnerships prefix is NILLP, when a user signs into webfiling, only the prefix NC, not NILLP, is required and displayed. Some older Northern Irish companies have CRNs with the letter ‘R’ followed by 7 digits, but these numbers are no longer issued.

How to Find Your Company Registration Number?

One of the main places to find the number is on your incorporation certificate from Companies House.

Other places you can locate your CRN number include —

• Official correspondence with Companies House or HMRC.
• Visit Companies House - GOV.UK register and search for a company by name, the result will show the CRN.
• If you’ve changed your company name recently, you can locate the CRN in the change of company name certificate.
• Review emails or correspondence from your company formation agent or accountant. They may regularly cite your incorporation number in their communication.

Your CRN Is Different From Other Numbers

Your Company Registration Number (CRN) serves as a unique identifier for your company within government records. However, it's crucial to distinguish it from other numbers used by various agencies. Below is a breakdown to clarify.

How Companies House Uses Your CRN for Webfiling

Companies House requires that you provide your CRN WebFiling to enable them to identify and distinguish your company from the other registered entities. 

The unique number ensures that any filings or submissions you make through WebFiling are associated with the correct company record in the database.

Read also: How to File Company Information Online Using the Companies House Webfiling Service.

At What Point Will You Need a Company Registration Number? 

CRNs are required for any activity that requires signing in to the online filing system and make changes to your company records through either WebFiling or the Companies House account. 

Such filings and amendments include — 

• Making your Companies House filings including – 
  • Submitting annual returns
  • Filing your accounts
  • Filing copies of resolutions
• Amending company information with the registrar such as –
  • Company name change applications
  • Changing your registered office address and Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL) address
  • Your Accounting Reference Rate (ARD)
• Adjusting your company structure, or company officer details which may include — 
  • Adding a new company secretary or secretary
  • Removing an existing company director or secretary
  • Changing the details of directors and secretaries
  • Increasing capital of shares
  • Issuing share certificates.
• In your tax-related dealings with HMRC in the following cases for example — 
  • Registering for VAT
  • Paying your Corporation Tax, VAT, or income tax. 
  • Filing Company Tax Returns
  • Issuing dividend vouchers
  • Making national insurance contributions through PAYE

You’ll also need your CRN for official purposes such as opening a business bank account, signing contracts on behalf of your company, and applying for funding or tenders. 

Where do I need to display my Company Registration Number?

You are legally expected to display your limited company’s registration number on all your company stationery, including but not limited to —

• Letterheads
• Emails
• Invoices
• Receipts
• Online content
• Order forms

How to Register for a Company Registration Number

Your CRN will be provided by Companies House upon registration. There is no separate registration process to get a company number. As soon as your new limited company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is registered, the number will be referenced in your digital certificate if you registered online or a paper certificate by post if you set up a limited company using a paper application. 

Will I get a new CRN number if I change my business name?

No. Your CRN will not change when you change your business name. 

It remains the same for the life of your company since it's the main way Companies House uses to identify your business regardless of any changes in name, address, directors, shareholders, or business activities.

Instead, you’ll simply receive a ‘certificate of incorporation on change of name’ from Companies House, which will contain the new name, date of change, and the same CRN number. 

Please note that the change of name certificate does not replace the original certificate of incorporation.  

Is a company registration number the same as a tax number?

No. CRNs are issued by Companies House as unique identifiers for individual companies on the register, whereas company tax numbers are unique 10-digit codes that HMRC assigns to companies to track tax records.

Just like with CRN, you do not have to apply for your UTR number, HMRC will automatically give you one as soon as your company is registered with Companies House. 

Do sole traders and ordinary partnerships get company registration numbers?

No. CRNs are only issued to limited companies and LLPs, including companies limited by guarantee because they are incorporated or registered at Companies House and are required to file statutory records.