A Complete Guide to Company Authentication Codes
Upon registration, the Companies House assigns all limited companies to the UK company authentication code. Whether you register your company online or through paper documents, you will receive your company authentication code.
This article will unearth everything you must know about limited company authentication codes.
What is the Company Authentication Code?
A company authentication code is a unique identifier acting as an e-signature for electronic filing at the UK companies registrar. It has six alphanumeric characters that verify an individual filing company details or making changes to the company's information.
You can use the authentication code to change details like:
- Filing confirmation statement
- Filing a return of issuance of shares
- Filing inactive company accounts
- Appointing a new company director or resigning the existing director
- Appointing business new or resigning the current secretary
- Changing the business registered office
- Change of company name
- Change to people with significant control information
- Registering the SAIL address
- Audit-exempt abbreviated accounts
- Audit-exempt annual accounts
- Moving business statutory registers between the SAIL address and the registered office
- Changing your business accounting reference
This authentication code is the equivalent of a director's handwritten signature but in an e-signature form. It's a vital security measure, just like using a PIN on a bank card. That's why you should keep it safe. Pass this code only to the trusted individuals in your business, like your formation agent and accountant.
How Can I Get a Limited Company Authentication Code?
Once you form a company, the Companies House mails the code to your registered office within a few weeks. Registering your company through a company formation company will make the authentication code available in your formation agent online account.
For example, if you form a company through Incorpuk, you will access the code once Companies House approves the application. The code will be displayed on our client portal, which is free to use for managing your business online filings and company information.
How to Use Authentication Code
Start by signing up for online filing. To register, you need to provide your email address and create a password. After registration, you can access your online account, file your company details, such as your annual account and confirmation statement, and make the necessary changes.
Requesting Misplaced Authentication Code
If you misplace or forget your authentication code, you won't be able to do any filings online. You can request the code, and the Companies House will send it to your registered office. You can also use a more straightforward method.
Follow these steps:
- Sign in to Companies House WebFiling, or if you haven't registered, do so
- Tap on request the authentication code
- Provide your business registration number
- Click Request code
- It will take up to 5 days to receive your code
Changing the Company's Authentication Code
Since Companies House generates the code randomly, you may consider changing it to a code you will easily remember. But you shouldn't use something obvious, and if you have more than one company, ensure each company has its unique code.
In other instances, you may want to change this code for your company's more pressing issues. If you realise an unauthorised individual knows your authentication code, change it immediately. This may be you know or an employee who leaves the company.
Remember, someone unauthorised having this code may tamper with your company data. That's why it's essential to change to a code that nobody can guess.
Here is the procedure for changing your code
- Sign in to Companies House WebFiling, or if it's your first time, register
- Go to company authentication and click
- Choose and enter your new authentication code
- Click the change code, and the update will be immediate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an authentication code for Companies House?
The Companies House authentication code is a six-alphanumeric character identifier assigned to a company after registration. The code is sent within 3–5 days after company registration. This electronic signature is vital; if it falls into the wrong hands, it might change company information. So ensure you prevent it from being accessed by an unauthorised person.
Can I file a confirmation statement without an authentication code?
No, Companies House protects the company information you submit to their website. So, you can only access and file a confirmation statement if you have the authentication code. If you've lost it, log in to WebFiling and retrieve the authentication code to file it.
How do you get an authentication code for your company?
To get an authentication code, you must create or sign in to Companies House WebFiling. The code is then sent to your registered office in 5 days. If your company already has the code, they will send you a reminder. Remember, the Companies House cannot send your authentication code via phone or email.
How do I recover my company authentication code?
Recovering your company authentication is easy. Sign in to the Companies House WebFiling page or register if you haven't. Click the request authentication code option, then provide your company registration number. Finally, tap on the request code.
What happens if the confirmation statement is late?
Filing confirmation late could result in companies House sending you a warning letter or taking action against you in court. This could lead to hefty fines or criminal convictions. The most severe consequence is the dissolution of your company by the company's registrar.
Final Thought
After you complete your company registration, the Companies House sends you an authentication code to your registered office. This six-digit identifier helps you file and change company information online via the Companies House website. The authentication code is crucial, so you should keep it safe. Also, ensure not to give it to anyone claiming to be from Companies House; if someone contacts you and asks for your company's confidential information, report them immediately. If anyone gains unauthorised access to your authentication code, report it to the Companies House fraud team.
Would you like to start a company in the UK but don't know where to start? Incorpuk is here to assist you. We can set up a company for you in the UK or abroad. To learn more about our package, click here and explore our services.