Company Registration Number (CRN Number)
What does this all mean?
A Company Registration Number typically abbreviated as CRN is a unique identifier given to a business upon incorporation in the UK. A unique number issued by Companies House. A CRN has its legal and financial aspects. Be it a start-up, an existing entrepreneur, or even an investor. Federal understanding of what it means to have a CRN number may be beneficial in compliance and operational activities for a business.
In this post, we will provide an overview of everything you will need to know about the GOV.UK Company Registration Number, such as its format, uses, how to find it, and what to do in case you lose or require an update for it.You will further know of our virtual office services that may offer the support you need in terms of business registration.
What is a Company Registration Number (CRN)?
An exclusive eight character code which is assigned to every limited company and limited liability partnership (LLP) when they’re incorporated with Companies House.
Some of the key features of a CRN are explained below:
Here are some key features of CRN :
- Assigned at the time of incorporation.
- Made up of 8 characters (mixed numbers and letters for some companies).
- Remains the same over the life of the company.
- Government filing and official business transactions are mandatory.
Where to Find Your Company Registration Number
Your CRN number can be found on the very official documents like the:
- Certificate of Incorporation (which comes from Companies House when registered)
- Companies House Online Database (a public source via the GOV.UK website)
- Official Correspondence from Companies House
- Company Records like annual returns and confirmation statements
- If you have lost your CRN, you could retrieve it through Companies House online search tool just by inputting your company name.
Formats and Structures for CRN numbers
The format of Company Registration Number varies depending on the Company’s Incorporation Type and its Place of Incorporation.
1. Standard Limited Companies (LTD).
It generally contains eight digits of numbers (for example, 12345678).
2. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
Begins with”OC” followed by six digits (e.g., OC123456).
3. Registered Companies in Scotland
Starts with SC and followed by six digits. for example SC123456.
4. Companies Registered in Northern Ireland
Ends with NI and some digit numbers, for instance, NI, followed by six digits.
5. Companies Registered in Wales
Standard numbering but that is registered within Wales.
Why is it important to get a Company’s Registration Number?
The company’s registration number is used for various legal, financial, and administrative purposes. These are:
1. Legal compliance
Required for filing annual and confirmation returns and tax returns.
2. Financial Transactions
It is an essential requirement for opening a business bank account.
It applies in the process of applying for loans for operating business and grants.
3. Entering Contractual Agreements
That is needed when entering contracts with suppliers, investors, and partners.
4. Tax, VAT registration
This is for VAT registration and compliance with HMRC..Trustworthiness within Business
It provides credence while dealing with clients, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Appropriate Use of the CRN
It should be entered in:
- The formal invoices and contracts
- Thetax returns with the HMRC
- The applications for banking and financing
- legal agreements
- Filing with Companies House
- The CRN remains unaffected even when the name or address of the trading company changes.
How to Go about Losing a CRN?
In case you have lost your CRN number, follow the below steps to help you recover:
- Check Your Certificate of Incorporation Printed on this certificate is the CRN.
- Search the Companies House Website Enter your company name to retrieve the CRN.
- Go through Official Correspondence Letters from Companies House should have your CRN printed on them.
- Contact Companies House Seek assistance in finding the details of your company.
Is it possible to change a Company Registration Number?
A Company Registration Number is not changeable.
It remains stuck during the existence of the company. Yes, it will provide a new CRN if the company shows its dissolution and the company again registers.
CRN and Other Business Identifiers: Having Some Difference
A CRN is completely different from one of the other business identifiers, such as the VAT Number, Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), or EORI Number. While a VAT Number is issued by HMRC against a Value Added Tax registered by a business, which is done on compulsory basis for companies whose turnover exceeds a particular threshold, a CRN would be Companies House assigned when a business is incorporated, and it is meant to act as an identifier for the business.
In addition to issuing CRNs to incorporated businesses, taxes such as the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) are assigned by HMRC in order to carry out tax activities such as self-assessment tax returns and corporate tax filings in the countries of every such activity. Another identifier used by many importers and exporters is the EORI Number, which enables trade across international borders.
Clearly, each of these identifiers performs a specific and unique role in the business ecosystem, thus ensuring that they understand their differences in order to meet the legal and financial obligations of the business.
How Services May Come To Your Aid
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Company Formation Services : Form your hassle-free business.
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Meeting Room Rentals : Professional space for client meetings.
Our Virtual offices provide you with a professional business identity in London using services such as mail handling, phone answering, and compliance support.
Conclusion
A Company Registration Number (CRN), as per the name, is the very important identifier of UK businesses, making them legally attached to Companies House and making all the financial and legal proceedings run as smoothly as possible. It is important for business owners to know how to find, use, and protect their CRN.
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