GOV.UK Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Explained
By the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), contractors deduct 20% from registered and 30% from unregistered subcontractors as advance tax payments.
Key Highlights
- A CRN number is a unique identifier issued by Companies House when you incorporate a business. It can be an 8-digit number or a combination of letters and digits, varying by location and type of company.
- The number certificate of incorporation and statutory mail. Legally, it must be displayed on all business stationery, including invoices and emails.
- Use your registration number for official tasks such as communicating with Companies House, filing annual returns, changing company details, and managing taxes. Avoid confusing it with other numbers like your VAT or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
What Is a Company Registration Number?
A Company Registration Number (CRN), also known as a “Companies House Number” or “Company Number,” is a unique identifier assigned to limited companies and LLPs when they are registered with Companies House. While company names can share similar words or phrases with other businesses, the CRN is unique and valid for the life of the company, and no two companies will have the same number.
Find out more: GOV.UK One Login Programme Explained!
What is the format of a Company Registration Number?
A CRN is a unique identifier for UK companies. It is typically 8 characters long, 8 digits or 2 letters followed by 6 digits.
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Eight digits (e.g., 12345678)
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Two letters followed by six digits (e.g., AB123456)
However, the exact format can vary depending on the location and type of company:
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8-digit number: Companies formed in England and Wales
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“OC” prefix: LLPs in England and Wales
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“LP” prefix: Limited Partnerships in England and Wales
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SC” prefix: Companies formed in Scotland
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“SO” prefix: Scottish Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
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“SL” prefix: Scottish Limited Partnerships
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“NI” prefix: LTDs in Northern Ireland
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“NC” prefix: LLPs in Northern Ireland
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“NL” prefix: Limited Partnerships in Northern Ireland
Read also: A Guide to Private Limited Company Secretary
Do sole traders and partnerships need a company registration number?
Sole traders do not receive CRNs because they register with HMRC rather than Companies House. Similarly, general partnerships, also known as ordinary partnerships, do not have a business identification number as the registrar of companies does not incorporate them.
Only a limited company or limited liability partnership are given a company registration number.
See also: Guide to Public Limited Companies (PLC)
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How do I find your company registration number?
There are a few places where you can locate your CRN:
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Certificate of incorporation: Once you set up a limited company, you will find your crn in the registration certificate.
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Companies House correspondence: Look for your CRN on any official mail from Companies House. It’s usually printed alongside or beneath headings like “Company No.”
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Correspondence from advisors: Communications from advisors such as your company formation agent or accountant may also include your CRN.
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Online public register: You can find your company identification number through the Companies House Search service by following the steps below.
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Visit: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
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To search for a company, enter its name in the search box.
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Click the “SEARCH” button.You’ll see a list of all UK companies with names that match yours, in part or full. For instance, if your company is named “GreenTech Solutions,” the search results might include similar names like “GreenTech Innovations,” “GreenTech Services,” or “EcoGreenTech Solutions.” The list will include the registered office addresses to help you identify and select the correct company.
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Click on the company of interest.
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The crn is below the company name and is labelled “Company Number.”
Where should I display my company registration number?
Your CRN is a crucial element of your business identity. As a limited company, the law requires that you display the number on all official business stationery and communication. This helps to ensure transparency and compliance with UK company law.
You should include it in the following official company stationery:
- Letterheads: On all official letters your company sends.
- Emails: Every email, especially related to business transactions, should have your it in the footer.
- Invoices: It must be displayed on all invoices to maintain legal compliance and ensure transparency.
- Receipts: Receipts issued by your company should also include it.
- Online Content: The number should be prominently displayed in the footer of your website and on key pages like the “Contact” or “About Us” sections.
- Order Forms: Any order forms your business uses should include the registration number to ensure legal compliance.
By consistently displaying your registration number on these items, you comply with legal requirements and present a professional and credible image to clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Discover: Free Company Name Check tool Linked to Companies House Register
Can I use a CRN to discover the previous company name of a business?
You can use a company number to determine a business’s previous name. When you search using the CRN, the search results will display only the company associated with that unique registration number. After selecting the company, scroll down the page, and you will find a section that lists any previous names the company has used.
