The concepts of these three codes can be a little confusing at first - read on for a simple explanation........

PIN Code
When you set up an eFileit account, you must notify us of a 6 digit PIN which will be used as a form of password to verify that the e-filing instruction really has come from you.  You will initially need to enter the PIN into your PC Share Register Plus software and, on each occasion that you e-file a document, you will be asked to enter your PIN.  The PIN code will not itself be transmitted to eFileit, but your instruction will contain an encrypted form of the PIN.

Company Authentication Code (CAC)
Before a company can e-file documents at Companies House, a Director or Secretary of the company must notify Companies House in writing of the 6 character code that will be used to identify the company.  In PC Share Register Plus, click on the "Setup Authentication Code" button on the Company Info tab to enter the required code and also print out a letter ready to be signed by a Director or Secretary to send to Companies House.  When a company is formed by London Law, they will take care of this on incorporation so that the company will be ready for e-filing from day one. 

Personal Authentication Data (PAD)
On appointment, under the Companies Act, directors must sign to confirm their 'consent to act'. To provide an electronic equivalent of this signature, electronic appointment documents must contain three items of personal information provided by the appointee, which may include:

• Place of birth
• Telephone number
• National Insurance number
• Passport number
• Mother's maiden name
• Eye colour
• Father's first forename

In the director or secretary record in PC Share Register Plus, firstly tick the "Enter Personal Authentication Data" box on the General tab - this will then make available the "Personal Authentication Data (for e-filing Forms 288)" tab.  Now click on this tab to enter any three of the above pieces of personal information.