Confused about UTR numbers, or got questions about them? Here’s everything you need to know: Including how to get a UTR number, how to register for one, how to request a new one and how to check your current one.
You must have a UTR number if you are:
- Self-employed / a sole trader
- Filing a Self-Assessment tax return
- A construction worker signing up for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
- Working with someone who manages your personal finances
- A business owner and have set up a Limited Company
- Owe tax on savings, capital gains or dividends
- Earn more than £100,000 a year
If you are in a business partnership, then both of you must have UTR numbers and a separate company UTR number.
Find out what our clients had to say about claiming back their tax refund with our team:
Fill out this form to request your UTR number
WHAT IS A UTR NUMBER?
UTR stands for ‘Unique Taxpayer Reference Number’. They are unique 10-digit codes. A 10-digit number that the government uses to identify who you are. HMRC uses UTR numbers to look at how much tax you’ve paid and to see whether you are owed tax back or need to pay more.
You will need a UTR number if you are trying to sort out a tax issue so that HMRC can find your exact details and look at your situation.
Most UK workers under the PAYE tax scheme do not need a UTR number. But some do. If you are employed under the PAYE system at your place at work, and you have other sources of income such as rent, then you will need to complete a Self Assessment form too. This means you will have to register for a UTR number under the law.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN QUICKLY FIND YOUR UTR NUMBER:
If HMRC has ever contacted you personally, the chances are high your UTR number will be mentioned somewhere.
You should be able to see it on any payment reminders, including your:
- Statement of account
- Self Assessment tax return paperwork (if applicable)
- Notice to file a tax return
- Your SA250 “Welcome to Self Assessment” letter (if applicable)
You can also try logging onto the HMRC website, where your UTR number should also be displayed.
If all this seems bewildering to you, simply get in touch with us and one of our experts will either find your UTR number, or help you to request a new one.
HERE’S HOW TO GET A UTR NUMBER IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU HAVE ONE
You will get a UTR automatically once you sign up for the Self Assessment tax return system. You will also get a UTR number when you set up a Limited Company. But with the government being the government, it can sometimes take a few weeks for HMRC to send it out to you.
You will need to have the following information at hand to get your UTR number and register for Self Assessment:
- Your full name, date of birth and current address
- National Insurance number
- Email address and phone number
- (if applicable) the name, business address and nature of your business
- Business phone number
- The date of when your self-employment period began
You do not have to pay for your UTR number. It will be sent out to you free of charge.
Once you receive your “Welcome to Self Assessment” form, it will tell you your UTR number. And once you log-on to the HMRC website, you will be able to locate your UTR number there also.
If you’re looking for a tax refund, then having your UTR number handy will make the whole process much smoother — and you’ll get paid faster.
HERE’S WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN'T FIND OR HAVE A LOST UTR NUMBER
If you’re self-employed, call HMRC’s self-assessment helpline and they will get it for you. If you have a small business or limited company, you can ask for a copy of your corporation tax UTR via your HMRC online account. But you can only do this if your company is registered with Companies House.
We can also help you locate your UTR number on your behalf if you’re having trouble finding it.
Because it can take weeks for HMRC to get out your unique tax reference number, it’s better to be on the safe side. Apply early, so that you’ll have it when the time comes to file your first tax return.
If you don’t have it when the time comes to submit your tax return, HMRC could respond too slowly. If that happens and you miss the deadline (31 January) then you may have to pay a fine.
NEED TO REQUEST A NEW UTR NUMBER? WE CAN HELP YOU GET ONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Simply enter your details into the form on this page. It takes less than five minutes. Having a UTR number is handy for two reasons: if you’re on the CIS scheme (and eligible for a CIS tax rebate), it means you’ll pay less in tax. Having a UTR number is also your ticket to getting a speedy tax rebate.
That’s extra money in your pocket! So don’t wait around, get your UTR number now.
And don’t forget, we have a new tax app where you can keep your unique taxpayer reference number, invoices, P60s, and documents for previous tax returns all in one place.
Think of it as your personal online tax account. It’s really handy for individual taxpayers — and it’s FREE to download and use. Just read our 5-star customer reviews to see what other people like yourself are saying about it.