What is a UTR (taxpayer number)? UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference. Your UTR is a unique 10-digit number that identifies you to HMRC. It’s sometimes referred to as “Taxpayer Number” or just “Tax Reference”.
Should I give my UTR number to someone other than HMRC? Like National Insurance numbers, UTR numbers are highly confidential, and there are only a few circumstances in which you should give your Unique Taxpayer Reference to someone other than HMRC. For example, the most common reason to share your UTR number would be if an accountant or financial advisor has the authority to act on your behalf.
What happens to my UTR when I buy a company? If you purchase a company and continue to trade under the same company number then the UTR doesn’t change. If the assets and liabilities of the company are being transferred to the acquiring company (effectively meaning it’s no longer trading as the same entity), then the acquiring company’s UTR number will apply.
What does a UTR number look like? First and foremost, you’ll need to know what a UTR looks like. It’s a 10 digit number just like the example below: Some UTR numbers will have the letter ‘K’ at the end. If you’re a visitor or expat from the US, it’s easy to confuse the UTR with a tax identification number (TIN).
utr number application form
How to obtain an UTR number? You’ll then need to complete the following steps:
- Visit the HMRC website and choose the option to “Register Online”;
- Set up your HMRC online account so you can manage your taxes online;
- Enrol for self-assessment online;
- Wait for your UTR number to be posted to you (can take up to 10 days)
- Wait for your activation code so you can complete setup of your HMRC online account.
How to register for UTR? Register for self-assessment online: Before you submit a tax return for the first time – say, after you’ve started a new business – you need to register for self-assessment, which you can do on the HMRC website. When you do this, you will automatically be assigned a UTR number, which will be sent in a letter through the post.
How do you Find Your UTR number online? If you have registered for Self Assessment in the past with HMRC you can find your UTR number:
- on the front page of previous your tax returns.
- on any Self Assessment documents that HMRC has sent you (notices to file a return, payment reminders, etc.)
- in your online HMRC account under the “self assessment” section.
How to get an UTR number from HMRC? You’ll then need to complete the following steps:
- Visit the HMRC website and choose the “Register Online” option;
- Create your HMRC online account [so that you can file your future taxes online;
- Enrol for self-assessment online;
- HMRC will then post your UTR number (it typically takes between 7 to 10 days)
What is a UTR (taxpayer number)?
What is a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number? A unique taxpayer reference (or UTR) number is a ten-digit code that’s unique to you or your company. It’s intended to identify you or your business personally with HMRC for anything and everything that has to do with your tax obligations. Your UTR number will remain the same throughout your entire life, just like your National Insurance Number.
What is a UTR and do I need one? UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference. Your UTR is a unique 10-digit number that identifies you to HMRC. It’s sometimes referred to as “Taxpayer Number” or just “Tax Reference”. Everyone using Self Assessment should have one.
Should I give my UTR number to someone other than HMRC? Like National Insurance numbers, UTR numbers are highly confidential, and there are only a few circumstances in which you should give your Unique Taxpayer Reference to someone other than HMRC. For example, the most common reason to share your UTR number would be if an accountant or financial advisor has the authority to act on your behalf.
Where can I Find my Company’s UTR number? Like those for individuals, a company’s UTR number is also made up of ten digits and will be found on official HMRC documents such as the CT603 “Notice to deliver a company tax return” form.