How to Find UTR Number: A Complete Guide

What is a UTR Number?

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC to identify you for tax purposes. If you’re self-employed, a sole trader, or running a limited company, you will need your UTR number to complete your self-assessment and manage tax-related matters.

What Does a UTR Number Look Like?

A UTR number (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC, which is used to identify taxpayers for self-assessment, tax returns, and other tax-related matters. It is formatted as a series of digits with no spaces or hyphens, making it easy to spot on any official documents or correspondence from HMRC.

Example of a UTR Number:

A typical UTR number might look something like this with 10 digit: 12345 67890

Please note, your UTR number will be unique to you, and it will not follow a specific pattern that can be used to identify others. It’s important to keep this number secure as it is crucial for your self-assessment, managing statements of account, and interacting with HMRC.

When you receive your UTR number, make sure to store it safely in your Personal Tax Account, tax returns, or any official HMRC documentation like payment reminders or notices to file. This 10-digit number is vital for handling various tax matters, including corporation tax for business owners.

How many types of UTR are there?

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is issued by HMRC to track tax records. Different types of taxpayers receive different UTRs depending on their tax situation. Below are the main types of UTRs in the UK and what they are used for:

1. Self-Assessment UTR

This UTR is given to self-employed individuals, sole traders, and landlords who register for Self-Assessment. It is used to complete tax returns and manage personal tax affairs with HMRC.

Who needs it?

• Self-employed people
• Sole traders
• Landlords receiving rental income
• Anyone who needs to file a Self-Assessment tax return

2. Corporation Tax UTR

A Corporation Tax UTR is issued to limited companies when they register with Companies House. This number is used to file corporation tax returns and communicate with HMRC about business taxes.

Who needs it?

• Limited companies
• Company directors handling corporation tax

3. Trust and Estate UTR

This UTR is given to trusts and estates for tax purposes. Trustees or executors use this number when filing tax returns for an estate after someone passes away.

Who needs it?

• Trustees managing a trust
• Executors handling a deceased person’s estate

Unsure which UTR you need? Get expert advice from our accountants. Contact us today!

When Do You Receive Your UTR Number?

You will receive your UTR number when you register for self-assessment or set up a limited company with HMRC. Once registered, HMRC will send you your UTR number by post. This number typically arrives within 15 days of registration, but it may take longer if you’re living overseas.

For businesses, if you’ve recently set up your limited company, you may need to request your corporation tax UTR online. The corporation tax UTR will be sent to your registered business address.

Does Everyone Have a UTR Number?

No, not everyone has a UTR number. You will only get a UTR if you register for self-assessment as a sole trader, set up a limited company, or need to file tax returns. If you have never registered for self-assessment or a business, you won’t have a UTR number.

How Do I Apply for a UTR Online?

You can apply for a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number online through the HMRC website. The process varies depending on whether you are self-employed, a sole trader, running a limited company, or managing a trust or estate.

Self-Employed/Sole Trader

If you are self-employed or a sole trader, you need to register for Self-Assessment to receive your UTR number. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the HMRC website and navigate to the Self-Assessment registration page.
2. Sign in or create a Government Gateway account.
3. Provide your details, including:
   • Full name and date of birth
   • National Insurance (NI) number
   • Business name (if applicable)
   • Business start date
   • Contact details (email and phone number)
4. Submit your registration. HMRC will process your application and send your UTR number by post within 10 to 15 days (or longer if you are outside the UK).

If you prefer, you can complete the CWF1 form (for sole traders) and send it by post.

Limited Company

For limited companies, a Corporation Tax UTR is generated automatically when you register with Companies House. Here’s how:

1. Register your company with Companies House.
2. HMRC will send your Corporation Tax UTR by post to your registered business address, usually within 15 working days of incorporation.
3. Use your UTR to set up your business tax account and manage tax obligations online.

If you don’t receive your UTR within the expected timeframe, you can contact HMRC to request a reissue.

Trust and Estate UTR

If you are responsible for managing a trust or estate, you will need to apply for a Trust and Estate UTR before filing tax returns. Follow these steps:

1. Register the trust or estate with HMRC online through the Trust Registration Service (TRS) on the Government Gateway portal.
2. Provide details about the trust or estate, including:
   • The name and type of trust or estate
   • Date of creation (for trusts) or date of death (for estates)
   • Settlor, trustee, or executor details
   • Beneficiary information
3. Submit the registration and wait for HMRC to process it.
4. Receive your Trust and Estate UTR by post, usually within 15 working days.

If the estate is small and only requires a one-time tax return, you may not need to register through the TRS. Instead, you can contact HMRC directly to request a UTR.

Need help with your UTR application? Our expert accountants can guide you through the process. Contact us today! or call +44 (0)1213681277

How to Find My UTR Number?

If you’re wondering how to find your UTR, there are several places where you can check:

1. Personal Tax Account: Your UTR number can be easily found by logging into your Personal Tax Account on the HMRC website. Once logged in, navigate to the Self-Assessment section, where your UTR number will be displayed.
2. HMRC App: You can also use the HMRC app to quickly access your UTR number. Simply download the app, sign in with your HMRC details, and navigate to the self-assessment section.
3. Previous Tax Returns: Your UTR number is usually included in any previous tax returns, making it easy to locate if you’ve filed returns in the past.
4. HMRC Correspondence: You’ll often find your UTR number on documents sent by HMRC, including payment reminders, notices to file, or statements of account.
5. “Welcome to Self-Assessment” Letter (SA250): After registering for self-assessment, you’ll receive an SA250 letter from HMRC that contains your UTR number.
6. Corporation Tax Documents: If you are a limited company, you can find your corporation tax UTR on official HMRC documents related to your business.

How to Find Company UTR Number?

If you’ve set up a limited company in the UK, your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is essential for managing corporation tax and communicating with HMRC. Here are the steps and resources to locate your company’s UTR number:

1. Incorporation Documents: After registering your company with Companies House, HMRC sends a “Corporation Tax Information for Your Company” letter to your registered business address. This letter includes your UTR number.
2. Corporation Tax Notices: Any official correspondence from HMRC regarding corporation tax, such as payment reminders or notices to file, will display your UTR number.
3. HMRC Online Services: If you’ve set up an HMRC online account for your business, you can log in and navigate to the Corporation Tax section to find your UTR.
4. Company Accountant or Tax Agent: If you work with an accountant or tax agent, they may already have a record of your UTR number. Check with them if you cannot locate it.
5. Contact HMRC: If you cannot find your UTR number, you can contact HMRC for assistance. Note that they will only send your UTR number to your registered business address for security purposes.

Tips for Keeping Your Company UTR Safe:

Store your UTR number securely in your accounting software or business records.- Ensure your registered business address is currently to receive important correspondence from HMRC.Finding your company UTR number doesn’t have to be a challenge. By checking your documents and utilising HMRC’s online tools, you can quickly access this critical information for your tax obligations.

What If I Lose My UTR Number?

If you’ve misplaced your UTR, don’t worry. You can easily recover it by:

1. Contacting HMRC: If you’ve lost your UTR number, you can contact HMRC directly. However, HMRC won’t give out your UTR over the phone for security reasons. They will send your UTR number to your registered address after a few days. Alternatively, you can request your corporation tax UTR if you’re a business owner.
2. Self-Assessment Helpline: Call the assessment

   Telephone:
   0300 200 3310

   Outside UK:
   +44 161 931 9070

   to discuss any issues related to self-assessment, including recovering a lost UTR. Ensure that you have your National Insurance number ready, as it’s required to verify your identity.

3. Online Methods: If you’re registered for a personal tax account, you can always find your UTR by logging in to the account.

How to Apply for UTR Number?

If you’re just getting started with self-employment or setting up a business, you’ll need to apply for a UTR number. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Self-Employed or Sole Trader: To register for self-assessment as a sole trader, you must complete the registration process on the HMRC website. After registration, HMRC will send your UTR number by post. If you’re unable to use the online service, you can fill out the CWF1 form and mail it to HMRC.
2. Limited Company: As the director of a limited company, you’ll need to request your corporation tax UTR online. Once your company is registered with Companies House, you can apply through the HMRC website. Your corporation tax UTR will then be sent to your business address.